Mamiya 7 II Medium Format Rangefinder Camera

Introduction
Overall description: Key features.
There is some difference between the 7 and 7ii.  The later version adds:
-  An extra 'strap lug' or strap attachment point, but it's on the wrong side!  The camera would carry and work better with it on the hinge side.
-  Change in R/F; more contrasty framelines.
-  Now you can do multiple exposures on a frame by sliding a switch (disables film wind; winder just re-cocks shutter when set.)
-  Now available in black or 'champagne' colors.  There appear to be two black versions, with the less shiny one being the newer version.
-  Relocate cable release socket to bottom front/right, which seems like an ideal placement.


Detailed Description
Product details and specifications:
This info is available all over the place.  Notes:
-  Camera shoots 120/220 film.
-  Change lengths by rotating the pressure plate inside, no hassle or tools required.
-  Also shoots 35mm film with a proprietary 24x65mm panoramic adapter (get out the Kodachrome! and combine two great legends)
-  Metering through separate window, so if you change lenses,  you will measure a different portion of the total frame.
-  Exposure modes:  manual 4" to 1/500", Bulb, A and AEL, 25 to 1600 ISO setting; +/- 2-EV compensation.
-  Exposure modes:  A: auto exposure; measures and sets shutter steplessly based on where it pointed when shutter fires.
-  Exposure modes:  AEL: you can measure light with half shutter press, hold it, and aim camera while retaining first AE value for exposure.

Additional Information
How this camera works:
-  Wind film onto take-up spool until start arrow reaches mark in center of camera, behind lens.
-  Don't drop: the plastic body is tough, but will break; banging around can change the R/F calibration, which should be checked periodically anyway.
-  Wind film slowly and steadily, same with dark-slide operation.
-  This camera is still in production (2009.02) so parts are available.
-  The new style dark-curtain winder handle is a frequently broken part.
-  There is a RRS (Arca type) adapter specifically for this camera, but it does add weight and is not the "L" style for vertical use too.

Summary
Pros and cons + overall impressions:
-  The 80mm lens is probably the finest piece of glass I've used in sharpness, resolving power, contrast and color fidelity. 
-  I haven't seen any CA's or corner softness either.
-  I like the grip, and the ergonomics are generally good, especially for what it does, but ... I find it hard to shoot verticals hand-held.
-  Bayonet lens hood is very nice, but a bit  fragile and is visible in the VF window.
-  Lots of differences from most cameras that really seem weird, until you get used to them.
-  Meter seems quite accurate.

-  It's expensive.
-  VF is polarized which can lead to problems in a few situations, but not... Read more...