Mamiya displays new prototype medium format digital camera at PIE 2009.
At PIE 2009 in Japan, Mamiya unveiled the Mamiya 645DF, a new
medium format camera body optimized for digital use only. Taking a page for Hasselblad's book, Mamiya engineers have come up with a body designed to take maximum advantage of digital without incorporating compromises for film support.
The body incorporates a metal focal plane shutter but can be used with a new series of leaf shutter lenses also introduced at PIE 2009. This means that Leica's S2 is no longer the only dual shutter medium format system on the block.
The 645DF maintains the modular design preferred by medium format manufacturers, however they are now offering a vertical grip with additional battery capacity. The entire system weighs 1,880 grams (just over 4lbs) before adding a digital back. Not for the faint of arm.
The system is compatible with all Mamiya 645 mount lenses (AF and non-AF) plus Hasselblad V-series lenses via an adaptor.
Here are the specs:
| Camera type: | 6x4.5cm format, electronically controlled focal plane shutter, TTL multi-mode, AE, AF Single Lens Reflex for digital use. |
| Image size: | 56x41.5mm (actual image) |
| Compatible digital backs: | Mamiya ZD Back (and Double Buffer), all Digital Backs compatible
with the Mamiya 645AF series |
| Lens mount: | Mamiya 645AF Mount (645 non-AF series can be attached, Hasselblad V series lenses call also be attached with a separately sold mount adapter.) |
| Viewfinder: | Fixed Prism eye level viewfinder with diopter adjustment, magnification xO.71 |
| Field of view: | Approx. 94% (on a linear measurement) |
| Auto focusing system: | TTL phase difference detection device, CCD line sensor (1+1 shaped, operation range: EVO to 18 (ISO 100) |
| Exposure modes: | Aperture-priority AE, Shutter-speed priority AE, Program AE (program shift possible), Manual |
| Metering mode: | TTL full-aperture metering; center-weighted average (A), Spot (S), Variable ratio (A·S auto) |
| Shutter: | Electronically controlled vertical metal focal-plane shutter, can be used with Mamiya AF leaf-shutter lenses |
| Weight / dimensions: | 153 (W) x 128 (H) x 153.3 (D) mm, 1,030g (without batteries) |
| Price & Delivery time: | TBA |
Also announced was the
Mamiya Sekor AF 80mm f/2.8 LS D lens. Despite the poor choice of initials (the japanese are apparently unaware what LSD means in the US), the new lens offers a leaf shutter system. Users can choose between the higher sync speeds of the leaf shutter or faster shutter speeds of the focal plane shutter, increasing the versatility of the system. I predict other medium format camera makers will begin making similar offerings as well.
Specs:
| Compatible cameras: | 645DF/645AFDIII (requires upgrading) |
| Optical construction: | 5 groups / 6 elements |
| Angle of view: | 47 degrees |
| Minimum aperture: | 22 |
| Minimum focusing distance: | 70cm |
| Maximum magnification ratio: | 0.15 |
| Area covered: | 377 x 279mm |
| Equivalent focal length in 35mm: | 50mm (for the 645 film image size) |
| Price & Delivery time: | TBA |
Last, but not least, is the
Multi-battery Vertical Grip GB401 which only works with the new 645DF body. This device adds a portrait mode shutter release, AE lock button, AF lock button and can wirelessly synchronize with compatible strobes. The grip accepts AA alkaline batteries, AA rechargeable NiMH and lithium ion batteries.
Specs:
| Compatible cameras: | 645DF |
| Features: | Shutter release button, AE & AF lock buttons, Rear & front electronic dials |
| Weight / dimensions: | 153 (L) x 115 (H) x 78 (W)mm, 400g (including batteries) |
| Price & Delivery time: | TBA |
Expect to see a similar system announced by Phase One.
Cosina/Voigtlander announce a new lens and viewfinder in M-mount.
Cosina, owner and manufacturer of the Voigtlander brand of cameras and
lenses, announced that they will begin shipping very shortly a rangefinder-coupled, M-mount version of their world famous 15mm f/4.5 lens. Sporting a 52mm filter size, this new take on a classic lens is the perfect choice for super wide-angle photography especially on the Leica M8.
Also announced was a 15-35mm Multi Viewfinder, the perfect companion for framing images with the CV 15mm f/4.5. Both products are expected by the end of April. Pricing has not been announced, but USA Cosina Voigtlander dealer
CameraQuest is taking pre orders with a $100 deposit.
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