Digital BW, The Print

Robert,

> Have you shot a Mamiya 7II?  I'm curious how it compares to
>the Bronica and Fuji

I rented one for a weekend because the conventional wisdom is that the 7II
is the camera of choice.  However, I just did not like it's handling, and
while the lenses have a great reputation and (to the extent I could test
them) tested out as good, the body workmanship and feel were not impressive
at all.

I couldn't entirely test the machine because the rangefinder was so far off
as to be useless.  There are a lot of threads about that rangefinder, and I
suspect it is more prone to problems than most.

I, also, prefer the 645 format because I shoot a fair number of 2-frame
compositions.  I do this either to extend the depth of field (dual focus) or
to get super-wide-angle, 2-frame, side-by-side shots that I stitch (rather
easy with digital and PS perspective controls).  To do these I like to be
able to keep the two frames attached and scan them, if not together, as
least without touching the film/holder.  That way the images are easier to
align.  With my equipment and habits, the 645 images are easier to do this
with.  The two 645 images are close to a 6x9 and fit into my 4x5 enlarger
and other equipment while still together.

I also like as many shots on a single roll as possible, while finding the
645 the minimum that I can live with in terms of quality.  Developing film
is not my favorite activity, so the fewer rolls, the better.

The Fuji is really a glorified point-and-shoot.  As Austin noted, the AF is
weak, but one can learn its capabilities and live with it.  The camera does
have enough manual controls to go fine, tripod-mounted landscapes, dual
focusing, etc.  The Fuji does have some advantages. The zoom is great --
limited 55 - 90 range, but good enough to not worry about the optical
quality.  The Zi also focuses to 1 meter at its 90 mm lens setting.  The
maximum 90 mm, however, is not quite to my liking.

I bought the Bronica RF 645 primarily for the manual focusing and the 135 mm
lens (available through Robert White).  The optics are fantastic -- about
the best I've seen on any format.  And it's handling and finish/feel are
great.

(One thing I always do with rectangular format cameras is make a bracket so
that there are tripod threads on both the bottom and the end of the camera
for convenient tripod mounting.  The 7II didn't lend itself to this as well
as the Bronica.)

So, I don't want to over-sell any of these machines, but right now it looks
like the Zi and Bronica are keepers.  I use the Zi for family events and
where light weight and speed are paramount, and the Bronica RF for more
serious shooting where I'll want the 135 and have time to change lenses.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com