Mamiya
Japanese photographic-equipment brand best known for professional medium-format film cameras, lenses, and digital imaging systems.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Mamiya is a Japanese photographic equipment brand founded in 1940, known for professional medium-format cameras and lenses. Its product line includes classic models such as the Mamiya Six, RB67, RZ67, and 645 series, as well as later digital backs and digital cameras. Phase One acquired a stake in 2009 and completed the acquisition in 2015, integrating the brand into its medium-format imaging operations.
History
Mamiya was established in May 1940 by camera designer Seiichi Mamiya and financial backer Tsunejiro Sugawara. Its first important product was the Mamiya Six, a folding medium-format rangefinder camera. The company’s early development established a pattern that continued throughout its history: combining relatively portable camera bodies with large film formats and lenses intended to deliver professional image quality. After the Second World War, Mamiya expanded into 135 film. It began manufacturing 35 mm cameras in 1949 and later offered the Mamiya-35 rangefinder family, the Prismat SLR, TL and DTL cameras, and subsequent SX, XTL, NC1000, ZE, ZM, and related models. The ZM, introduced in 1982, was the final Mamiya 135 film camera. A financial crisis affecting Osawa, one of Mamiya’s principal distributors, contributed to the company’s decision to discontinue 135-film camera production in 1984 and focus on the professional medium-format market. Mamiya’s strongest historical position came from its medium-format systems. The company produced 6×6 cm twin-lens reflex cameras in the C series, including models with interchangeable lenses and bellows focusing. In 1962 it introduced the Mamiya Press family, which served press and commercial photographers and included Super and Universal variants. The RB67, launched in 1970, was a large professional 6×7 cm single-lens reflex camera with a rotating back and built-in bellows focusing. Its ability to change orientation by rotating the back rather than the entire camera made it especially useful in studio work. The RZ67, introduced in 1982, modernized the concept with a more advanced electronically controlled design. In 1975 Mamiya introduced the M645, its first single-lens reflex system designed specifically around the 6×4.5 cm format. The format provided more exposures per roll than 6×6 or 6×7 while retaining a larger image area than 35 mm film. Mamiya later developed autofocus 645 systems, culminating in the 645AF and the 645AFD platform. These cameras accepted interchangeable lenses and film or digital backs and helped carry the brand from traditional professional film photography into digital production. The company also developed compact medium-format rangefinders. The Mamiya 6, introduced in 1989, used a collapsible lens arrangement that made it comparatively portable. The Mamiya 7 followed in 1995 with a 6×7 cm frame and a broader lens offering; the Mamiya 7 II added refinements including multiple-exposure capability. These cameras became recognized for quiet operation and high-quality optics and remain sought after in the used and collector markets. Mamiya’s digital transition included the Mamiya ZD, a 22-megapixel integrated medium-format camera announced in 2004. The company also announced a ZD digital back for use with 645AFD bodies, although delays reduced its market timing. In 2009, it released the M18, M22, and M31 digital backs, compatible with parts of the 645AFD and RZ/RB ecosystems through appropriate adapters and with 4×5-inch view cameras. Later that year, Mamiya introduced the 645DF, a digital-only professional body with improved autofocus, mirror-up, shutter-lag, and flash-synchronization capabilities. The DM22, DM28, and DM33 systems followed in 2010. Corporate restructuring accompanied these product changes. In 2006, the camera and optical business was transferred from Mamiya Op to Mamiya Digital Imaging. Phase One acquired a major stake in Mamiya in 2009. In 2012, Mamiya and Leaf Imaging were brought together under the Mamiya Leaf identity, creating a combined medium-format digital-imaging offering. Phase One completed its acquisition of Mamiya in 2015 and made the Saku factory its Japan headquarters. Mamiya Op continued separately with industrial and electronics operations as well as fishing and golf products through associated businesses. The supplied reference material does not clearly document the standalone Mamiya brand’s current corporate status.
- 2015
Phase One purchase completed
[1]Phase One purchases Mamiya and uses the Saku factory as its Japan headquarters.
- 2010
DM systems launched
[1]Mamiya introduces professional digital systems based on 645 bodies and medium-format backs.
- 2009
Phase One takes a major stake
[1]The Danish digital-imaging company invests in Mamiya.
- 2006
Camera business transferred
[1]Camera and optical operations move to Mamiya Digital Imaging from Mamiya Op.
- 2004
Mamiya ZD announced
[1]Mamiya develops an integrated 22-megapixel medium-format digital camera.
- 1999
645AF presented
[1]The autofocus 645 platform is presented as a base for film and digital-back systems.
- 1995
Mamiya 7 introduced
[1]Mamiya launches a 6×7 cm rangefinder noted for portability and optical quality.
- 1989
Mamiya 6 introduced
[1]The company returns to a compact medium-format rangefinder design.
- 1984
135 film production discontinued
[1]Following distributor Osawa’s bankruptcy, Mamiya ends 135-film camera production and concentrates on medium format.
- 1982
RZ67 introduced
[1]The electronically advanced successor to the RB67 expands Mamiya’s professional studio system.
Products and positioning
High-end professional and enthusiast photographic equipment, especially modular medium-format systems valued for image quality, durability, lens performance, and studio or commercial use.
medium-format rangefinder camera · 1940
Mamiya Six
Introduced in 1940, the Mamiya Six was a folding medium-format rangefinder and one of the company’s earliest important products. Its large film frame, compact folded form, and historical importance have made early examples desirable among collectors.
professional press camera · 1962
Mamiya Press
The Mamiya Press family, introduced in 1962, targeted press, commercial, and documentary photographers. Super and Universal variants supported professional applications and became part of Mamiya’s broad medium-format rangefinder heritage.
6×6 twin-lens reflex camera
Mamiya C series
The C-series twin-lens reflex cameras used interchangeable lenses and bellows focusing, unusual features in a medium-format TLR system. Models including the C2, C3, and C330s served advanced amateurs and professional photographers.
6×7 medium-format SLR · 1970
Mamiya RB67
The RB67 is a large professional single-lens reflex system introduced in 1970. Its rotating back enabled landscape and portrait compositions without rotating the camera, while built-in bellows focusing supported close-up and studio work. It became one of Mamiya’s best-known professional cameras.
6×4.5 medium-format SLR · 1975
Mamiya 645
The M645, introduced in 1975, was designed specifically for the 6×4.5 cm format. It offered more exposures per 120 roll than larger medium-format formats and developed into a long-running family of professional and enthusiast bodies, lenses, backs, and accessories.
6×7 medium-format SLR · 1982
Mamiya RZ67
Introduced in 1982, the RZ67 was a more advanced electronic successor to the RB67. It retained the professional 6×7 cm modular concept and became a major studio and commercial photography platform alongside systems from Hasselblad, Bronica, Rollei, and Pentax.
6×6 medium-format rangefinder camera · 1989
Mamiya 6
The later Mamiya 6, introduced in 1989, was an electronic 6×6 cm rangefinder with a collapsible lens arrangement. Its compact size, quiet operation, and strong lens reputation made it attractive to travel, landscape, and documentary photographers.
6×7 medium-format rangefinder camera · 1995
Mamiya 7 and 7 II
The Mamiya 7 arrived in 1995 with a 6×7 cm frame and interchangeable lenses. The 7 II added refinements including multiple-exposure capability. Both models were valued for relatively compact handling, quiet operation, and high-quality optics; production of the family ended in the 2010s.
integrated medium-format digital camera · 2004
Mamiya ZD
The ZD was conceived as an integrated medium-format digital camera rather than a conventional digital back. It used the Mamiya 645AF lens system and a 22-megapixel sensor, although development and delivery delays affected its market position.
medium-format digital camera back · 2009
Mamiya M digital backs
The M18, M22, and M31 digital backs were released in 2009 for selected Mamiya medium-format systems and compatible view-camera applications. They represented the company’s effort to extend its modular film-camera ecosystem into professional digital workflows.
digital medium-format camera body · 2009
Mamiya 645DF
The 645DF was a digital-only professional body in Mamiya’s 6×4.5 autofocus family. It added refinements to mirror-up operation, shutter response, autofocus behavior, and compatibility with leaf-shutter lenses capable of high-speed flash synchronization.
professional digital medium-format system · 2010
Mamiya DM Systems
The DM22, DM28, and DM33 systems combined Mamiya camera bodies with digital backs offering different resolutions. They were designed for commercial and studio photographers needing a complete medium-format digital capture package.
photographic lenses
Mamiya-Sekor lenses
Mamiya-Sekor lenses were produced for the company’s 35 mm and medium-format camera systems. Optical quality and compatibility across professional platforms were central to the brand’s reputation, particularly in the 645, RB67, RZ67, and rangefinder families.
Brand decisions
2015
Complete the Phase One acquisitionM&ABackground
Phase One had held a major stake in Mamiya since 2009 and had already integrated Mamiya with Leaf Imaging.
Action taken
Phase One purchased Mamiya and designated the Saku factory as its Japan headquarters.
Aftermath
Mamiya became part of Phase One’s medium-format imaging operations; the continuing legal and commercial status of the standalone Mamiya brand is not established in the supplied references.
2012
Create the Mamiya Leaf brandM&ABackground
Phase One controlled both Mamiya and Leaf Imaging, each contributing products and expertise to professional medium-format imaging.
Action taken
The businesses were combined under the Mamiya Leaf identity to integrate product development, sales, and support.
Aftermath
The rebranding sought to provide a more unified medium-format digital-camera system and customer-service structure.
2009
Partner with Phase OneStrategyBackground
Professional photography was shifting from film backs to high-resolution digital capture, an area in which Phase One already had a strong position.
Action taken
Phase One acquired a major stake in Mamiya and connected the two companies’ medium-format businesses.
Aftermath
Mamiya expanded its digital-back and digital-camera offering, including the M-series backs and 645DF platform.
2006
Separate the camera and optical businessStrategyBackground
Mamiya’s activities had expanded beyond cameras into fishing, industrial, electronics, and golf-related businesses.
Action taken
The camera and optical operations were transferred from Mamiya Op to Mamiya Digital Imaging.
Aftermath
The restructuring created a more distinct vehicle for the photographic business while Mamiya Op continued separately in other sectors.
1984
Concentrate on professional medium formatStrategyBackground
Mamiya faced disruption after Osawa, a major distributor, entered the Japanese equivalent of bankruptcy. At the same time, the company’s professional medium-format systems offered a stronger strategic identity than its increasingly competitive 35 mm business.
Action taken
Mamiya discontinued production of 135-film cameras and focused its camera business on professional medium-format equipment.
Aftermath
The decision reinforced Mamiya’s association with professional medium-format photography and led to continued development of the 645, RB67, RZ67, and related systems.
Recent events
- 2015
Phase One completes purchase of Mamiya[1]
M&A
Phase One purchased Mamiya and designated the Saku factory as its Japan headquarters.
- 2012
Mamiya and Leaf Imaging are integrated as Mamiya Leaf[1]
M&A
Phase One combined Mamiya and Leaf Imaging under the Mamiya Leaf brand to streamline medium-format product development and customer support.
- 2010
Mamiya releases DM digital systems[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Mamiya introduced DM22, DM28, and DM33 systems pairing medium-format camera bodies with digital backs of different resolutions.
- 2009
Phase One acquires a major stake in Mamiya[1]
M&A
Danish medium-format digital-imaging company Phase One acquired a major stake in Mamiya, linking the Japanese camera maker more closely with the digital-back market.
- 2009
Mamiya launches M-series digital backs[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Mamiya introduced the M18, M22, and M31 digital backs for selected Mamiya medium-format and view-camera systems.
- 2009
Mamiya introduces the 645DF digital camera[1]
Product launch · Product generation
The 645DF became the digital-only successor in Mamiya’s professional 6×4.5 autofocus system and supported selected leaf-shutter lenses.
- 2006
Mamiya transfers camera and optical operations to Mamiya Digital Imaging[1]
Other
The camera and optical business was separated from Mamiya Op and transferred to Mamiya Digital Imaging.
Sources1 sources
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