Mamiya 7 II - A Hands On Report

AnotherCamera?
In late 2000 Jack Zyberk submitted a review of the Mamiya 7 II to this site. Though I had no personal experience with this camera system it seemed like a fair evaluation and so I published it.
Since then I've encountered a number of occasions when a medium-format rangefinder camera would have made sense - particularly on field-trips with extensive hiking involved.
I'm a long-time rangefinder fan, having used a succession of M-Series Leicas both professionally and personally over many years. Recently, I've been a big fan of the Hasselblad XPan.
I use 35mm equipment (Canon EOS) extensively for wildlife work and specialized applications where long lenses, motor drives and similar advantages are needed.  But I find 35mm film (and digital) lacking in the quality that I'm looking for when doing serious landscape work. Since 1996 my primary landscape tool has been the superb Rollei 6008. But on long or difficult hikes it can be just too bulky and heavy for the job.
At Photoki...