Congratulations on your purchase of the Mamiya 7 and welcome to the world-wide family of happy Mamiya camera owners! Mamiya pioneered the 6x7cm medium format SLR system camera when it introduced the first Mamiya RB67 in 1970. In 1982 an additional model followed, the Mamiya RZ67 with electronic features.
Contents Mamiya 7, the ultimate 6 x 7 rangefinder camera ....................................................2 Nomenclature and Functional Parts ..........................3 Inserting Battery .........................................................7 Removing Camera Body Cap .....................................7 Opening/Closing Light Shield Curtain ......................8 Mounting/Removing Lenses ......................................9 Battery Check .........................................................
Mamiya 7, the ultimate 6x7 rangefinder camera. The Mamiya 7 is the only camera in the world that has these exclusive features: • Precision, super quiet, electronic shutter with speeds from 4 to 1/500 sec., flash synchronized at all speeds. • Ideal 6x7cm film format that enlarges to standard photographic and industrial paper sizes without cropping and without wasting film. A size that can be viewed with the naked eye and that is easy to retouch.
Nomenclature and Functional Parts Exposure compensation scale Film speed window (ISO) Exposure counter window Shutter speed Index Mark "S" appears automatically when opening the back cover. (Any other numeral indicates that the film is loaded. Do not open the back cover under this condition.) Exposure compensation lever Cable release socket Self-timer button Rangefinder window Shows the field of view within the bright frame and the doubleimage superimposed rangefinder.
Nomenclature and Functional Parts Hot Shoe for mounting electronic flash Shutter speed dial When A or AEL on the shutter speed dial is aligned with the indicator on the camera body, the dial will lock in place. To unlock it, rotate the dial while pushing in the AE lock (AEL) release button located in the center. Film advance lever Advance until it stops - the shutter is then cocked. Film setting index dots Pressure plate Set the pressure plate position according to the film type (120 or 220/135) used.
Back cover Memo clip Holds the film box top or memo as a film type reminder. Viewfinder eyepiece Rubber eyecup 120-220/135 selector index window When the pressure plate is aligned with the film type used, either "120" or "220/ 135" is indicated in this window. Film Rewind Button (use for 135 type film) Carrying strap lugs Battery chamber Film spool stud Lower cover Stores one of silver-oxide battery (4SR44), alkaline manganese battery (4L-R44), or lithium battery (2CR1/3).
Nomenclature and Functional Parts Aperture scale Focusing ring Used to focus the lens. Aperture ring Depth-of-field scale Allows the aperture (f-stop) to be checked in relation to the correct focusing range. Lens alignment dot When mounting or changing a lens, align this dot with the dot on the camera body. Distance scale (m-ft) Used to set or read the subject-to-lens distance. Infrared index mark When engaged in infrared photography, use this mark to align lens according to usual focusing position.
Inserting Battery Removing camera body cap [Power on/off] The camera will not function without a battery. 1. Remove the battery chamber cover on the bottom of the camera with a coin or screwdriver. 2. The + terminal is indicated on the inside of the battery chamber cover. Insert the battery as shown in the Photo, being sure to properly place the battery with the "+" side up, facing the cover. 1. Power can be turned on/off with the small lever beside the shutter release button.
Opening/Closing Light Shield Curtain [Opening the light shield curtain] [Closing the light shield curtain] Before opening/closing the light shield curtain, be sure to cock the shutter, otherwise, it will not open/close. CAUTION: Never touch the light shield curtain. If touched, light leakage or a malfunction may result. 8 * When the light shield curtain is open, the lens cannot be removed. Close the curtain to remove the lens. * When the light shield curtain is closed, the shutter cannot be released.
Mounting/Removing Lenses [Mounting lens] [Removing lens] CAUTION Remove the front and rear lens caps. The front lens cap can be removed by pressing in the tabs on the right and left with your fingers and pulling the cap towards you. The rear lens cap can be removed by rotating it counterclockwise. Align Lens Alignment Dot “A” with the Camera Alignment Dot “B”. Insert the lens into the camera body. Then turn the lens in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) until it clicks and locks into place.
Battery Check CAUTION 3) Be careful not to damage the rangefinder coupling lever and the shutter cocking lever at the rear of each lens. 4)When mounting the 43mm or 65mm wide angle lenses make sure that the rear lens rims do not touch the rangefinder coupling roller. Position the front face of the lens which has been removed as shown in the photo. 10 1. Set the shutter speed dial at A (Auto Exposure) position.
Releasing the Shutter Before using the camera, it is advisable to understand how it works. ① Power on/off lever ... .......... Set to ON. (See page 7) . .......... Wind the lever to ② Film advance cock the shutter . ③ Light shield curtain .............................. Open. (See page 8) ④ Back cover …………………………………Open. (See page 12) ⑤ Release the shutter (See page 16) Note: If the shutter is not released, red warning lamp in the viewfinder will light; repeat steps ② to ④ again.
Before Loading the Film [Setting the film speed] [Opening/closing the back cover] [Setting the film type] Set the film speed of the film being used by lifting up the outer rim of the shutter speed dial and rotate it until the correct ISO value appears in the window. While depressing the back cover lock button, simultaneously push down the lock lever in the direction of the arrow and the back will open. When closing the back cover, securely press both corners until it clicks.
Loading the Film [Memo clip] This memo clip on the back cover is used to hold the film box tab to serve as a convenient reminder of the type of film in the camera or for recording other data. 1. Push the spool release lever on right side to the right, and install the take-up spool in the take-up spool chamber, top first, then push the lower spool stud up. 2.
Loading the Film 3. When the new roll has been inserted, be sure to reset the lower spool stud by pressing it in. (Also, be sure to reset the take-up spool stud in a similar manner.) 4. Pull out the backing paper, and insert the tip into the slot on the take-up spool as pictured. 5. Wind the film advance lever until the small arrow (the starting indicator on the backing paper) aligns with the film starting indicator (▼) on the camera body. Then close the back cover. 6.
Shutter Speed [Determining the shutter speed] Shutter speed dial: A. (Automatic exposure) Based on the aperture setting, the camera automatically selects the shutter speed. The Mamiya 7 has an aperture-priority, AE lens shutter. Once the aperture and film speed are set, the AE meter selects a proper shutter speed in relation to the set aperture. In the manual photographic mode, proper shutter speed is indicated by a blinking red LED within the viewfinder. 1.
Shutter Release Button LED Indicators in the Viewfinder The shutter release button is designed so that pressure can be applied in two stages. When it is lightly touched, correct metering data is displayed on the bottom of the view finder. When it is depressed all the way, the shutter is released and an exposure is made. The LED's are located at the bottom of the finder in order not to interfere with the field of view of the wide angle lens.
LED Indicators in the Viewfinder AE photography Manual mode AEL photography Long time exposure Under-exposure Over-exposure 1 sec to 4 sec at the A and AEL modes. 2 sec and 4 sec at the Manual mode. Battery drain increases in the AE mode Battery capacity is sufficient. Battery capacity drops. When the Battery is badly weakening.
Focusing the Lens [Photographic area covered] When the lens has been focused, the double image superimposing rangefinder produces two superimposed images with in the square of the viewfinder. How To: 1. Position the subject within the central square of the viewfinder. As on the top left the subject will appear as a double images. 2. Rotate the focusing ring until the two images converge and are superimposed as on the figure on the left. The lens is now focused.
Taking Photographs [Unloading the film] • Do not advance the film too quickly, as this might adversely affect film flatness, or frame spacing. 1. Press the shutter release button when you have focused and determined composition. 2. Advance the film by winding the film advance lever until it stops. (The shutter is then cocked.) 3. After completing the last exposure, wind the advance lever several times, until the film with its backing paper is completely wound onto the take-up spool.
AE (Automatic Exposure) Photography The aperture priority metering device is incorporated into the rangefinder system. The correct shutter speed for the preselected aperture will automatically be determined. 1. Align "A" on the shutter speed dial with the white line index mark on the camera body. 2. Be sure to set the exposure compensation scale to 0. (See page23) 3. Set the aperture to the desired 'f' number according to conditions. 4.
Manual Photography You may override the AE mode and select the aperture and shutter speed manually. Simply set the shutter speed against the white line index mark and also set the lens aperture to the desired "f" stop. 1. When the shutter release button is touched gently, the selected shutter speed LED only will be continuously illuminated or another LED may also flash. 2. When the pre-selected shutter speed LED only illuminates, it indicates the shutter speed for correct exposure. 3.
Depth-of-Field The depth-of-field varies according to the aperture. The smaller the aperture (f/8, f/11, f/16...) the greater the depthof-field; the larger the aperture (f/8, f/ 5.6,...) the smaller the depth-of-field. To take pictures which are sharp from foreground to infinity or when taking snap shots, the focusing range is extended or depth increased by using a smaller aperture. When the subject is to stand out, with the background out of focus, a larger aperture is appropriate.
Exposure Compensation The exposure compensator functions in a number of important ways. It can be used to correct exposure values (EVs) or the differences in brightness between a primary subject and its background -especially when over or under-exposures occur. It can also be used when filters are employed or when engaged in available light photography - or under high contrast conditions (i.e. low or high key).
Flash Photography Infrared Photography [Determining the aperture] When using automatic flash units, refer to the instructions on the flash unit for correct aperture settings. When using a manual electronic flash, the guide number divided by subject distance gives the correct aperture. The Mamiya 7 features an X synchro flash terminal and its lens shutter system permits flash synchronization at all shutter speeds.
How to Hold the Camera [Neck strap] Because most out of focus pictures are the result of camera movement, make sure not to move when pressing the shutter button. Hold the camera with your elbows close to your body: pressing part of the camera on your forehead will help stabilize it. Then gently release the shutter. When making exposures longer than 1/ 30 sec., it is advisable to use a tripod with a cable release.
Trouble shooting Uniquely designed to prevent errors, the Mamiya 7 incorporates numerous safety features. If the shutter will not function, it is very likely due to user error rather than camera malfunction. Should there be problems, be sure to review the following points. • When the shutter will not function.
Lenses N43mm f/4.5L Lens construction: 10 elements in 6 groups Angle of view: 92° Minimum aperture: 22 35mm equivalent: 21 mm Minimum focusing distance: 1m Magnification at minimum distance : 0.049 Area covered: 1145 x 1421 mm Filter size: 67mm Hood: Bayonet type Dimensions: 42(L) x 72(D)mm Weight: 390g N65mm f/4L Lens construction: 9 elements in 5 groups Angle of view: 69° Minimum aperture: 22 35mm equivalent: 32mm Minimum focusing distance: 1m Magnification at minimum distance : 0.
Accessories Lens hood For 43mm f/4.5 : Bayonet type For 65mm f/4 : Bayonet type For 80mm f/4 : Bayonet type For 150mm f/4.5: Bayonet type All are supplied with the lenses. Diopter correcting Lenses Focusing accuracy diminishes when the eye diopter is incorrect. So, it is advisable that near and far sighted people use diopter correcting lenses. Fit the proper diopter correcting lens to the eyepiece. 6 types are available: +3, +2, +1, -1, -2, -3.
System chart 29
Specifications Type of Camera : 6 x 7cm format interchangeable lenses, rangefinder camera, double formats (6 x 7 and 35mm panorama) Film Used : 120 Roll Film (10 exposures) , 220 Roll Film (20 exposures), 135 Roll Film (16 exposures with 36 exp. film) Actual Image Size : 56 x 69.5mm with 120/220 film, 24 x 65mm with 135 film, using Panoramic Adapter Kit Film winding : A single 185° stroke Lens Mount : Exclusive Bayonet Mount Lenses Ultra wide angle : 43mm f/4.
Common Sense Camera Care and Practice The Mamiya 7 is a precision optical/mechanical instrument, built for heavy professional use and a long service life, if properly treated and maintained. Please observe these basic caveats: • Read instructions before using camera. • Protect camera against shocks and falls. Use neckstrap supplied with it, whenever possible. • Check the battery frequently and always carry spares.
Common Sense Camera Care and Practice The Importance of Proper Maintenance Your camera has mechanisms like film transport, shutter and diaphragm blades, rangefinder couplings, etc. They are controlled by gears, levers, springs, and so on. All require special lubrication from time to time. Ambient conditions can also affect these mechanisms, as well as the electronic components and the optical glass of your lenses.
Prevention of Light Leaks Due To Loose Film Wending • Thread the paper leader on the empty take up spool so the film will be wound evenly and parallel. This will prevent the film from winding loosely or over the edge of the spool, which can cause light leaks and film fogging. • Use your left thumb to press lightly on the paper leader while advancing winding lever slowly to assure smooth and tight film take-up on the empty spool.