I have two bodies (regular, not the MF version), and it's my favorite camera of all time (digital or film). It's so small and light for 6x6, and the lenses are amazing. The ergonomics for me are perfect, the focusing patch is MUCH better than my Leica M6's, the meter works pretty well (I mostly use a handheld meter though), and the shutter goes out to 4 seconds. Sure, you can time things past the usual 1 second most cameras have, but it's nice not to have to hassle with that out to 4 seconds. It's also very tough despite its looks, but you do have to take care of it a little, and get a CLA done if it's a new acquisition. We'd all like a 7II, but every time I look at my images from the 6, I'm in love.
I had two of them and they all broke on me. These are amazing cameras when they work. You really have to baby it. I ended up selling them and buying the Mamiya Six folding camera
Yeah, but I would argue that at least (most) film cameras CAN be repaired...............now, whether the cost ends up being prohibitive is another matter, as there are relatively few people with that skill set, in the U.S...................but I could probably justify it, if I had a sentimental attachment to the camera, because a film camera is very likely to last you 20+ years (or whenever 35mm film is no longer produced), whereas, with digital (and I have DSLR's), from what I hear, there are things like LCD's which cannot be repaired, manufacturers don't stock spare parts like they did back in the days of film, and technology progresses at such a rate, that I can't see very many people wanting a 10+ year old camera, phone, computer, etc. Plus, with old digital cameras, you've also got to worry about not only the camera breaking, but also dealing with old and proprietary batteries and chargers and whatnot.
This generation of Mamiya 6 cameras can be repaired. Going off on what you said, I have a Nikon D810 that needs to be serviced. I bought it new for over $3000 in late 2015. Less than 3 years now, I find it impractical to get it serviced because, in some senses, that camera is obsolete. It is not as good as my current cameras, so why would I waste money getting it fixed? A film camera is different. Some may have more features than others, but all use the same medium. Film is film in one camera or another. This makes it more practical to get a film camera serviced.
Nicely done. This was an excellent and informative review with backup documentation of objective data included with your expert opinion. Very well done I wish all camera reviews were this good.
Personally for a 6x6 kit I think 50, 75, and 150 is all you really need. When I had 6x6 system cameras those three focal lengths (or 80mm instead of 75mm) were my most used.
Those three lenses are ideal for the camera. I've got a Mamiya 645 Pro and have pretty similar lenses for it, the 45mm f/2.8, 80mm f/2.8 and 150mm f/3.5. I've never really missed any other focal lengths with my setup as I use mine mainly for landscape, street and portraits :) Very nice camera and review.
Glad to hear you’re able to make the system work! I think as long as someone knows what they’re getting into, most people can make the three focal lengths work.
This is the reason I have an RZ67 it is the best camera I have ever used other than it is huge, the bellows focusing, the rotatable changeable backs, the lenses, it is a great system but would prefer the size of a Hassy or Mamiya 6/7.
I had the RZ67 Pro II for some time but ultimately let it go because it never got any use. It's too big for my travel needs. I've been wanting to pick up the Pentax 67II but also think it'll be too big for me to actually want to carry it around.
I don't actually use mine for carrying around as such I more use it for planned landscapes in which case I have really nice small bag to put it in, Vanguard alta pro 45d, I'm looking into getting a smaller camera for more street and carrying around type stuff, but if I'm to be honest with myself for that purpose a good 35mm will probably be a smarter option, maybe Contax G2, because I wont be printing murals from walkaround photography. I usually plan my landscape shots around the angle of the sun and cloud levels so that type of shot that requires filters I would go to at least an hour in advance and sit and wait maybe have a beer so the size wont bother me as much in that case.
The price for pretty much all film cameras have gone up to ridiculous highs. I’ve seen people try to charge over $5k for a Mamiya 7ii. Certain film bodies are costing more than brand new top of the line modern cameras. At this rate, I’m pretty much going to be done collecting film bodies.
The Upper Left USA Earlier this year I found local ad for Mamiya 7 II plus two lenses for 1600 EUR and it seemed to be inline with some cheaper eBay prices. Now the additional holy grail of wide angles, the 43mm lens, went for 800 Eur alone. It's a steep price for sure but you'll get the sharpest glass made in MF system combined with lightweight body. And as mentioned the price doesn't get cheaper so you can sell it later for same or more and consider it as free rent camera. I happen to use it often, it's very handy for travel indeed.
If you are actually shooting the three lenses, it is the greatest travel MF camera, in the last version (here). The earlier versions of the body have a number of design shortcomings, a problem which seems constant with Mamiya. If you are shooting 645; or if you are just shooting the 75mm lens, then there are a number of other cameras with outclass this one for travel purposes. Price is also a problem, as this camera is simply not worth its current price for travel purposes, where risk of loss is a greater concern than just casual usage.
Best camera I have ever used. My first medium format system and I love the 6x6 ratio. I got so lucky with getting this camera I brought it of a on old dude of Facebook market place for £400 ($540) with the 75mm lens. Perfect condition came with all boxes and not a scratch on it. Would highly recommend this camera if your getting into medium format film. A external light meter/ spot meter is a must for me tho.
Good thing it's a camera that's still serviceable 👍. Thanks for the compliment. As far as doing any more reviews, do you mean about this camera, about film or in general? If about this camera, then it's unlikely because I've pretty much said everything that I had to say about the camera in this video. If about film, then definitely. I'm currently working on a bunch of new videos about film and am actually going to record one in a few hours. If in general, then again, yes. I release new videos on this channel every week. Subscribe for more content to come!
Greg West curious why an external is a must? I’m looking at one (6MF) now and the owner also said he never uses cameras metering. I was under impression the internal metering of these were good?
I have the Mamiya 7 and its 43/80/150mm lenses. The 80mm/150mm minimum focus distance is a pain. But the 43mm make worth going for the M7 instead the M6.
I was going to buy a Mamiya 7II for travel but now you got me thinking. I'm also looking at the Fuji GA645Zi which got good reviews as well. What do you think?
I personally never bought into the Fuji line of medium format cameras because most of them are fixed lens cameras. I like to have the option to change lenses. It just depends on what you want.
The Mamiya is bigger and heavier, but it also yields an image which is 50% larger too. The range of lenses for the Mamiya is somewhat wider than the Fuji zoom, but in a travel situation, the zoom is far more practical than hauling around extra lenses. The lens quality of the Mamiya is superb, but the zoom on the Fuji is exceptional even for a prime lens. The Fuji can be had for 25% pf the cost of the Mamiya and lenses (or less), and do you want to be hauling around that much money on a trip? Finally, the Fuji has a negative rep for its weak display on the back, which tends to fail over time, but the Mamiya's body design flaws and film advance weaknesses are as notorious as its lenses are well regarded. My choice was the Fuji GA645Zi. If I want a more diverse travel system with multiple lenses, I can take several variations of 35mm SLR/Nikon or haul some portion of my Pentax 67 system. If i was starting from nothing and planned only one camera. it would be a Bronica Etrsi system (645 format).
Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who want a certain thing and doesn't really stray from that. In this case, I'm looking for the newest possible option even if it's the less reasonable option in terms of price.
I’ve never had them side by side so what I say is an educated guess but I’m going to assume that general body size is going to be the same. The main difference is the collapsible mount.
Perfectly narrated. I am in a dilemma, whether to sell my baby speed graphic with 80mm f2.8 schneider xenotar(6x9) for buying mamiya 6. I might miss the aspect ratio, but i like the portability of mf 6.
Tough call! In terms of portability, the Mamiya 6 is hard to beat, besides using a foldable. If your camera is working out just fine, I would say to just keep it and crop to 6x6 if that’s what you’re looking for but if you’re really interested in the Mamiya 6, it’s definitely a camera that I can recommended.
The Upper Left USA Thanks for the fast reply. I shoot 120 film mostly, and sometimes 4x5 and 8x10 sheet films too. The Xenotar 80mm is an excellent lens. But setting up the baby speed graphic (which is a view camera with ground glass) takes the same time and effort of a LF camera. So really want to buy something like fuji gf670 , mf6 , or bessa ii with heliar. I shoot landscapes mostly. Any other recommendations? Thanks Anoop
Never held, seen, or used one.....................but just off reading about the Mamiya 6 and seeing sample images, it or the Nikon F6 would be my Holy Grail camera. The 2 things that prevent me from even entertaining buying one, are the lenses seem to be pretty pricey relative to Mamiya 6x7 or Pentax medium format lenses AND, the 30+ year old camera bellows make me nervous. I could be wrong, but that design does not look like it can be repaired. And, those lenses ONLY work on the Mamiya 6..........................so, you get into $2,000 worth of lenses, the camera breaks, and you've got $2,000 paperweights, because unlike a Mamiya RB or a Pentax 67, Mamiya 6 bodies are relatively expensive as well.......................I mean it speaks to the quality of the camera, but still.
I think buying any film camera can be concerning, even the ones that are still in production. At any moment they can be discontinued. For example, the Nikon F6. I thought that that camera would be in production forever since it's Nikon's ultimate film camera, but they just shut down the factory that makes them last year. I haven't seen any official announcements, but the future of the F6 doesn't look too bright. As for your concerns about the Mamiya 6, it is a camera that is still serviceable. I made sure of that before getting into the system. But again, at any moment that can change. That's just the gamble that you have to play when shooting film.
O.K. You have enlightened me. I did not realize that the Mamiya 6 could still be serviced. While I am not 'actively' looking for one...............I am the type that if I came across a particularly good deal on one (especially if it came with the 50mm..................which is really the only lens I'd want for it), I could see me pulling the trigger. I had heard that the Nikon F6 was discontinued. As dangerous as it is to assume; I 'assumed' that Nikon would stock parts for "x" years after the camera was discontinued. Now, what "x" is, is the operative question. Realistically, despite the much better image quality of medium format, IF (and it's a big "if"), if I ended up getting either), I would get a Nikon F6 before the Mamiya 6, only because it's much easier (for me) to get 35mm film processed and I just feel like I'd use the F6 significantly more often than the Mamiya. Plus, in my readings, I never got the impression that the F6 needed to be treated with kid gloves. I take care of my cameras, but at the same time, I am not a fan of cameras that are not known for being rugged. And, I just feel that an F6 can take being thrown around..................especially if it's anything like its cousins, the F3 and F4.
I personally use 35mm film much more often than medium format. The 35mm cameras that I currently own just work much better with my workflow than any medium format camera. This is the main reason for me wanting the F6. I know that it would be a great addition to my collection and would definitely be my main 35mm camera.
I've got a Voigtlander Vito and a Zeiss Nettar which are twice that age and the bellows are perfect. You must check this before you buy, though. (Interesting vid BTW, but I think I'll stick to my Hasselblad.)
This is probably my favorite camera of all time. Sharper than my Hasselblad for sure. Handheld at 15th of a second is possible easily
Glad to hear it 👍
How is it possible to go past the 1/focal length rule. Is it because the camera is weighty enough that it moves less?
I have two bodies (regular, not the MF version), and it's my favorite camera of all time (digital or film). It's so small and light for 6x6, and the lenses are amazing. The ergonomics for me are perfect, the focusing patch is MUCH better than my Leica M6's, the meter works pretty well (I mostly use a handheld meter though), and the shutter goes out to 4 seconds. Sure, you can time things past the usual 1 second most cameras have, but it's nice not to have to hassle with that out to 4 seconds. It's also very tough despite its looks, but you do have to take care of it a little, and get a CLA done if it's a new acquisition. We'd all like a 7II, but every time I look at my images from the 6, I'm in love.
Glad to hear you found something that works for you 👍🏽
I had two of them and they all broke on me. These are amazing cameras when they work. You really have to baby it. I ended up selling them and buying the Mamiya Six folding camera
That’s why a part of me hates buying film cameras. It’s always a gamble. One day, it’ll just be a paperweight.
Yeah, but I would argue that at least (most) film cameras CAN be repaired...............now, whether the cost ends up being prohibitive is another matter, as there are relatively few people with that skill set, in the U.S...................but I could probably justify it, if I had a sentimental attachment to the camera, because a film camera is very likely to last you 20+ years (or whenever 35mm film is no longer produced), whereas, with digital (and I have DSLR's), from what I hear, there are things like LCD's which cannot be repaired, manufacturers don't stock spare parts like they did back in the days of film, and technology progresses at such a rate, that I can't see very many people wanting a 10+ year old camera, phone, computer, etc. Plus, with old digital cameras, you've also got to worry about not only the camera breaking, but also dealing with old and proprietary batteries and chargers and whatnot.
This generation of Mamiya 6 cameras can be repaired. Going off on what you said, I have a Nikon D810 that needs to be serviced. I bought it new for over $3000 in late 2015. Less than 3 years now, I find it impractical to get it serviced because, in some senses, that camera is obsolete. It is not as good as my current cameras, so why would I waste money getting it fixed? A film camera is different. Some may have more features than others, but all use the same medium. Film is film in one camera or another. This makes it more practical to get a film camera serviced.
how did they break?
Thank you! This video was exactly what I needed! 💯
You’re welcome!
Dude, right on. I agree with you. Mamiya 6 for a travel medium format camera is the way to go. Thanks!
It’s a great camera 👍🏽
Nicely done. This was an excellent and informative review with backup documentation of objective data included with your expert opinion. Very well done I wish all camera reviews were this good.
Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed the video 👍
Personally for a 6x6 kit I think 50, 75, and 150 is all you really need. When I had 6x6 system cameras those three focal lengths (or 80mm instead of 75mm) were my most used.
Whatever works 👍🏽
damn a medium format compact rangefinder. Dream!
Crazy resolution for about the size of a 35mm camera 👍
Those three lenses are ideal for the camera. I've got a Mamiya 645 Pro and have pretty similar lenses for it, the 45mm f/2.8, 80mm f/2.8 and 150mm f/3.5. I've never really missed any other focal lengths with my setup as I use mine mainly for landscape, street and portraits :) Very nice camera and review.
Glad to hear you’re able to make the system work! I think as long as someone knows what they’re getting into, most people can make the three focal lengths work.
Great video! Don't know anything about medium format cameras, so this video is really useful and interesting!
I definitely recommend trying medium format if you can! It offers a variety of different benefits to 35mm.
where do u get film for this?
Pretty much anywhere that sells film will have medium format 120 film.
Thanks, nice video
No problem!
If I loved the 6x6 format, that camera plus a Hassy for use with filters and portraits would be the best travel combo.
Being able to use filters is one of the reasons why I don't invest a lot of money into rangefinders. I personally prefer the flexibility of SLRs.
This is the reason I have an RZ67 it is the best camera I have ever used other than it is huge, the bellows focusing, the rotatable changeable backs, the lenses, it is a great system but would prefer the size of a Hassy or Mamiya 6/7.
I had the RZ67 Pro II for some time but ultimately let it go because it never got any use. It's too big for my travel needs. I've been wanting to pick up the Pentax 67II but also think it'll be too big for me to actually want to carry it around.
I don't actually use mine for carrying around as such I more use it for planned landscapes in which case I have really nice small bag to put it in, Vanguard alta pro 45d, I'm looking into getting a smaller camera for more street and carrying around type stuff, but if I'm to be honest with myself for that purpose a good 35mm will probably be a smarter option, maybe Contax G2, because I wont be printing murals from walkaround photography. I usually plan my landscape shots around the angle of the sun and cloud levels so that type of shot that requires filters I would go to at least an hour in advance and sit and wait maybe have a beer so the size wont bother me as much in that case.
I've been in the market for the Contax G2 also but the prices for a complete set is ridiculous. Then again, I am looking for a new set.
Thanks for your thorough reviews
You're very welcome!
Nice vid. I have the non-MF with all three lenses. I haven’t used it in a long time, but will now. Can’t believe how expensive they’ve become
The price for pretty much all film cameras have gone up to ridiculous highs. I’ve seen people try to charge over $5k for a Mamiya 7ii. Certain film bodies are costing more than brand new top of the line modern cameras. At this rate, I’m pretty much going to be done collecting film bodies.
The Upper Left USA Earlier this year I found local ad for Mamiya 7 II plus two lenses for 1600 EUR and it seemed to be inline with some cheaper eBay prices. Now the additional holy grail of wide angles, the 43mm lens, went for 800 Eur alone. It's a steep price for sure but you'll get the sharpest glass made in MF system combined with lightweight body.
And as mentioned the price doesn't get cheaper so you can sell it later for same or more and consider it as free rent camera. I happen to use it often, it's very handy for travel indeed.
I'm definitely still on the lookout for a good deal. The Mamiya 7II is definitely something that I'd like to own.
What do you think about the older folding Mamiya 6 cameras
I've never used them so have no opinions.
If you are actually shooting the three lenses, it is the greatest travel MF camera, in the last version (here). The earlier versions of the body have a number of design shortcomings, a problem which seems constant with Mamiya. If you are shooting 645; or if you are just shooting the 75mm lens, then there are a number of other cameras with outclass this one for travel purposes. Price is also a problem, as this camera is simply not worth its current price for travel purposes, where risk of loss is a greater concern than just casual usage.
Best camera I have ever used. My first medium format system and I love the 6x6 ratio. I got so lucky with getting this camera I brought it of a on old dude of Facebook market place for £400 ($540) with the 75mm lens. Perfect condition came with all boxes and not a scratch on it. Would highly recommend this camera if your getting into medium format film. A external light meter/ spot meter is a must for me tho.
Oh man, you got your camera for a steal! You have to love those bargains.
The Upper Left USA 100% I keep it to the day I die for that price. Love the review man you planning on doing any more?
Good thing it's a camera that's still serviceable 👍. Thanks for the compliment. As far as doing any more reviews, do you mean about this camera, about film or in general? If about this camera, then it's unlikely because I've pretty much said everything that I had to say about the camera in this video. If about film, then definitely. I'm currently working on a bunch of new videos about film and am actually going to record one in a few hours. If in general, then again, yes. I release new videos on this channel every week. Subscribe for more content to come!
Greg West curious why an external is a must? I’m looking at one (6MF) now and the owner also said he never uses cameras metering. I was under impression the internal metering of these were good?
It's comment like this that make me can't pull the trigger on a market where $2.5k is considered a steal for these cameras.
I have the Mamiya 7 and its 43/80/150mm lenses. The 80mm/150mm minimum focus distance is a pain. But the 43mm make worth going for the M7 instead the M6.
Minimum focusing distance is one of my main problems with rangefinders.
What film do you shoot? Do you send your film out or do you process it yourself?
There's not really one film that I stick with. I experiment with a lot of different film stocks. As far as processing, I do it myself.
Great review. Thanks!
Thank you! Glad you liked the video 👍🏽
I was going to buy a Mamiya 7II for travel but now you got me thinking. I'm also looking at the Fuji GA645Zi which got good reviews as well. What do you think?
I personally never bought into the Fuji line of medium format cameras because most of them are fixed lens cameras. I like to have the option to change lenses. It just depends on what you want.
The Mamiya is bigger and heavier, but it also yields an image which is 50% larger too. The range of lenses for the Mamiya is somewhat wider than the Fuji zoom, but in a travel situation, the zoom is far more practical than hauling around extra lenses. The lens quality of the Mamiya is superb, but the zoom on the Fuji is exceptional even for a prime lens. The Fuji can be had for 25% pf the cost of the Mamiya and lenses (or less), and do you want to be hauling around that much money on a trip? Finally, the Fuji has a negative rep for its weak display on the back, which tends to fail over time, but the Mamiya's body design flaws and film advance weaknesses are as notorious as its lenses are well regarded. My choice was the Fuji GA645Zi. If I want a more diverse travel system with multiple lenses, I can take several variations of 35mm SLR/Nikon or haul some portion of my Pentax 67 system. If i was starting from nothing and planned only one camera. it would be a Bronica Etrsi system (645 format).
I hope to get one soon
Hope you get a good deal 👍
Thanks!
If you do go after a Mamiya 7ii. Don’t overlook the Mamiya 7. There is very little difference in them. Except price :)
Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who want a certain thing and doesn't really stray from that. In this case, I'm looking for the newest possible option even if it's the less reasonable option in terms of price.
How much difference in size is the 6 from the 7? Length and height. Thanks.
I’ve never had them side by side so what I say is an educated guess but I’m going to assume that general body size is going to be the same. The main difference is the collapsible mount.
Perfectly narrated. I am in a dilemma, whether to sell my baby speed graphic with 80mm f2.8 schneider xenotar(6x9) for buying mamiya 6. I might miss the aspect ratio, but i like the portability of mf 6.
Tough call! In terms of portability, the Mamiya 6 is hard to beat, besides using a foldable. If your camera is working out just fine, I would say to just keep it and crop to 6x6 if that’s what you’re looking for but if you’re really interested in the Mamiya 6, it’s definitely a camera that I can recommended.
The Upper Left USA Thanks for the fast reply. I shoot 120 film mostly, and sometimes 4x5 and 8x10 sheet films too. The Xenotar 80mm is an excellent lens. But setting up the baby speed graphic (which is a view camera with ground glass) takes the same time and effort of a LF camera. So really want to buy something like fuji gf670 , mf6 , or bessa ii with heliar. I shoot landscapes mostly. Any other recommendations?
Thanks
Anoop
I personally think that the 6x6 format makes landscapes a bit hard. I would go with something a bit wider to show the landscape aspect of the scenery.
Where did you buy this mamiya and find other mamiya 7? Ebay?
Yup, that’s where you’ll likely find most of them.
Never held, seen, or used one.....................but just off reading about the Mamiya 6 and seeing sample images, it or the Nikon F6 would be my Holy Grail camera. The 2 things that prevent me from even entertaining buying one, are the lenses seem to be pretty pricey relative to Mamiya 6x7 or Pentax medium format lenses AND, the 30+ year old camera bellows make me nervous. I could be wrong, but that design does not look like it can be repaired. And, those lenses ONLY work on the Mamiya 6..........................so, you get into $2,000 worth of lenses, the camera breaks, and you've got $2,000 paperweights, because unlike a Mamiya RB or a Pentax 67, Mamiya 6 bodies are relatively expensive as well.......................I mean it speaks to the quality of the camera, but still.
I think buying any film camera can be concerning, even the ones that are still in production. At any moment they can be discontinued. For example, the Nikon F6. I thought that that camera would be in production forever since it's Nikon's ultimate film camera, but they just shut down the factory that makes them last year. I haven't seen any official announcements, but the future of the F6 doesn't look too bright. As for your concerns about the Mamiya 6, it is a camera that is still serviceable. I made sure of that before getting into the system. But again, at any moment that can change. That's just the gamble that you have to play when shooting film.
O.K. You have enlightened me. I did not realize that the Mamiya 6 could still be serviced. While I am not 'actively' looking for one...............I am the type that if I came across a particularly good deal on one (especially if it came with the 50mm..................which is really the only lens I'd want for it), I could see me pulling the trigger.
I had heard that the Nikon F6 was discontinued. As dangerous as it is to assume; I 'assumed' that Nikon would stock parts for "x" years after the camera was discontinued. Now, what "x" is, is the operative question.
Realistically, despite the much better image quality of medium format, IF (and it's a big "if"), if I ended up getting either), I would get a Nikon F6 before the Mamiya 6, only because it's much easier (for me) to get 35mm film processed and I just feel like I'd use the F6 significantly more often than the Mamiya. Plus, in my readings, I never got the impression that the F6 needed to be treated with kid gloves. I take care of my cameras, but at the same time, I am not a fan of cameras that are not known for being rugged. And, I just feel that an F6 can take being thrown around..................especially if it's anything like its cousins, the F3 and F4.
I personally use 35mm film much more often than medium format. The 35mm cameras that I currently own just work much better with my workflow than any medium format camera. This is the main reason for me wanting the F6. I know that it would be a great addition to my collection and would definitely be my main 35mm camera.
I've got a Voigtlander Vito and a Zeiss Nettar which are twice that age and the bellows are perfect. You must check this before you buy, though. (Interesting vid BTW, but I think I'll stick to my Hasselblad.)
No need in buying a new camera when you have something that works for you 👍
the mamiya 6 is so rare and slightly underrated.
everybody just wants the 7
The Mamiya 7 has become very popular recently. The Mamiya 6 offers a great alternative for those who don't mind the 6x6 format.