Mamiya 7 lenses.. 43 or 50 to start a kit?

[Russ Young]

I've been shooting a 7 for about a dozen years now. What a great camera! It's not just the lenses- the body is an important contribution to the marvelous system. The body came with the stock 80mm lens; I next acquired a 150 and then a 65.

You have to consider what subject matter and what aesthetic treatment is in your mind. That, more than anything, dictates the lens.

I shoot cemeteries, descansos, landscapes, portraits. For me - and your mileage will vary - the 80 has proven to be the work horse. Next the 150 - which I find perfect for landscape and portraits. The 65 rarely comes out of the case. I can say with certainty that there is no 50 or 43 in my future. For that breadth, I use a Horseman 6x12 with a 65 mm lens.

Think about what you shoot and then choose the lens.

regards,
Russ

[Paul Jenkin]

The last MF camera I had before my current Bronica set up was an M7 with 80mm and 150mm lenses. Absolutely loved the camera unless a tripod was required at which point you find that you can't open the back without taking it off the tripod plate. You can buy a widget that sits between the camera and the tripod plate but it never felt truly 'solid'. However, I digress....

I had a friend that had the 43mm and 50mm lenses and was amenable to letting me borrow either (or both) as and when I wanted. They are both superb lenses. However, given the difference in the angle of view (a few degrees) compared to the additional cost of the 43mm + w/a finder, I'd go with the 50mm every time. Both would be a luxury but, for what it's worth, the 50mm would be my choice to partner an 80mm and 150mm lens set up.

[rpsawin]

I spent this weekend in the Columbia Basin shooting landscapes with my M7II. I have the 43, 65, 80 & 150. I found I used the 43 alot. It was perfect for capturing the expansive skys, lakes and coulees. I've not used the 50 but for my $$$ the 43 is a wonderful lens.

Best regards,

Bob

[coriana6jp]

I have been using a 7II as my back up camera to my LF gear when I hike. I have the 43, 65, 80 & 150mm lenses. I tried the 50mm for a while and it never got any use. I either went for the 65mm or straight to the 43mm. Ended up selling the 50mm, and nevered looked back. I find the 65mm and the 43mm are my most used lens, followed by the 80mm and finally the 150mm. Contrary to some comments, I have never found the 150mm difficult to focus, but the external finder has come in very handy.

Hope it helps.

Gary

[cameragearforyou]

I have had all the lenses over the years. ended up 43-80-150. the 43 does take some skill but once you master it you will know.

[doc4x5]

Everyone has given you THEIR own personal preferences, valid for them, perhaps not for you. The best advice given, I'll repeat, is to get the camera with one lens, the 80, which is wider than you might think. It will be cheaper in the end, and use it for a while. Perhaps you know whether you're a "wide" person for your "normal" lens. If so, maybe the 65 is a better choice. Compare your experience in other formats as a guide.

When I shot 35mm film I liked an 85, with my 4x5 I use a 210, I'd be happy if they made a 90 or 100 for the M7II. I have the 50/80/150. I made the decision between the 43 and 50 because most of the images I saw that were made with the 43 looked WIDE ANGLE to me, some looked too wide angle. The best argument for the 43 over the 50 is that you can crop the 43, you cannot widen the 50. However, I have been quite happy with the 50, my choice, not necessarily yours.

Good luck.

Eric

[degodan9]

I personally own the M7 with the 43 lens and I enjoy it. To say the least, though its optics are nearly perfect as the hype suggests, it is an EXTREMELY wide lens. I tapped out my extra money on the system, though I only payed $1000 for the lens in mint condition on Ebay, and 900 for the body on KEH.com.

I'm rambling now, so long story short, looking back I would rather go for the 50mm. I was shooting mostly 28mm in 35 before I moved up, and the change is still one that I am getting used to. The 50mm lens is also hailed as a near perfect lens with the 43. I guess it all depends on what your eye is used to shooting. My eventual decision was rather than spending another 1000 minimum on the 50mm, just get a 4x5 system with a comparable 90mm lens for about 1500. Good luck, I hope this was helpful.