Algorithm sent me here, a very well produced video, I liked all of the added historical context you included.

It's a faux pas to say, but gear really ends up driving so much of my shooting...so many "series" have sprung from the need to take a "test roll" with a new camera. It gets you shooting and that's what counts.

Hi, I just purchased a Mamiya 7ii and did a test roll this evening that is hanging to dry.   Thanks for the great images and inspiration.    Louis.

Can't wait to see where you take this channel mate! Brilliant stuff

yup i knew i am gonna love it from the thumbnail.

THIS. I lived in Japan from 1995-2002 and the Mamiya 7 with the 65, 43, and 150 were my mainstay. Took some of my best pictures ever with it. It definitely made me eager to go out and use it. A lot of day-dreaming between those actual shoots. I started with the 80 but the 65 was even better. Not for picture quality but perspective. Incredibly natural feel on the subject at mid-distance plus the bigger background. The 43 was mind-blowingly good. No distortion in prints. At the time, before digital correction, this was the only way. The 150 was too hard to use. The whole system was light and compact for easy travel. A suitable tripod could be stupid-light…the little lens leaf shutters didn’t induce shake so you could get away with it.

But it was the colors that were addicting. The incredible contrast brought them out like nothing I saw before. The Canon RF L glass is in the same class now, I think, but the creamy pastels from the Mamiya are this signature effect that I’ve not seen elsewhere.

I owned a Mamiya 7 from about 2007 to 2018 or so… it change how I shot back then, and I created some of my favorite images with it. To this day it’s the only camera I really got emotionally attached to. I regret selling it. Despite that, I’m grateful for the time I spent with it. Happy to see you find you own way with the Mamiya 7.

I think it highlights the importance of moment vs equipment. My film journey has really opened my eyes to the fact that a good photograph is less about gear and all about everything else. This comment will make me work harder with the Mamiya 7!

I feel similar about my Mamiya 7 with 2 lenses which I bought new about 15 years ago and still use it today with Veliva 50, Fuji Chrome 800(in my fridge for a long time). I like the long film pull with the lever and the quiet leaf shutter. I can get great shots at 1/60 of a second.

Beautiful video of a wonderful camera! Thank you!

Welcome to the club. I have been using my 7ii for over 10 years for both personal and commercial work. . I purchased it like new boxed with 2 lenses for $1200. I sold my 2 leicas and invested in all 6x7 gear. It's the best 120 camera i have ever had. And I have had a few. The only camera I will never sell. I also use 4x5 but the mamiya is such a gem.  Congrats!

The Mamiya  7ii is a great all-around 6x7 film camera.   I used one in the exact same color and with the same lens as yours for 15 years or so and took thousands and thousands of photos.    The photos really are the best part of that camera.    Getting such large and sharp negatives with a easily handheld camera is awesome.   It is a great tool.

I did recently sell mine because I just felt the price was a bit more than the worth.  For camera feel in hand I love the feel of Leica and Fujifilm medium format 6x9 or 6x8 cameras.    Those cameras don't need batteries either.    Anyway,   happy shooting!

Man this video is amazing! I really enjoyed whatching it. I also own a Mamiya 7ii bought last year, found brand new with sealings for an indecent price😂😂 I’m in love with it and exactly as you say; when I pick it up I know there is a high chance of getting some decent, printable work, that on my Fuji system I struggle to produce.

Thanks again for pulling out this gorgeous video,

Cari saluti from Italy

Couldn't agree more!

Great video! That 70’s house was SO right place for that camera.

Oh, I want to go out and buy a Mamiya 7ii after watching this. Nicely done once again and keep the content coming.

The COLOR IS AMAZING, UNBEATABLE, CONGRATULATIONS..... I hv this too.... ❤

Ok I'm buying one. Thanks for a nice vid :)

Lovely video!

Even when I could “afford” a 7 there was no way I could justify it.

But I’ve found real love for my Mamiya9* - it’s the opposite of compact, but it’s replaced my C330 as my every day carry. A body in actual near mint condition, a set of 50, 100, 127, and 250 lenses, 2x 6x9 and a 6x7 film back for a fraction of the cost of a mediocre example 7ii. And it’s the best thing I’ve ever bought for myself.

While there are good arguments that the glass isn’t as good as the newer 7 series, I doubt I’ll ever run up against the limitations. I’m refusing to fall down the “if only I had better / lighter / faster gear” and just pushing myself to go out with it most days, and slow down and open my eyes.


* Mamiya9 is what I cheekily call my late model Mamiya universal press camera.

i just bought one, for many years wanting this camera I finally pull the trigger.. (should have done it 4 years ago).. the anxiety was real until it finally reach to my hand