User:Heritagefutures
Contents
Collection Interests (eclectic)
- Simmon-Omega/Koni-Omega/Rapid Omega family of cameras
- Japanese aerial and other military cameras
- Foth & Co cameras and binoculars
- Konica model I cameras (variants)
- Cameras with Gitzo Shutters and Gitzo gear (older stuff preferred)
- Konishiruku and Rukuoh-Sha (not systematic)
- Mamiya Six cameras (variants)
Websites
MY SANDBOX
Given the quite erratic nature of model numbering that occurred over the years, the chronology of the thirteen major Mamiya Six models is set out in Table 1. The characteristcs of the individual models, as well as the variants within these models, are described further below. If in doubt about some of the features mentioned in the type descriptions, please refer to the visual documentation of the critical elements.
Table 1 Chronology of Mamiya Six Cameras
Release Date | Model/Variant |
1940, September | Mamiya Six I |
1941, January | Mamiya Six Ia |
1942, January | Mamiya Six III |
1943 | Mamiya Six II |
1947 | Mamiya Six IV |
1953, November | Mamiya Six V |
1954, August | Mamiya Six K |
1955, May | Mamiya Six IVb |
1955, December | Mamiya Six Automat |
1956, March | Mamiya Six K2 |
1957, May | Mamiya Six IVb |
1957, October | Mamiya Six IVs |
1957, December | Mamiya Six P |
1958 | Mamiya Six Automat 2 |
Pre-War and War-Time Models
The first model was released in December 1940. In subsesequent years, until the end of the war, the Mamiya Six was significantly modified at least three times: in early 1941 (Ia) with two additional models introduced in the next two years. Erratically, Model III was released in 1942 (according to the official Mamiya history website[1] before Model II (1943). All pre-war and war-time models have a set of range finder windows and a seperate waist-level brillant-type finder, resulting in three windows in the front. All units have a single red film frame counter window counter on the back with a horizontal slider. The pre-war and war-time models were all 6x6 format cameras.
Mamiya Six I
The camera was advertised in September 1940[2] and released in December 1940 at a price of ¥248[3]
Technical details
- All units are covered with leatherette. The camera has a slightly larger waist level viewfinder (12 x 12 mm) than the subsequent models. The film respool knob is a solid knurled knob. The indicator arrow next to the film counter is a pointed arrow with a thin tail
Dimensions:
- 140 x 103 x 51mm (closed), weight 780g.
Lens and shutter combinations:
- Interestingly, Mamiya offered purchasers to bring their own lenses, which would be installed in the '0' shutters. This resulted in a range of known shutter combinations.
Mamiya Six Ia
The next iteration, publicised in January 1941[4] saw the use of a larger shutter, which required the redesign of the strut system. [5] The camera sold for ¥298.
Technical details
- All units are covered with leatherette. The camera has a slightly larger waist level viewfinder (12 x 12 mm) than the subsequent models. The film respool knob is a solid knurled knob. The indicator arrow next to the film counter is a pointed arrow with a thin tail
Dimensions:
- 140 x 103 x 51mm (closed), weight 780g.
Lens and shutter combinations:
- K.O.L. Anastigmat 75mm f3.5 in K.O.L. Rapid '0' shutter
- K.O.L. Special 75mm f3.5 in ¶¶¶ '0' shutter with T, B, 1-1/200 sec (standard)
Mamiya Six Model Ia. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Mamiya Six II
The camera was introduced in ¶¶ 1943.[6] Even though numbered Mamiya II, this is in fact the third model to have been introduced. Like the Mamiya Six III, this model has a red double exposure warning pane in the rangefinder window.
Version of Mamiya 6-iii without flash contact.
Technical details
- Like the Mamiya Six III from which this model is dereived, the Six II has a smaller waist level finder (10 x10 mm) and the dimpled shutter release button.
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six III
The camera was introduced in ¶¶ 1942[7] The camera was fitted with a double exposure warning system, comprised of a small half-pane that would appear in the rangefinder window. Minor body modifications include the provision of two triangular plates to a carry strap
Double exposure warning mark in viewfinder. Flash contact.
Technical details
- The Mamiya Six II has a smaller waist level finder (10 x10 mm). The shutter release button now has a slight depressions (dimple) in the top.
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six III no.23875, Compur shutter (T, B, 1–300), Nikkor 7.5cm f/4.5 lens no.75183. Pictures courtesy of eBayer badman664. (Image rights) |
Post-War Models
Production of the Mamiya Six was restarted after World War II. It is not clear whether, and to what extent units of the Mamiya Six III design were built from existing spare parts. The first new model to appear was the Mamiya IV.
Mamiya Six IV
The camera was introduced in ¶¶ 1947.[8]
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six IVb
May 1955 Mamiya 6-iV B Camera body size and weight were reduced to increase compactness.
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six IVs
October 1957 Mamiya 6-iV S Further reduced size and weight from type iV B with addition of built-in self-timer.
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six IV no.35446, Zuiko 7.5cm f/3.5 lens no.38265. Pictures courtesy of Adrian Gotts. (Image rights) |
Mamiya Six P
December 1957 Mamiya 6-P Economy priced version of 6-iV S.
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six V
November 1953
Mamiya 6-V
Dual format (6x4.5cm and 6x6cm) with automatic film winding
adjustment. Maximum shutter speed improved to 1/500 sec.
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six K
August 1954
Mamiya 6-K
Popular version of Mamiya 6-V without automatic film winding stop.
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six K2
March 1956
Mamiya 6-K ii
Advanced model to type K with built-in format conversion.
(6x6 to 6x4.5cm)
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six Automat
December 1955
Mamiya 6-Automat
Japan's first automatic shutter cocking by film advancing.
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Mamiya Six Automat 2
1958
Mamiya 6 Automat 2
Most highly featured Mamiya 6 camera with Sekor lens, bright
Albada finder and other advanced features. Last model of the
original folding Mamiya 6 series cameras.
Technical details
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Dimensions:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Lens and shutter combinations:
- TEXT TEXT TEXT
Notes
- ↑ History of Mamiya Six (Mamiya history website)
- ↑ Asahi Camera September 1940 Neco's Mamiya page
- ↑ Mamiya Six I (Mamiya history website)
- ↑ Asahi Camera January 1941, February 1941 Neco's Mamiya page
- ↑ Mamiya Six Ia (Mamiya history website)
- ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ Neco's Mamiya page
- ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ Neco's Mamiya page
- ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ Neco's Mamiya page
PAGE 2 Mamiya Six Design Variations
This page provides a visual overview over those design elements of the Mamiya Six cameras that permit an accurate identification of the various variants.
Dichotomous Key (model Identification)
The Mamiya Six comes in a bewildering range of variants. The dichotomous key provided below provides an avenue at identifying the types of Mamiya Six. Given the confusing similarity of models and variants, it is recommended that you follow the steps, rather than scanning for criteria. When you have identified your model, click on the model name to see a full description. If you are unclear about one of the criteria, either click on the name or scroll down to the bottom of the page for visual identification guides.
How many viewfinder windows are on the front?
- The right hand, square window is:
- Flush with the casing
- Surrounded by a small back rim
- Surrounded by small rectangular plate
- Surrounded by a rectangular plate that encompasses the left round window as well
- Does the body have triangular neckstrap lugs?
- Yes → Mamiya Six I
- No
Mamiya Six Ia Mamiya Six III Mamiya Six II
Lenses and Shutters
The Mamiya Six was manufactured in a wide range of lenses and shutters. That holds particularly true for the pre-War and War period, when prospective buyers could even bring in their own shutters and lenses to be fitted.
K.O.L. Special 75mm f3.5 in NKS–TOKIO shutter |
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Lens and Shutter Combinations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Double Exposure Prevention
Type I None, pull-out knob only |
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Lens and Shutter Combinations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Body Shape Variations
Name Plate
Serial Number above MAMIYA SIX |
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Nameplate variations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Rangefinder Windows (front)
Three windows |
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Nameplate variations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Flash Shoe
Three screws |
http://XXX.jpg Two screws oblique |
http://XXX.jpg Two screws vertical |
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Flash-shoe variations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Knobs and Struts
Film Advance Knob
Solid, knurled Knob |
http://XXX.jpg Mushroom-shaped knob |
http://XXX.jpg Mushroom-shaped knob with film speed |
http://XXX.jpg Mushroom-shaped knob with film type |
Variations of the film advance knob of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Front Door Release
raised button |
http://XXX.jpg XXX |
http://XXX.jpg XXX |
http://XXX.jpg XXXX |
Variations of the front door release of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Lettering and Labelling
Frame Counter
http://XXX.jpg Line Arrow |
Hollow triangle |
http://XXX.jpg Hollow broad arrow |
http://XXX.jpg Filled broad arrow |
http://XXX.jpg Filled triangle |
http://XXX.jpg Drop-shaped counter |
Variations of the frame counter of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Depth of Field Indicator
XXX |
http://XXX.jpg XXX |
http://XXX.jpg XXX |
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Variations of the Depth of Field Indicator of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Focus Wheel
http://XXX.jpg Line Arrows |
http://XXX.jpg Filled arrows |
http://XXX.jpg Filled arrow, no '1' shown |
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Variations of the focus wheel of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |
Labels on the Inside
MAMIYA SIX 6x6 TOKYO NIPPON |
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Labels found in the back door of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) |