ers that allows the use of Hasselblad V-series lenses on the Mamiya 645AF cameras; and an IR Photo filter for the Mamiya ZD Digital back (shown). Delivery of all of the new products is expected this month.
For details, read the Mamiya press releases:
Mamiya Upgrades the Mamiya Macro MF 120mm F4 Lens
Elmsford NY, January 10, 2008 — Mamiya has introduced the new Mamiya Sekor Macro MF 120mm f/4 D Lens — successor to the popular Mamiya Macro MF 120mm f/4 Lens.
“The Mamiya 120mm f/4 macro lens is one of the sharpest lenses available today,” said Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, “and it has already been critically corrected for digital imaging. But it needed an upgrade to be fully compatible with the latest cameras, software and digital backs.”
The primary upgrade of the new lens is related to digital communication with the camera. Data transfer is now controlled by a 16-bit CPU instead of the previous 4-bit CPU.
The advantages of the new CPU are:
Rewritability: The new 16-bit CPU is rewritable and can be overwritten with firmware upgrades that would be required for compatibility with future cameras and digital backs.
Finer Lens Correction: Thanks to the bigger capacity of the CPU, the new lens has more lens data. It is possible to apply finer lens-characteristic corrections when using Mamiya??™s Digital Photostudio?® software.
Fast, Reliable Communication: The new CPU enables faster and more reliable communication with the camera body.
As its name suggests, the new D-series lens shows it??™s true capabilities when shooting with the Mamiya ZD Digital back and other high-end digital backs. However, it is designed to be equally at home with film backs.
The new Mamiya Sekor Macro MF 120mm f/4 D Lens is compatible with the Mamiya 645AFD ll camera and is available for immediate delivery.
Mamiya introduces Lens Adapters for Hasselblad Lenses
Elmsford NY, January 10, 2008 — Mamiya has announced the release of two Mamiya Lens Mount Adapters that allows the use of Hasselblad V-series medium format lenses on Mamiya 645AF series cameras (645AF, 645AFD, and 645AFD II).
“The adapters provide the mechanical interface and precise flange-to-film plane distance required for proper focusing of Hasselblad lenses,” said Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, “allowing the photographer to use their existing Hasselblad V series lenses on the high-precision Mamiya 645AFD II. We are confident that photographers are looking to make the transition from film to digital as efficiently as possible, and this adapter is definitely a way to do that.”
To use the lenses, simply focus with the lens wide open (the camera provides focus confirmation assistance), then stop-down for proper exposure meter readings. The 645AF/AFD/AFD II can use shutter priority, aperture priority or manual metering modes. The adapters come in black (#404) or silver (#405) and will be available in January 2008.
IR Photo Filter Allows Infrared Photography with the Mamiya ZD Digital Back
Elmsford NY, January 10, 2008 — Mamiya has announced the release of an IR Photo filter for the Mamiya ZD Digital back.
“Today‘s CCD sensors are highly sensitive to infrared light,” said Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, “and the IR Cut filter built into cameras reduces infrared light transmission. The result is more accurate and natural color. The IR Cut filter, however, makes infrared photography impossible. In response to the large number of requests from infrared photographers, especially with the scarcity of infrared film, this filter was created.”
Mamiya developed the IR Photo Filter for use on the Mamiya ZD Digital Back. The IR Photo Filter YD401 (which replaces the standard IR Cut Filter) is a clear filter that allows the transmission of infrared light as well as visible light rays.
“Unlike specialized IR cameras or modified systems,” states Karp, “the Mamiya ZD Digital Back can be transformed from standard digital to IR digital, simply by changing the user-replaceable sensor filters.”
Photographers will need to add an infrared filter (89B or 87) on the front of the lens to produce typical infrared images with dramatic dark skies, glowing greens and “magical” skin tones.
It is available mid-January 2008.
