Mamiya 7 Review

Midwest Photo Exchange:
mpex.com/
I've owned a lot of different Mamiya cameras over the years, but never had the chance to try out the Mamiya 7 until now thanks to MPEX. I had the Mamiya 7 and 65mm f/4 for an entire week. In the video, I share my thoughts on the camera, my first impressions of the camera, and even my results. Enjoy!
Hey, this is Matt Day and thanks for visiting my channel! I'm just a photographer from southern Ohio that's passionate about what I do and I wanna share that with as many people as I can. As a subscriber to this channel, you can expect all kinds of content from the photography world that no other channel is giving you. You're not gonna see me reading specs on the latest Canon or Nikon cameras when they're announced. You're gonna see a lot of videos on shooting film, as well as some tutorials in both the digital and analog world. I'll be answering YOUR questions that you send in on a regular basis. I'll be sharing some general thoughts and advice I have for other photographers and creatives, and so much more. So make sure you subscribe and join all of us here!

[@Filmcams]

I love how chill you were with the old dude 🙏🏻 much respect. Awesome video and very informative.

[@rachaelkeating932]

Oh that old man was awesome!

[@mattdayphoto]

Yes he is!

[@photography595]

@@mattdayphoto Did he get his obituary photo?

[@azzalos]

@@mattdayphoto There's no better photo than an interaction like that.

[@MrFrnk1]

Please never stop making vídeos.

[@mattdayphoto]

I do not plan on it! Haha. Thank you for the support!

[@jamespinderphotoman]

Looks like Portra heaven in that town with that harsh sun light!

[@JanPBtest]

I rented this camera several times, it's fantastic. My reasons for using it was the 43mm lens. Have you tried it? It's _incredible_. Zero distortion, the photos look like taken with a more or less "normal" lens. Its story is interesting: it is actually a genuine Biogon (the original 10-element design by Dr. Ludwig Bertele who worked for Hans Wild and Carl Zeiss) but Mamiya cannot legally use that name because it's owned by Zeiss, I think. The design itself is public domain but you cannot legally say this is what it is! Funny, no? To make things more interesting, Hasselblad and other companies which _do_ have the right to use the _name_ actually market a slightly simplified 8-element design as "Biogon". So now we have the weird situation where the lenses named "Biogon" actually aren't quite the real deal while the _real deal_ (the 43mm lens for Mamiya 7) cannot call itself so! I own a Plaubel Makina 670, another fantastic camera (long story :-) ). Thanks for the great video!

[@jan.tichavsky]

The Mamiya lenses are definitely interesting bunch. The 80mm has rather simple 6 element sysmmetric construction but it is the proven large format plasmatic design. 150mm is also highly praised but harder to focus, pushing the rangefinder to the limits.

[@geofferychang8713]

Took a long hiatus from photography, just came back and trying to make sure it's okay to get a Mamiya 7 and why am I not surprised this research led me back to Matt Day? You truly are a legend in film photography! Always neutral and professional, no superficial gimmicks, you probably played a pretty big role in this whole revival of films photography as well.

[@tectopic]

Those were no wasted 29 minutes! You really fill in the gaps other reviewers missed. And you load the camera faster than I do - and I have two years experience of it:) Well done!

[@andrewfrost8866]

Brilliant video Matt. I really enjoyed the format. I could listen to you talking as you shoot all day. Loved the brief portrait shoot with that gentleman, a true character.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! Very happy to hear that.

[@edma22]

Definitely do keep this sort of video coming if you have the time and patience. I really appreciate how candid, honest, and helpful your commentary style is. Every shot you take is pure genius as well so that really helps. Thanks for sharing - really appreciated!

[@firemusic82]

16:42 is phenomenal. I can't seem to sit through anyones photo/camera videos. However you remind me a lot of myself and you're not boring. I find myself sitting through all of yours. Good work my friend!

[@RusSmiley]

At 15:23 Matt is talking about how Street Photography is usually about 'People' ... then He walks past a place called "Peoples" ! Lol ! I Always ENJOY Matt's Videos ! I gotta admit, I miss living up in that area too ! ... remembering Good Ol' Days ! Thanks, Matt !!!

[@Hotshot2414]

Do the Mamiya 7s come with built in speakers that play Negative Feedback vibes? 😎

[@monoloro]

Alex Anders LOL😂

[@TheMoscowPanda]

oh lord!))))

[@Alfalfa_Male]

My dad has one of these. It takes some amazing shots.

[@brianramnath1575]

I have the Mamiya 7II and shoot on the streets of NYC with it all the time. One of my favorite cameras I own. The 65mm is like a 35mm in 35mm format. It's the one I use on the street the most. The 80mm and the 43mm are the best 3 lenses for me.

[@mdekauwe]

Really nice video Matt, definitely enjoyed the walk around approach. Nice to see your metering choices and your thought process. Thanks.

[@HeroicDoseOfFilm]

Matt, I’ve only recently found your channel but I’ve been enjoying playing catch-up. That being said, this is my favorite by far... so far. Love the channel. Please keep em coming.

[@windows414]

I have a Mamiya 7ii plus the 43, 80, and 150 mm. Superb camera!

[@Sami-nh7jb]

I recently got Mamiya 6 with 75mm , wondering to get 150 but I heard its very hard to focus

[@GiacomoArdesi]

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful review. Loved the style, the flow, and the nice All-American interaction with the old man! And I also could understand every single word (I'm Italian) :-) Way to go, Matt, Thank you. And, by the way, stunning images as usual.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks for the kind words! Happy you enjoyed it!

[@phildrouet3921]

Really good video. Pitched at the right level for someone who knows what they are doing and looking at these. There seem to be very few reviews for the Mamiya 7 so appreciated that you helped to fix that :-) Keep up the good work.

[@07siddonsol]

This was a superb and excellently produced review, well done Matt!

[@mattdayphoto]

thank you! More like this on the way!

[@TracyClayton]

Great video Matt. Love the format. Thanks for all you do for the film community, good stuff.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks for the support, my man!

[@gregoryfricker9971]

Matt, the quality of your videos has just been going up and up. I joined on after Ted Forbes recommendation and have loved the channel. Keep it up.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! I try my best to keep upping the quality of the channel in every aspect.

[@AREKU]

Hi Mat! I really enjoyed this, like all of your videos. Really makes me want to get back shooting film! Thank you for always uploading great content - keep up the good work!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! That's awesome to hear!

[@walontuoja4336]

I call that "Walkabout photography" instead of the already established "street photo" term. I do it all the time and it is very relaxing as you can let your eye wander around finding interesting light regardless of whether it is a human subject, some architecture or just cool light/shadow play.

[@Artie111UK]

Really liked the walk around vid format, more please.

[@alvareo92]

Same, I looked at the thumbnail and thought this would be Matt talking at his desk for the whole thing as usual, (which is fine but I like to see people shooting with a camera while they review it) and was glad to find this surprise!

[@MarcZedex]

Nice video. That's my setup, 7 with the 65mm. Having fun so far.

[@KeeganHolman]

Great video Matt, seeing you actually out shooting with the camera and how it performed was a nice touch. Good too see a lengthy review video without it getting boring too. Props.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks! That's quite the compliment. More stuff in this style soon!

[@GigglingChinchilla]

Really nice combination of taking pictures and reviewing the camera. Nice vids as always, I really like your channel. :)

[@aymeric1667]

Really nice ! I've just bought the mamiya 7 with a 80mm for 1000 bucks on ebay. And this great video make me feel that i won't regret it !

[@jonhoward7627]

Nice review Matt, I really like the relaxed but informative nature of your videos. Taking the reviews outdoors is a good thing.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback!

[@jorgebrown2651]

Beautiful thing, just got one. How great were built these machines back in the days...

[@oxaxap]

I honestly prefer this kind of review. More dynamic. I understand it takes more time to make a video like this but it is more fun to watch. Keep up the good work. Awesome channel.

[@jonathanireland481]

Helpful review Matt, thank you. Its very helpful to see something used in the field. You were so genuine with the older fella. Such a refreshing change. You listened to him properly. buys you some time to think about how you might shoot him too. Cheers.

[@christopherhowell3209]

I totally agree with Andrew, Matt!!...looking forward to seeing more of your video's!

[@MichaelSchmidt_UrbnPxl]

that was a awsome episode (so to say) it was nice kinda walking with ya around (so to say) taking photos ... more stuff like that plz... really nice! thanks man!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! More like this on the way!

[@richardsimms251]

A very very helpful video. Well done. I have this camera. RS.

[@ericpmoss]

Nice photos! Are you still using/liking the camera? At around 14:15 you wonder about the internal meter. It's an accurate sensor, but it's not TTL, so it measures in a fixed arc of ~5 (?) degrees. If you are using a long lens (the 150mm), that arc covers much of the frame, and acts like a center-weighted average. The wider the lens, the less of the frame that fixed metering arc covers, so it acts more and more like a spot meter as you pick wider lenses. Now to find where that spot is pointing -- you'd think it just points straight ahead, and that parallax would be so small that it barely goes off-center even at the closest focusing distance. But, not quite. For each lens, go into a dim room and place a single bright LED at the minimum focusing distance. Focus on it and move the camera around until you see the meter peak -- that's where the spot meter is actually pointed. Using a tripod helps, but isn't vital. Now increase the focus distance, and watch as the metered spot moves on an arc (though a fairly straight one) toward the center of the frame. The metered spot follows a different arc for each lens, so if you really need precision, use a separate meter. For most uses you don't. I recommend making a small cheat sheet to remind you if you are away from the camera for weeks. It sounds horrid, but as your shots showed, even without doing this, the results are really good -- this just takes the mystery away. I do mostly big-sky landscapes, and the spot is down and left of center, where the ground is, and where I normally meter to get shadow detail anyway. That means I typically just point at the horizon, accept the meter's reading, and get really great exposures.

[@CAMDO]

I´ve been enjoying your reviews immensely - I´ve even removed from mothballs my old Fuji GW670III camera, which I havent touched in years!

[@gerardcollins1767]

going to use my zeiss ikon now,folds up fits in back pocket just set with distance scale for focus,silent old lens gives nice softness.

[@kape06111]

Nice review. It would be nice to see something similar with a Hassel. I'm trying to decide between this and the Hasse 503.

[@williamrobinson5484]

Great video, interesting the whole way through, love the out on the town format.

[@krisb8781]

+1 on the sharpness of Mamiya lenses. I use three of them with RB67 and they all produce tack sharp results.

[@xvr]

Hey Matt, really love the walk around town thing you did here. Would be awesome if you would do it for future reviews and maybe even cameras you currently own, especially the M6.

[@adriandephantomhive]

Dude, I hadn't enjoyed a video from you this much in a long time. It's really cool that you are doing this because, personally I was looking for a medium format camara that suited me and I think I just found it on this vid. Thank you and keep the nice work;)

[@mattdayphoto]

That's awesome! Thank you for the support!

[@gregorygraf7930]

Great vid. Thanks for the review of the Mamiya. Been wanting one for a long, long time and this really helps.Rock on!

[@Jedilost1]

Great video Matt, PLEASE do a review of the Fuji GSW690III! It's always been a toss up between these two cameras but the Mamiya 7 is a bit too pricey :(

[@douggottlieb]

Yes! What he said +1

[@jaymueller2418]

If it's absolutely out of range financially the 690 is great, but the Mamiya 7 images are the best I've every seen out of any camera, ever. The lenses are just so good it's astounding.

[@mrvi541]

When you were passing by the red car I wasn't even listening, that would be a really cool picture. I always struggle when picking b&w film because of that. Loved this video you should definitely keep doing them! xoxo

[@pritush]

i really liked that sound of shutter for the photo-reviews at 21' and forward :D ....and congratulations for the home coming of ur lovely daughter there !!!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@120love9]

Very cool! Thanks for doing this. If Midwest Photo Exchange ever has a Makina 67, would like to see your video review of it and hear your thoughts about it compared to the Mamiya.

[@bbayek5573]

Love your videos man, I have just bought Pentax 67II after watching one of them :)

[@marksummers5504]

It still takes the number one spot in all time best cameras. After you have used it you really see why. I never thought anyone actually rented these out.

[@iago71]

Excellent review of a great camera. I have the Mamiya 7ii and yes, everything you say is really spot on. I really liked the format of your review too. Subscribed and liked! I look forward to seeing more on your channel. Thanks for posting :)

[@ThatGamingGuyfromthe70s]

Congratulations on a great episode and review of a superb camea. I really liked the real world shooting and the way you also showed the results at the time of shooting, it was interesting to see your shooting style and your thought processes going into each photo. I hope you can do more of this style review. Cheers, Jon

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! I do plan on doing more videos like this when I can!

[@xjoexedge]

Great video matt! Always wanted to shoot one or more so the 6. Really different from your previous videos seeing a different side of you outside the desk! Looking forward to more videos like this. Can't wait to see what other cameras you pick up

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks man! I'd love to try out the 6 at some point.

[@juanjorobleda7921]

Hey, Matt! Loved this video! I'm going in a little weekend trip next weekend here un México to a place called Valle de Bravo and i wasn't sure if i wanted to take my camera with me, but this video totally decided it for me, i'm taking it! And lots of film! Great one, as usual!

[@mattdayphoto]

That's awesome! Have a fun trip!

[@crawfordiscool]

Very good video, I really enjoyed the hands on walk about

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed that part.

[@Raychristofer]

Matt day for prez. Good job bro, I'm shooting with a rolleiflex now and I'm looking at all the different models in this line. You really get into detail with your reviews that's what I like I do the same when I review lenses. Peace

[@GeorgeStar]

One of the sharpest lens/camera systems ever. Nice review. The panoramic adapter is pretty silly. Just crop in PP.

[@QuinnHartmann]

If the panoramic adapter exposes the sprocket holes on 35mm film, that could be a look people are going for

[@KeithCanisius]

Love the color of the camera body. I have the Mamiya 6 now with the 3 lenses..

[@Sami-nh7jb]

I recently got Mamiya 6 with 75mm , wondering to get 150 but I heard its very hard to focus

[@KeithCanisius]

Sami its not really hard. but a little harder. I would get it..

[@papik1965]

Matt, thanks for great review! Only recently discovered your reviews when checking out Leica range finders. Have to say that really enjoy your reviews on whatever camera because you explain everything in simple terms, as well as in professional terms.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! Happy you're enjoying the channel!

[@MrNickMowen]

Great video/review Matt! You'r definitely one of the greatest Photography channels on KZbin. Keep it up!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you so much! That's really awesome to hear!

[@nandouy]

I'm letting You know! keep it up Matt, thanks for these videos in advance

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@mikaelsiirila]

I also really loved the Mamiya 7. The 80mm was so much sharper than the Hasselblad Zeiss 80mm that I would not believe my Zeiss was not a bad specimen. Normally I would not care about sharpness either, but it is one big reason to use medium format over 35mm, to get that extra level of detail. Otherwise why not use 35mm, smaller cameras. I finally geve up on medium format since I did not have an enlarger or a high-quality scanner for it. After the Mamiya 7 the Leica M rangefinder feels massively superior. If you are used to the M don't expect the same engineering quality from the Mamiya 7 viewfinder and rangefinder. The rangefinder patch is not very contrasty and the camera is a bit clumsy for its size. But the results are fantastic.

[@vangstr]

I totally agree with your statements. However, the mamiya will give a huge jump in tonal range because of its film size over any Leica 35mm.

[@hobbitilius]

Great review. And wow, I wouldn't have thought that this was shot on a GoPro.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks! That's on the Hero3+ which is fairly old at this point. I still love that thing.

[@austindement3911]

Amazing video Matt, as always.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks man!

[@TheDaktylos]

Hey there, just found this Video and I really enjoed it! Looking forward to check out more of your stuff :)

[@yttean98]

Hi, Like the review, would like to see some of the images you take using colored films, esp. on Portra.

[@caioproenca7126]

Hey Matt! Really nice review! You should keep this style of review, by walking on the streets, or even in some other location outside your office from time to time heheh. Great work for you and for the cameraman! Cheers!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks! Shooting more on location tomorrow for my next review! :)

[@adriansteele5679]

please do more vids in this format !!

[@pedrobucher]

Great review! Thank you, Matt.

[@abuhanifah653]

Great video! never thought that mamiya 7 has 35mm adapter thanks youtube for this knowledge

[@MarkSperry]

Idk if anybody said this but the way the meter works is as you get wider it gets more spot. Not sure why that is vs other cameras but on an 80 it's pretty center weighted, 65 a little less, and with the really wide lenses it's really similar to a spot meter.

[@calvinchann1996]

What you’re doing is what I call documentary style.

[@cbra736]

I just love your photography! What film did you use? Thanks for sharing your art!

[@tha_fra]

A 63mm is the equivalent of a 35mm, therefore its not a "super wide angle lens". On the other hand Pentax, Mamiya 6x7 etc are quite noisy because the shutter is in the body but with a range finder the shutter is always on the lens. I hope you got a light metter reading.

[@parolajd]

Great video, I always wanted to shoot the Mamiya. I have the Contax 645 and Fuji GF670 love them both the Fuji is lighter but the Contax is more versatile. Do you use yellow filters to increase contrast or just add contrast in post?

[@brianfoster9090]

I've always wanted to try that camera, and the ii. You should do more videos in the field. I like that interesting character, didn't see that coming

[@mattdayphoto]

I didn't either! Haha. Thanks for the feedback! More like this soon!

[@daumaly]

Great review as always, Matt.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@baysidekicksass]

Great video Matt, you should consider doing more videos where they film you in action

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! More on the way!

[@DavidSpector]

Great video. I am a big fan of Mamiya as I own the 645 super and I just picked up a C33. I might just have to look for a 7 now.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks! I love every Mamiya camera I've shot.

[@imagefoam]

awesome review....down to earth and practical :) thumbs up....I've got a M6, shared most of your vp....

[@Fie.Franciska]

Hey Matt and everyone ;) Do you know a similar camera to the Mamiya 6 or 7, but that is some what cheaper.. and still medium format.. I'm quite in love with these cameras but I just don't have a budget off 1000-1400 dollars :/

[@Fie.Franciska]

lupowolf Heey thanks for your suggestions.. I ended up with a old hasselblad 500cm for a really good price, and I'm sooooo in love ;)

[@Fie.Franciska]

lupowolf Thanks you too mate :)

[@jomeldelcastillo2677]

"With that being said..." Would totally buy a shirt with that on it haha. Great video as always!

[@badnews9312]

Excellent rangefinder.....takes a bit to get quick focusing a rangefinder with the split screen thingy.....but the overall quality of the prints are beyond great.....I have two 20" prints on the long side framed in my living room....I used 100 ASA Ilford black and white film....zero grain....and a dynamic range which is really impressive....I sold both my RZ and my 7II back around 2002 went I switched over to all digital gear as I was working for Getty shooting hard news and they only accepted digital by this time..... I am seriously thinking of picking up a used 7II and a 50mm Sekor lens....i miss film...digital just isn't the same

[@DessieTots]

Matt, I watched your Mamiya 7 video a couple of times and I couldn't see one single piece of litter anywhere on your walkabout. Not one bit of litter. The streets are "insanely" litter free as you would say. Always liked the idea of the Mamiya 6 and 7 but I wear glasses so not sure if this would be an issue for focusing.

[@hyperiz]

what a beautiful piece of machine!

[@Defiance151]

Awesome review and I loved the hands on part. Was cool to see you out and about with the camera. Are you still using the Monobath stuff for your developing?

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! And no, I'm back to using my go to developer, Ilfotec HC.

[@edmund1245]

great video. I got turned onto your videos from ted forbes. I have a quick question for you as someone who shoots 35mm film and 120 film. Why didnt you take a photo of the courthouse (?) do you think it was because of the limited number of exposures on 120 film (generally 12) and if you were shooting 35mm film (36) would you have shot it?

[@IsaacJDean]

Love this format (of video and medium film too!). Nice to see the camera in use in the real world. I would consider editing them down a little bit if these videos are also going to be used as an aid when people are looking to purchase a camera. I'll happily sit through half an hour but not everyone will, I imagine.

[@mattdayphoto]

I know what you mean. Thank you for the feedback!

[@IsaacJDean]

No worries. I enjoy your channel a lot so I'm looking forward to more of these!

[@matt904sl]

Brilliant video matt really enjoyed it great work 👍👍👍👍

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! Happy to hear that!

[@WatchmakerErik]

Matt, how do you like the 7 vs the pentax 6x7? I am perpetually curious about it.

[@millan5349]

hey matt, did you ever follow up on the viewfinder problem. I just got one of these and i think the viewfinder has the same problem. when shooting portrait or vertical the focus in viewfinder is off. thanks for any help.

[@LarryParamedic1]

Matt, Thank You for the vid. I really enjoyed it. Your interaction with people is super. Have you made a video review of Ilford HP5 vs Ilford Delta? I looked through your site, but may have missed it. Best Wishes. Larry...

[@RunningDigger]

Awesome. I'm looking foward for more episiodes like this one :)

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! More on the way very soon!

[@DannyPops]

Thanks for the Review Matt. I literally just did one on this camera too! But you have more fans I thinks :)

[@mattdayphoto]

That's awesome! I didn't realize you were doing videos still! I'm subscribing!

[@DannyPops]

Sweet! I got back into it!

[@play284]

Excellent video and excellent camera

[@dabzvapelord]

hey dude, i've been shooting medium format for quite a few years now on an old Hasselblad. I am kind of over the square format and am finding it hard to focus correctly because of the old ground glass. Do you reckon a mamiya 7/7 ii would be a good investment to branch out a little from the square?

[@pilsplease7561]

I have and shoot a mamiya 645 but i need to get a more portable medium format camera like this. I sort of just carry around the 645 and use it handheld despite it being difficult.

[@MrEaglelost]

Hi Matt, I have just literally come across your videos & they're very helpful. Would be great if you could test out the Mamiya 7 indoors with studio lights & flash. Thanks

[@praxis1138]

Enjoyed this! Keep 'em coming!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thanks!

[@mmmmmbop93]

Tagging along while shooting around town makes for a really cool review man! Keep up the great work! Also, would you recommend a medium format camera (wether this camera or any) for skating shots? Thanks Matt!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! Glad you liked it. The Hasselblad is a very popular medium format camera for skating! If you're on a budget, a Bronica or Kiev is a more affordable option.