I agree with the use for Asita 100F, it is a very flexible and fine-grained film. For some things, however, you just can't beat Velvia -- and you'll save a lot of time trying to duplicate it using Astia.
I disagree with thrust of the comments about the 43mm. Like ANY wide angle lens it is not appropriate for many compositions, but it can and is often used quite successfully. I guess it's a subjective, personal thing. The 43mm is perfect lens to add next to the 65mm lens -- I tend to use the 65mm a little more, but personally I would not want to be without wonderful 43mm Mamiya 7 lens.
There's one that hasn't been selling on Ebay, probably because there is no viewfinder. I think it's at $700 or so, they've dropped the price a few times with no action so you could probably get it for the opening bid. I paid exactly $1000 for mine in very good condition with viewfinder and box.
tmark - thanks, I saw that one, have been in correspondence with the seller. There's a couple of coating marks on the front, which is bummer, but probably would be a non-issue in practice. The lack of a VF might be a problem though. I am willing to go $1k for a nice one like it sounds like you have.
Lotusm50 wrote:
A drum-scanned Mamiya 7 6x7 image would blow a 5D2 image out of the water. If all I expected was 5D2 IQ, then I might be interested in the premise of the statement. Rather, the question might be, "what drum scanner can I get for the price of the medium format digital back?"
You totally missed my question. My crappy 6X9 sans blow a 5D2 away. Early in the thread someone mentioned they had just seen a drum scanner sell for not much more than a 5D2. I'm asking where can I find a drum scanner for that price?
TWoK wrote:
You totally missed my question. My crappy 6X9 sans blow a 5D2 away. Early in the thread someone mentioned they had just seen a drum scanner sell for not much more than a 5D2. I'm asking where can I find a drum scanner for that price?
I see. At least we agree on what a good 6x7 or 6x9 scan can do.
I once saw a Howtek for about the cost of the 5Dll. But never followed up on it. I think it required me to take a 600-700 mile drive, then I thought about the learning curve and finding enough space for it, etc. I concluded, mostly through laziness, that my Nikon was good enough. Having the Nikon, I definitely would not have wasted
my time and money on an Imacon. A little bit better, perhaps, but not enough to justify the huge cost (and most of them are lower resolution than the NIkon for medium format).
If I were you I would keep my eyes open for Howtek. You might just get lucky.
I saw that one on RFF, however the condition is less than what I'd want, or else the price is too high. realistically that's a $700 lens (the one with front-ring damage). Thanks for the note though!
Love a good 6x7 rangefinder. I went with the new Bessa III instead of the Mamiya 7 as I prefer my "fun" camera to be a bit smaller. Also, since it has a fixed lens, I'm not tempted to spend any more money on a kit
Good thoughts - the fixed lens does make one learn to do more with less - I found that with the Fujis. the Mamiya 7 is pleasantly light and small vs. the Fujis though (which are all really 6x9 cameras at heart...just masked/geared for 6x7, hence why they are larger.).
