Medium format cameras have been gaining traction online once again. While one can choose from newer offerings, there are photographers who find joy in working with older film models. An example is Mamiya 7 II kit, which has gained immense traction on eBay. Here’s a look at how much it is selling for and why.
According to WatchCount, the Mamiya 7 II with the N 80mm f4 L sold for $6,999, a figure that would have seemed absurd a decade ago but makes sense today. Mamiya 7 II was introduced in 199, and offered an improved viewfinder and multi-exposure capability. It also epitomizes Japanese rangefinder cameras, with a 67mm diameter lens mount and the ability to use 120 or 220 film and 24×65mm panoramas.
Here are some specs as followed:
- Film Format: 6×7cm (120/220)
- Lens Mount: Mamiya 7/7II bayonet mount with built-in dark slide for mid-roll lens changes
- Shutter Speed: 4 seconds to 1/500 second, plus Bulb
- Exposure Modes: Aperture priority and full manual
- Exposure Compensation: +2 to -2 EV in 1/3 steps
- ISO Range: 25-1600
- Viewfinder: Bright optical rangefinder with automatic parallax correction and high-visibility frame lines
- Flash Sync: Full sync at all speeds up to 1/500 second
- Flash Connection: Hot shoe and PC sync port
- Self-Timer: Yes
- Multiple Exposures: Yes
- Panoramic Adapter: Optional 24×65mm panoramic format on 35mm film
- Dimensions: 159×112×66mm
- Weight: 920g (body only)
The N 80mm F4 L Lens
- Focal Length: 80mm (approximately 40mm equivalent in 35mm terms)
- Shutter: Leaf shutter built into lens body
- Focus: Manual rangefinder
The camera was discontinued in 2014, and because of that, the value has been rising a lot. While it is hard to find a camera of nature, in more recent years, the price has increased. Over the years, it sold for $4,000 to now going up to $7,000, with the 80mm kit lens. This is also not the first time a camera’s price has increased. We saw the same with Olympus EP7, as well as Pentax 67 II 61 Limited, both of which have sold for more than their original price.
There are multiple reasons for the price hike. One is the revival of film cameras, which is becoming prominent because of young photographers. Medium format cameras produce great quality, color, and grain, all of which can’t be mimicked by digital photography. In fact, we reviewed the camera during the wedding. We found the device to be perfectly amazing in many ways.
The Mamiya 7 II feels very good in the hand. Once again, it is also very elegant. The grip is smooth and is not textured to give you a better grip on the camera. Nor is the camera heavy at all. In fact, I find it lighter than my DSLRs. When snapping a photo, you’ll also notice that there is also no vibration from the shutter at all. However, the camera is indeed so quiet that you sometimes can’t even tell when the camera has opened the shutter and then closed it.
Chris Gampat, Founder, The Phoblographer
Mamiya is ideal for various genres of photographers, including portraits and landscapes. So, instead of buying a new camera which costs about the same as the Fujifilm GFX 100S II, you get a whole kit. For purists, this is a steal. In fact, even in the near future, the Mamiya 7 II will continue to command a similar price, if not more, given its cult following. That says why it is worth your time.