Mamiya 6
Mamiya has long been known as the camera company that created cameras that did things that other cameras didn't. Their C-series Twin Lens Reflexes set the standard as effectively the only TLRs with interchangeable lenses. Their lines of rotating back - RB - 6x7 SLRs are the workhorses of medium format studio photographers around the world. So what was left to do after all of these innovations? How about an electronically controlled, aperture priority, interchangeable lens, medium format rangefinder?
The Mamiya 6 hit the camera store shelves in 1989 and it was indeed revolutionary. Not only did Mamiya manage all of their goals of creating a cutting-edge medium format rangefinder, but they made a medium format camera that was light and remarkably compact.
As a street camera, the Mamiya 6 is light weight, comfortable, and extraordinarily quiet. Thanks to its partially collapsible lens mount, the Mamiya 6 is small enough to to fit very easily into a bag and still leave enough room for a couple of extra lenses. Famous as a street camera, it is also an excellent choice for backpackers and other landscape artists.
As for lenses, Mamiya produced a 50mm f/4, a 75mm f/3.5, and a 150mm f/4.5. Each of these lenses has a manual aperture ring and electrical connections to control their leaf shutters. For the different focal length lenses, Mamiya engineered frame lines that are set automatically when each lens is mounted. Changing lenses mid-roll is made possible thanks to a cloth dark slide that shutters closed over the film plane.
After a 6 year run, the Mamiya 6 production was stopped in 1995 when Mamiya replaced it with a 6x7 rangefinder. Despite its relatively short production, the Mamiya 6 remains extremely popular as a great way to use a medium format camera to take on a hike, use on the street, or even in the studio. It may be difficult to get your hands on one these days, but when you do, you'll see what that revolutionary engineering can bring to your photography.
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