Mamiya Digital Imaging announced new M series digital backs for the Mamiya 645AFDIII medium-format camera. They include three new models: the M18, M22 and M31.

The M series digital backs have all been designed for compatibility with Mamiya’s 645AFDIII. Through use of the digital back adapter HX701, they can also be attached to the RZ Pro IID. Each digital back can be purchased separately or in a system kit with the Mamiya 645AFDIII camera and Sekor 80mm F2.8 D lens.

These large sized CCDs make the digital backs ideal for medium format photography. The M series backs are the necessity for commercial photographers and studios, covering portraiture and on location work. All these backs feature live preview delivered on a 2.2”, 230,000-dot monitor.

The M18 has the fastest capture rate of the line, and the CCD with 9 x 9 microns makes it ideal for the medium format photographer. Its manageable data size ensures for an optimized workflow. This model is also suitable for highly-sensitive photography.

The M22 digital back also works well with larger cameras, such as the Mamiya RZ ProIID. When attached to a view camera it allows for live preview for the most precise framing and focus.

Mamiya M18 Digital Back – Specifications:

• 18 Megapixels
• Maximum Image Size: 4904×3678 pixels
• CCD Size: 44.2×33.1mm
• 2.2 inch Monitor
• Sensitivity: ISO100-800
• Exposure Time From 1/10,000 sec. to 1hour
• Capture Rate: 0.8 sec. per frame
• Battery Lifetime: 4 hours/5,000 shots
• Compatible Cameras: 645DF/ 645AFDIII/AFDII/AFD

Mamiya M22 Digital Back - Specifications:

• 22.1 Megapixels
• Maximum Image Size: 5436×4080 pixels
• CCD size: 48.9×36.7mm
• 2.2 inch Monitor
• Sensitivity: ISO50-800
• Exposure Time: 1/10,000 sec. to 1hour
• Capture Rate: 1.5 sec. per frame
• Battery Lifetime 4hours/4,000 shots
• Compatible Cameras : 645DF/ 645AFDIII/AFDII/AFD

Mamiya M31 Digital Back – Specifications:

• 31.6 Megapixels
• Maximum Image Size: 6496×4872 pixels
• CCD Size: 44.2×33.1mm
• 2.2 inch Monitor
• Sensitivity: ISO100-1600
• Exposure Time: 1/10,000 sec. to 1hour
• Capture Rate: 1.25 sec. per frame
• Battery Lifetime: 4 hours/3,000 shots
• Compatible cameras: 645DF/ 645AFDIII/AFDII/AFD

According to photographyblog.com.

Mamiya has unveiled the Mamiya 645DF at the Photo Imaging 2009. It is a medium-format camera body designed for exclusive use with digital backs. So, the system includes the body itself, the multi-battery grip G8401 and the new AF 80mm F2.8 LS D Sekor lens.

The Mamiya 645DF is 645 format DSLR camera with electronically controlled focal plane shutter, TIL multi-mode, AE and AF. It is compatible with Mamiya ZD Back (and Double Buffer) digital backs.

Mamiya 645DF - Specifications:

• 6×4.5cm Format
• Image Size: 56×41.5mm (actual image)
• Viewfinder: Fixed Prism eye level viewfinder, magnification xO.71
• Field of View: Approx. 94%
• Auto Focusing System: TIL phase difference detection device, CCD line senSOl’ (I+I shaped, operation range: EVO to 18 (ISO 100)
• Exposure Modes: Aperture-priority AE, Shutter-speed priority AE, Program AE, Manual
• Metering Mode: TIL full-aperture metering; center-weighted average, Spot, Variable ratio
• Lens Mount: Mamiya 645AF leaf-shutter lenses
• Dimensions: 153 (W) x 128 (H) x 153.3 (D) mm
• Weight: 1,030g

The Mamiya Sekor AF 80mm F2.8 LS D leaf shutter lens in is capable of shutter speeds from 1/500 second to 16 seconds, and has flash synchronization. The occurrence of aberration is minimal and balance is of high quality. Switching between manual and auto focusing is controlled by simply moving the focusing ring back and forward.

Mamiya Sekor AF 80mm F2.8 LS D - Specifications:

• Optical Construction: 5 groups / 6 elements
• Angle of View: 47 degrees
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 70cm
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 0.15
• Area Covered: 377 x 279mm
• Focal Length Equivalent: 50mm
• Filter Diameter: 72mm
• Shutter Speed: 1/500 -16 seconds
• Full speed flash synchronization
• Dimensions: 51.5 (L) x 80.5 (D) mm,
• Weight: 450g

The Multi-battery Vertical Grip G8401 has been designed with the portrait photographer in mind. It has a ’smart’ function which transmits shutter release signals to synchronize flashes. This function makes it possible to shoot wirelessly with large compatible strobes.

Multi-battery Vertical Grip GB401 - Specifications:

• Shutter release button
• AE & AF lock buttons
• Rear & front electronic dials
• Powered by AA batteries
• Dimensions: 153 (L) x 115 (H) x 78 (W)mm
• Weight: 400g

More thoughts at dcviews.com.

Mamiya America announced their new high-end digital camera system – the Mamiya DL33. Featuring 33-megapixel resolution and 3.5-inch touch screen, this system provides medium format performance.

At 36 x 48mm, the DL33’s sensor is twice the size of full frame DSLR cameras and this allows a pixel size of 7.2 microns. Larger pixels produce images with excellent color accuracy, smooth, subtle transitions from tone to tone and striking highlight and shadow detail. In addition, the larger format produces images with a more three-dimensional look.

The 3.5-inch touch screen, the largest in the industry, offers a bright, high-contrast display ideal for outdoor or indoor work.

The DL33 combines the Mamiya 645AFD III camera body with the innovative 33 megapixel Aptus-II 7 Digital Back from Leaf. The 645AFD III body also has a new coreless motor for faster, more accurate autofocusing and an enhanced interface system.

The camera features 16-bit capture, 12-stop dynamic range and an ISO range of 50-800. The 33 MP back produces a huge 67Mb RAW file that can be converted into jpegs, 8-bit or 16-bit tiff files – by the way, a 16-bit tiff file is 190 Mb(!!). So, with such large images, you can crop a small portion of the image without a noticeable loss in quality.

Mamiya also have a special consumer introductory offer: during the months of April and May, customers who purchase a Mamiya DL33 will receive a FREE AF 55mm f2.8 or AF 150mm f3.5 lens. (priced actually at $1100).

Mamiya DL33 digital camera system – Specifications:

• Mamiya 645AFD III body
• 33 megapixel Aptus-II 7 Digital Bac
• 36 x 48mm Sensor
• New coreless motor
• 3.5-inch touch screen
• Continuous Shooting: 1 fps
• 16-bit capture
• 12-stop dynamic range
• ISO range of 50-800
• Image Formats: RAW, Jpeg
• Included Accessories: FireWire cable
• Compatible with Mamiya abd Hasselblad V lenses
• Will be available Apri
• Priced at $19,999
• Kit includes AF 55mm f2.8 or AF 150mm f3.5 lens

More thoughts at dcviews.com.