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New Leaf Credo camera back series for the Mamiya 645DF to ship in June
If you shelled out for the $5,990 Mamiya Phase One 645DF, you probably have the funds to support your photography habit. Mamiya Leaf wants you to expand your arsenal, offering three new digital backs to go with that medium-format camera. The Leaf Credo 40, 60 and 80 are named for the number of megapixels their CCD sensors are packing, and all have a dynamic range of 12.5 f-stops. Each sports a 3.2-inch, 1.15-megapixel touchscreen that extends beyond the edges of the LCD (so you can edit images without covering them up). The $19,495 Credo 40 is the fastest of the bunch, shooting at a rate of 1.2 fps, with a 43.9 x 32.9 mm sensor and an ISO range of 50-800. The $32,495 Credo 60 has the same ISO range but a 53.9 x 40.4 mm sensor and a slower 1-fps shooting rate. Finally, the $38,995 Leaf Credo 80 has the 53.7 x 40.3 mm sensor, a wider ISO sensitivity range of 35-800 and the slowest capture rate: 0.7 fps. The 80 also has two-minute max exposure time, while the 40 and 60 top off at one minute. Mamiya Leaf says all three models will start shipping in June. If that steep pricing hasn't scared you away, you can jump past the break for the full press release.
Mamiya churns out 33 megapixel RZ33 digital camera: yours for $18k
It's sort of affordable by Mamiya standards, but the $17,990 asking price affixed to the outfit's new RZ33 large-sensor digital camera kit is still apt to detract all but the most professional of professionals. Boasting a 33 megapixel CCD sensor, CompactFlash support and a promise to produce mind-blowing images, this beast-of-a-digicam is said to offer "cable-free digital operation [that's] just as smooth and trouble-free as shooting with film." As you'd expect, it's fully compatible with all RZ system lenses, viewfinders and (most) accessories, and you'll also find rack and pinion bellows focusing, inbuilt vertical-horizontal rotation and an optional interchangeable power winder. Hit the source link for the nitty-gritty, but only if you've got the cheddar to cover the biggest impulse buy of your life.
High-speed, medium-format DM40 DSLR puts Mamiya back in the money again
The last time we heard from Mamiya it was doing something rather shocking: selling a camera for less than $10k! For a moment we were worried that this medium-format camera company with large-format MSRPs was letting the economy dictate its designs, but its latest entrant quashes those fears, priced at a solid $19,990 ($21,990 if you want the 80mm lens). It's the DM40, a 40 megapixel medium-format body that can manage 60fps frames per minute, making it the fastest in this class of sensor. As per usual for Mamiya it sports CompactFlash storage along with FireWire output for those doing it live from the studio. Bodies are shipping soon, so get ready to sign that mortgage over. Update: As many commenters pointed out, that's 60 frames per minute, not per second. Still the fastest, believe it or not.
Mamiya's DM22 is a medium format digital camera for the Walmart type at sub-$10k pricepoint
It can't be easy being the cost-cutter in a game as insanely expensive as digital medium format cameras, but after teaming up with Phase One for a $5990 medium format shooter (without lens), Mamiya is taking its own crack at the market with the $9,995 DM22. It comes with a Mamiya 80mm f/2.8 D Series lens, has a 22 megapixel sensor and can pump images straight out over FireWire if you think your RAW files are too good for a lowly CompactFlash card. It's also being introduced with a $14,990 sibling, the DM28, which has a 28 megapixel sensor and handles higher ISO shots. [Via Gear Diary]
Phase One 645DF medium format unveiled, its invasion set for Q4 2009
To think, it's been the better part of five months since Phase One teased us with some professional-grade photography equipment, and here to satiate our cravings yet again is the new 645DF medium format camera. Along with perennial partner Mamiya Digital, the pair created what they're claiming is flash sync speeds of up to 1/1600th of a second, as well as the option to dial between predefined modes. Additionally, three new leaf shutter lenses will be released alongside, available in 55mm, 80mm, and 110mm varieties and all f/2.8. Both are available for order now but not shipping until Q4 2009, with the camera body starting at $5990 and the lenses at $2490 each -- the perfect stocking stuffer for you and your very, very much loved ones [warning: read link is a PDF]. Show full PR text Announcing the PHASE ONE 645DF Medium Format CAMERA The Perfect Body for your Perfect Back COPENHAGEN, September 28, 2009 – Phase One, the world's leader in open-platform medium format camera systems and solutions, today announced the Phase One 645DF camera. Engineered in partnership with Mamiya Digital Imaging for superior quality image capture and ease of handling, it sets a new standard for high flash sync speeds – up to 1/1600 of a second. Also today, Phase One announced the availability of three new high performance leaf shutter lenses, 55mm, 80mm and 110mm, all f/2.8 and all designed with the Phase One 645DF camera in mind. The lenses are a result of close collaboration with Mamiya Digital Imaging and Schneider Kreuznach (see today's related announcement). "Our patent-pending flash sync breakthrough eases working with wide open apertures and fill-in flash on location," said Jan H. Christiansen, Phase One marketing director. "We already offer the most flexible exposure times ranging from 1/4000 of a second to one full hour. Setting new performance standards is all about expanding creative options for photographers." The 645DF camera is the only 645 medium format camera which supports both focal plane and leaf shutters, expanding photographers' innovative possibilities by leveraging the two shutter technologies seamlessly for world class photography, whether this involves ultra-fast flash sync speeds or extremely flexible exposure times. The new camera introduces many performance improvements over its predecessor. Capture responsiveness and autofocus speed is highly improved giving photographers up to 5 times faster performance in a typical fashion set up. The 645DF also offers a breakthrough workflow improvement -- custom-shooting modes. For the first time in a medium-format camera, photographers can "dial up" a pre-defined mode, where the camera is instantly set up for a given shooting scenario, e.g. product, portrait or landscape photography. Other workflow enhancements include new tactile buttons, a fully sealed eye-cup eliminating ambient light, improved viewfinder masks, and customizable audio feedback e.g. on focus lock. Several custom functions have been enhanced, without compromising simple navigation. Freedom to choose the best back for you Phase One builds flexible, open photographic systems to support a professional's style, needs and working preference. The Phase One 645DF camera supports the world's finest digital backs, ensuring freedom of choice and investment protection for years to come. It is compatible with digital backs designed for the Phase One / Mamiya AFD mount, including backs from Phase One, Leaf, Mamiya and others. Pricing and Availability The Phase One 645DF camera body starts at $5990/€4290 and is expected to ship Q4, 2009. The new leaf shutter lenses start at $2490/€1790 and are expected to start shipping Q4, 2009. All equipment can be ordered now from Phase One and Leaf dealers (for the dealer near you, please see: http://www.phaseone.com/partners and http://www.leaf-photography.com/dealers.asp). About Phase One Phase One is the world's leader in open-platform based medium format camera systems and solutions. Phase One medium format cameras, digital backs and lenses are designed to deliver superior quality image capture and investment value. Phase One's Capture One software helps streamline capture and post-production processes for both medium format and DSLR cameras. Phase One products are known for their quality, flexibility and speed enabling pro photographers shooting in a wide range of formats to achieve their creative visions without compromise. Phase One is an employee-owned company based in Copenhagen with offices in New York, London, Tokyo, Cologne and Shanghai. For more information about the products, visit the Phase One web site on www.phaseone.com. Phase One is a registered trademark of Phase One A/S. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. [Via Photography Blog]
Mamiya announces DL33 for those who need more than 28 megapixels
Facing a little bit of competition from the hands of Nikon, and finding its earlier 28 megapixel DL28 to be something of a success (despite its $15,000 price tag), medium format master Mamiya is introducing a new model set to drive the megapixel wars to new heights. The DL33 sports similar specs to the DL28, including a 3.5-inch touchscreen on the back, but bests its successor with a 36 x 44-millimeter, 33 megapixel sensor. That means 16-bit capture, 12-stop dynamic range, and ISO settings from 50 to 800. Other tweaks include a faster autofocus motor and an improved UI, but with image files clocking in at 67 - 190MB you'll probably need some improved storage, too. The camera will be available starting next month for $19,999 including a 55mm f2.8 or 150mm f3.5 lens -- but only if you act now.[Via Topix]
Mamiya's DL28 digital camera system is slightly cheaper than you'd think
We know you want a pro-friendly medium format digital camera -- so do we -- but they're awfully expensive, aren't they? You might have to think about dropping as much as $30,000 one of these babies if you're the discerning type, but Mamiya is trying to convince you that you can save a few thousand dollars and still get results. Enter the DL28 digital camera system, which combines the body of the well-established 645 with Leaf's Aptus-II 6 digital back. It's got 16-bit capture, a 12-stop dynamic range, an ISO range of 50 - 800, and a fancy 3.5-inch touch screen at price of $15,000, appropriate for cash-strapped professionals and financially comfortable hobbyists -- unless Nikon has something to say about it.
Phase One introduces elusive 645 medium format camera platform
It's been a solid tick since we've heard any rustling in the bushes from Phase One, but the company's striking back with a vengeance with the 645 (also known as the Mamiya 645AFDIII). Hailed as the "world's most flexible, open medium format digital camera platform," the unit plays nice with a smorgasbord of high-end lenses (Mamiya's 645 family, Hasselblad V-lenses and Pentacon Six lenses, for starters), and can achieve shutter speeds from 1/4000 second to 60 minutes. Unfortunately, that's about all the details we're given for now, and while pre-production units are sneaking out at this week's Photo Imaging Expo, we'll be forced to hang tight until Q2 before indulging in full technical specifications. No worries -- we figure most folks will need a quarter or so to save up, anyway. [Warning: PDF read link][Thanks, Harsh A.]
Mamiya bailing on camera biz
It looks like another venerable Japanese camera company is about to exit the business, just weeks after Konica Minolta produced its last camera. According to reports out of Japan (which we've confirmed with our Japanese bureau), Mamiya, best known for its high-end pro equipment, will be selling off its film and digital camera business to focus on other sectors. The company apparently has had "stagnant sales" of its digital models, including its 22-megapixel, $12,000, Mamiya ZD, which was released in Japan in December and in Europe just last month. The buyer is apparently Cosmos Scientific, a Japanese company better known for its IT business than for any expertise in digital imaging. As of now, it looks like the deal is set to close on September 1. We'll keep you posted as we get further details.