Medium format photography ~ Mamiya 7 question

[sc_rufctr]

Hi all, I'm considering buying a Mamiya 7. There is a complete kit for sale locally for a good price.

I don't mean this to be negative but...

How well built is this camera?
How does it feel in your hands?

The reason I ask is because during my research I came across some articles online that complain about the build quality of this camera.
I would prefer to hear from people who have actually owned and used this camera rather than rely on an online review to make a decision.
That in hand feel is important to me although picture quality is also very important.
I don't expect it to be perfect but it would be nice if it felt like a quality camera.

I mainly shoot black and white with my M3 but I would also like to try color with the Mamiya.

I used to own a Pentax 67 years ago but couldn't get into it mainly because of its size and bulk.
Also, my children were young at the time and I didn't have the extra time to make a decent effort with the 67.

So, How does the Mamiya compare to a Pentax 67?

Please feel free to give me your honest assessment of this camera.

[mossguy]

Here are some user reviews. May be helpful.
Mamiya 7 II - rangefinder - medium


Best,
Tom

[MarKoBrow]

I can't speak for the 7, I can speak about the quality of Mamiya Cameras I have a 645 and it is bulletproof.

[CurtEgerer]

The Pentax 67 is a monster! You could probably use it to drive railroad spikes in a pinch. The Mamiya 7 isn't quite that 'robust', but it's a whole different animal, designed from the outset to be a user-friendly MF camera. I have used the original Mamiya 6 and thought that it was outstanding. Many still prefer it to the 7 because it is more compact (the lenses collapse for travel) and the meter is better. The 6 never gave me the impression of anything less than good quality. I've owned other Mamiya cameras, never had problems and always considered them typical high-quality Japanese products. If you can get a good deal on a 7, I'd jump on it. You can often find a good 6 with a lens for under $1000 just as a comparison.

I had a Leica M6 and although the Mamiya 6 & 7 was designed to sort of be a MF Leica M, it doesn't feel like a Leica at all (does anything?). I don't mean that to be negative, it just has it's own feel, but in a very good way.

[vash]

i think the mayima is huge. if a rangefinder..buy a leica. i love my M7.

for med..hasselblad. i dont use mine..need to sell it.

[GH85Carrera]

We have a couple of Pentax 6x7 cameras and several lenses. They weigh just over 7 lbs. I wish there was a market for them.