![mamiya 7 ii pro mamiya 7 ii pro](https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6101/6239469489_b035255d8f_b.jpg)
There is not much I can add to Allen's comprehensive answer. I have had some times when I had to shield the viewfinder on my 7, I haven't had that problem with the 7II. The 7II offers multi-exposure (which I have never used) and it has a brighter viewfinder. One more thing, the 7 and the 7II are almost identical.
![mamiya 7 ii pro mamiya 7 ii pro](https://www.nophotonolife-store.com/static/ecommerce/252/252511/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/s/dscf2385/www.nophotonolife-store.com-SKUMA-67RB001-31.jpg)
If you are used to shooting a SLR, you may find the limitations too significant to put up with. If you can, then I would get it over the RZ. You might consider renting or borrowing a 7II for a long weekend to see if you can live with its inherent limitations. Other than that one case of obvious neglect, the camera has held up well. I had to replace one body, following dropping it onto a tile floor ( I was getting on an elevator and the door caught my hand and the camera hit the floor).
![mamiya 7 ii pro mamiya 7 ii pro](https://nicholascameras.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/mamiya-rz67-proII-3.jpg)
The RZ seems more rugged, but then, I have carried my 7II all over the world and I don't treat it with kid gloves. Be sure to carry extras when on location. The RZ goes through batteries much faster than the 7II. The lens hoods for the 7II are weak, at best and if you add a large shade, it will block the viewfinder. You asked for comparisons with "comparable lenses." The problem with that approach is that the 7II doesn't really offer lenses in the range I use most often in the studio. For portrait and model work, the gap between the 80 and 150 for the 7II is pretty significant. The 210 is a specialty lens and difficult to use for a moving subject. With the RZ, you can line up the filter easily.Īlso, the 7II doesn't have a broad selection of lenses: 43 (fabulous), 50, 65, 80, 150 and 210. A polarizer is difficult to use and split ND filters are a matter of guess work. One other thing to consider is the use of filters. Some people dislike the 150 lens, but I have had no problems with it. To do a head shot, you will need to crop. It is not good at close range-minimum focus with the 80mm lens is about 1 meter. The RZ lenses are good, comparable to Hassey (which I also owned and sold), but not as good as those for the 7II.įrom what you describe, the 7II could fit your bill. One is a light weight rangefinder and one is a bulky, studio oriented camera. The main differences in the systems are obvious. But, in the studio for model shoots, I usually use the RZ. I usually carry one body and 3 lenses in a small shoulder bag. I take the 7II when I travel and for general shooting. I use the 7II much more often than the RZ. I own both systems, and I recommend both systems.