Difference between revisions of "User:Heritagefutures"

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==Lens and shutter combinations==
 
==Lens and shutter combinations==
 
* [[Kajiro_Kōgaku|K.O.L.]] Special f/3.5 75mm
 
* [[Kajiro_Kōgaku|K.O.L.]] Special f/3.5 75mm
−
**in WESTER-MODEL-I shutter (T, B, 1-200th)<ref>Illustrated on the back panel of a [http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/5254049972 Brochure (1943?) on the Mamiya Six III]</ref>
+
**in [[Nishida shutters| WESTER-MODEL-I]] shutter (T, B, 1-200th)<ref>Illustrated on the back panel of a [http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/5254049972 Brochure (1943?) on the Mamiya Six III]</ref>
 
*T.S.M. Anastigmat f/3.5 75mm  
 
*T.S.M. Anastigmat f/3.5 75mm  
 
**in [[Olympus|OLYMPUS]]-TOKYO-N KOHO shutter (B, T, 1-200th)<ref> sn#22344—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann </ref>
 
**in [[Olympus|OLYMPUS]]-TOKYO-N KOHO shutter (B, T, 1-200th)<ref> sn#22344—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann </ref>

Revision as of 22:00, 17 December 2010

Contents

Collection Interests (eclectic)

Websites

www.ausphoto.net

TO DO

Photograph:

  • door catches of the two Six III versions
  • door shape of the two Six III versions


Resources

six-pane documentation

5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg XXXX.jpg 5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
XXXX.jpg 5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg XXXX.jpg
Mamiya Six Model XXXXXX. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

right float image

5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION
Image by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) (Image rights)


MY SANDBOX

 
[1]
This is a work in progress.

PAGE ONE -- MAIN ENTRY FOR MAMIYA-SIX

Japanese Six (6×6)
Prewar and wartime models (edit)
folding
Adler Six | Bonny Six | Clover-Six | Condor Six | First Six | Gelto Six | Gotex | Green | Lyra Six | Super Makinet Six | Mamiya Six | Miyako Six | Mulber Six | Mulix | National Six | Neure Six | Oko Six | Olympus Six | Pilot Six | Romax | Ugein | Vester-Six | Victor Six | Weha Six
collapsible
Ehira Chrome Six | Minolta Six | Shinko Super | Weha Chrome Six
unknown
Freude Six | Heart Camera | Konter Six | Tsubasa Six
Postwar models (edit)
folding
Aires Viceroy | Angel Six | Aram Six | Astoria Super Six | Atom Six | Balm Six | Baron | Beauty Six (1950) | Beauty Six (1953) | Calm Six | Carl Six | Centre Six | Crown | Crystar Six | Daido Six | Dorima Six | Doris Six | Ehira Six | Elbow Six | First Six | Flora Six | Fodor Six | Frank Six | Fujica Six | Super Fujica Six | Futami Six | Gotex | Grace Six | Kohken Chrome Six | Kyowa Six | Liner Six | Lyra Six | Mamiya Six | Middl Six | Mihama Six | Mine Six | Minon Six | Mizuho Six | Motoka Six | Mount Six | Muse Six | Super Naiku | Ofuna Six | Olympus Six | Olympus Chrome Six | Orion Six | Oscar Six | Pigeon Six | Planet | Please Six | Pluto Six | Poppy Six | Press Van | Press Van-120 | Proud Chrome Six | Proud Super Six | Renown Six | Ricoh Six | Ruvikon | Ruvinal | Sanon Six | Silver Six | Sisley 1 | Sisley 2 & 3 | Sister Six | Tenar Six | Toho Six | Tomic | Toyoca Six | Ugein Six | Wagen Six | Walcon 6 | Welmy Six | Wester | Windsor Six
rigid or collapsible
Dia Six | Ehira Chrome Six | Enon Six | Flora | Flashline | Fujipet | Harmony | Mikono-6 | Orion | Ponix | Rich-Ray-6 | Shumy | Weha Chrome Six
Japanese SLR, TLR, pseudo TLR and stereo models ->
Japanese 3×4 and 4×4, 4×5 and 4×6.5, 4.5×6 and older 6×9 ->

This article is about the spring-folder camera made by Mamiya in the 1940s and 50s. For the 1990s camera, see Mamiya 6.

The Mamiya Six is a series of 6×6 folders with a coupled rangefinder, made by Mamiya from 1940 to the 1950s. All of them are focused by moving the film plane, rather than the more common front-cell focussing of other folders of the time.

History

Seiichi Mamiya's camera design departed from the common method of front cell focussing. In order to be able to control the camera while maintaining a firm hold, he designed a method that allowed the film plane to move in relation to the lens. He filed his invention on 1 July 1939 in Japan[2] and on 5 June 1940 in the U.S.A. The U.S. Patent (nº 2,305,301) was granted on 15 December 1942, but, because of the state of war between the USA and Japan, was vested in the Alien Property Custodian.[3]

Evolution

The first model (Mamiya Six I) was advertised in September 1940 and first went on sale in December 1940. Until the end of the World War II, the Mamiya Six was significantly modified at least three times: first in early 1941 (model Ia) with two additional improved models introduced in the next two years. Erratically, model III was released in 1942[4] before model II appeared in 1943. All pre-war and war-time models have a twin set of range finder windows as well as a small, seperate Brillant-type waist-level viewfinder, resulting in three windows at the front. All units have a single red film frame counter window counter on the back with a horizontal slider opening to the left. The Mamiya Six III added an exposure counter with double exposure prevention. The pre-war and war-time models were all 6x6 format cameras.

Production of the Mamiya Six was restarted after World War II. The first cameras to be sold were Mamiya Six III. It is not clear to what extent these units were assembled from existing spare parts, or whether all are totally new construction. The official Mamiya history states that ¶¶¶ These post-War Mamiya Six III were fitted with which was introduced in Takatiho Tokio Zuiko f/3.5 75mm lenses, which debuted in 1946.[5] The first new model to appear was the Mamiya Six IV, introduced in 1947, which dispensed with the waist-level finder. It remained the sole model until 1953. The Mamiya Six V added the dual 6×6 and 4.5×6 format capability, with an exposure counter functioning with both formats. The Mamiya Six K was a simpler model, with film advance via red windows.

In 1955, the Mamiya Six IVb introduced a squarer body design, easily recognized by the square rangefinder window. Its features were similar to the model IV. The Mamiya Six K2 was similar to the model K with the new body. The body design was slightly modified again for the Mamiya Six IVs and simpler Mamiya Six P.

From 1955, the Mamiya Six Automat and the later Automat 2 added a coupling between the shutter cocking and the film advance.

Chronology of Models

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 which provides a dichotomous key as well as a series of illustrations showing the model-specific details.


Table 1 Chronology of Mamiya Six Cameras

Release Date     Model/Variant
pre-War Production 1940, September    Mamiya Six I
1941, January
  		   Mamiya Six Ia
 
War Production 1942, January    Mamiya Six III
1943    Mamiya Six II
1943?    Mamiya Six IIa
1945
  		   Production Ceased
 
post-War Production   1946, November    Mamiya Six III
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, October    Mamiya Six IVs
1957, December    Mamiya Six P
1958    Mamiya Six Automat 2
 
 



5243452892_1f88cf2af0_m.jpg
Mamiya Six I 		5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six Ia 		5143934611_684fbccfb5_m.jpg
Mamiya Six II 		5256561097_791e915a88_m.jpg
Mamiya Six IIa
5260055103_ec7f7d42aa_m.jpg
Mamiya Six III 		5260798892_f47fa13428_m.jpg
Mamiya Six IV 		5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six V 		5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six IVb
5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six IVs 		5260128111_aba0948305_m.jpg
Mamiya Six K 		5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six K2 		5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six P
5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six Automat 		5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six Automat 2
Mamiya Six Model I sn# 2854 with K.O.L. Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 in MSU-TOKYO NEW HIT shutter.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

TEMPLATE CHART

Mamiya Six Chronology (edit)
pre-War World War II post-War MIOJ
1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
Six I  
Six II  
Six III ? Six III  
Six IV  

MIOJ—Made in Occupied Japan


Dichotomous Key to aid identification of models

The Mamiya Six comes in a bewildering range of variants. The following 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. Once you have identified your model, click on the model name to be taken to 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.

START : How many viewfinder windows are on the front?
TWO Windows
Is there a horizontal bar underneath the lens?
Yes
The right hand, square viewfinder window is:
Flush with the casing→Mamiya Six Automat
Surrounded by a small back rim → Mamiya Six Automat 2
No
The right hand, square viewfinder window is:
Flush with the casing
Film Advance knob is
Solid with film speed on top→Mamiya Six P
Mushroom shaped
Depth of Field Indicator is
in a small raised ring → Mamiya Six IVb
flush with top housing → Mamiya Six K2
Surrounded by a small black rim → Mamiya Six IVs
Surrounded by small rectangular plate
Viewfinder housing to the left of the shutter release is
Curved→ Mamiya Six IV
Straight → Mamiya Six K
Surrounded by a rectangular plate that encompasses the left round window as well → Mamiya Six V
THREE Windows
Does the body have triangular neckstrap lugs?
Yes
How many Struts ?
Two → Mamiya Six Ia
Three → Mamiya Six I
No
Is there a Flash Contact?
Yes
The cold shoe for the flash is fastened with
two screws, set diagonal → Mamiya Six III post-War production
front door release is
single raised button → Variant A
twin set of buttons → Variant B
three screws → Mamiya Six III war-time production
No
How many Struts ?
Two → Mamiya Six IIa
Three → Mamiya Six II

Patent Application

5249018294_c98fb8c721.jpg
 5249018974_e116c66a82.jpg
Illustrations accompanying Seiichi Mamiya's Patent application for the Mamiya Six focussing system
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Notes

  1. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p.
  2. ↑ Which was granted in October 1940: <Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. iii
  3. ↑ Focussing Device for Portable Photographic Cameras. Patent application by Seiichi Mamiya, Ohita, Takata-Gun, Japan. Filed 5 June 1940, granted 15 December 1942. U.S. Patent nº 2,305,301.
  4. ↑ According to the official Mamiya history website | History of Mamiya Six (Mamiya history website)
  5. ↑ See the lens chronology on the Zukio page.


This is a work in progress.

PAGE TWO -- Mamiya Six I

The development of the camera production followed immediately after the formation of Mamiya Kōki Seisakusho (マミヤ光機製作所, Mamiya Optical Works) in May 1940.[1] First advertised in Asahi Camera in September 1940[2] the camera went on sale in December 1940 at a price of ¥248[3] According to company history, the first production of 61 cameras sold out on the first day, with orders for 250 additional units received.[4]The Mamiya Six was designed with both the domestic and the export market in mind and was heavily promoted at Japanese Export trade affairs in Japan and abroad.[5]


5161860453_8d5570d409_t.jpg
Double exposure warning mark
in viewfinder of a Mamiya Six I
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights) (Image rights)

Technical details

Full metal body construction. Body, back door and front door are made from painted sheet metal, while tip and bottom plate are made from ¶¶¶. The struts supporting the front door are chromed and shows the Mamiya logo. All units are covered with black-brown leatherette with exposed chrome top housing and bottom-plate. The Mamiya logo is embossed in the leatherette of the front door, while 'Mamiya-Six' is embossed on the back door, underneath the red window, which has a horizontal slider opening to the left. The camera has a twin set of range finder windows as well as a small, seperate Brillant-type waist-level viewfinder, resulting in three windows at the front.
      The first model of the camera has a slightly larger waist level viewfinder (12 x 12 mm) than the subsequent models. The round viewfinder window on the front has a serrated edge to it, while it is smooth on the later models. Model I is the only Mamiya Six design with small eyelets for a neck strap. Other characteristics are: a solid knurled film winding knob, a raised button (on the top plate) to release the front door; indicator arrow next to the film counter is a pointed arrow with a thin tail; the shutter release button has a rounded top; the cold shoe for the flash is affixed with three screws; the depth of field indicator at the right corner of the top housing ranges from 3.5 to 8; a bottom plate with a strengthened, raised tripod mount held by three screws and flanked by two knobs for the release of the film spools.
      The back door is hinged at the right. The camera takes 120 roll film and gives 6x6 negatives. The supply chamber is on the right and the take up spool on the left. To ensure that the film remains flat even though the film plane moves in and out with the back focussing mechanism, the Mamiya Six I has a removable pressure plate that slides in from the right. The guide rail for the removable pressure plate runs for the length of the film gate and lacks an embossed directional arrow.
      Some units of the Mamiya Six I have a double exposure warning system,[6] comprised of a small transparent, square, red coloured half-pane that appears in the rangefinder window when the shutter button on the top plate has been pressed[7]

Dimensions

140 x 103 x 51mm closed (105mm open), weight 780g.[8]

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:
  • K.O.L. Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5
    • in MSU-TOKYO NEW HIT shutter[9]
    • in RAPID K.O.L. (B, 1-500th) shutter[10]
  • K.O.L. Special f/3.5 75mm
    • in MAMIYA-SIX (B, T, 1-200th) shutter[11]
    • in NKS (B, T, 1-200th) shutter[12]
    • in NKS-TOKIO (B, T, 1-200th) shutter[13]
    • in YAMATO-RAPID (B, 1-500th) shutter[14]
  • K.O.L. Trio f/3.5 75mm
    • in ??OD. P. II (T, B, 1-300th) shutter[15]
  • Kolex Anastigmat f/3.5 75mm
    • in DABIT-SUPER (B, 1-500th) shutter[16]


5243452892_1f88cf2af0_m.jpg 5160874349_5c78f1cc97_m.jpg 5161474480_e377302b02_m.jpg
5161475342_0f0708991a_m.jpg 5161470844_4b7f83f1b6_m.jpg 5161480330_3d83f452bf_m.jpg
Mamiya Six Model I sn# 2854 with K.O.L. Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 in MSU-TOKYO NEW HIT shutter.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Mamiya Six Ia

The next iteration, publicised in January 1941[17] saw the use of a larger '00' shutter, which required the redesign of the strut system. Instead of the three-part struts, the camera has a simple, two-part strut mechanism. [18] 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. The larger diameter shutter required that the internal door catch be designed and there is a different shape to the shutter release side of the front door.

Dimensions

140 x 103 x 51mm (closed), weight 780g.

Lens and shutter combinations

  • K.O.L. Special 75mm f3.5
    • in ¶¶¶ '0' shutter with T, B, 1-1/200 sec (standard)

Manuals, Brochures and Advertisements

5254050896_1208a7ff75_m.jpg
English-language
Instruction Sheet
(insert to the Japanese set) 		5245792045_fe3593d2be_m.jpg
Advert
Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ)
April 1941, p.584. 		http://TEXT.jpg
Advert
in TEXT 		http://TEXT.jpg
Advert
in TEXT
Pre-War instruction sheets and advertisements for the Mamiya Six I Images by Rebollo_fr. (Image rights)

Notes

  1. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 3.
  2. ↑ Asahi Camera September 1940 | Neco's Mamiya page
  3. ↑ | Mamiya Six I (Mamiya history website).—See also advertisement in Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) April 1941 (Rebollo_fr flickr).—By December 1941 the Mamiya Six I sold for ¥298 ('Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p.4).
  4. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 3.
  5. ↑ According to company history, the Mamiya Six was taken on a Japanese export mission to Latin America (in December 1940) as a representative example of the Japanese camera industry (aboard the Osaka Shoshen Kaisha passenger-cum-cargo vessel Montevideo Maru). The Mamiya Six also won first prize at the Tokyo Export Promotion fair in April 1941: Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 3
  6. ↑ At least from sn#28xx onwards
  7. ↑ It is coupled with the shutter button on the top plate; thus releasing the shutter at the shutter face will not trigger the mechanism.— For appearance in viewfinder see [| here] (Flickr Image); sn #2854 Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  8. ↑ With K.O.L. Anastigmat 75mm f/3.5 in MSU-TOKYO NEW HIT shutter
  9. ↑ sn# 2854.—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann (Flickr image)
  10. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/01/010042.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  11. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/01/010030.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  12. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/01/010020.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  13. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/01/010010.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  14. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/03/031111.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  15. ↑ Advertisement in Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) April 1941 Rebollo_fr flickr
  16. ↑ [[ http://www.market4free.com/classifieds/ads/for-sale/photo-video/5918012%7CSales advertisement, seen December 2010]]
  17. ↑ Asahi Camera January 1941, February 1941 | Neco's Mamiya page
  18. ↑ | Mamiya Six Ia (Mamiya history website)
This is a work in progress.

PAGE THREE -- Mamiya Six II

The camera was introduced in 1941 and sold for ¥384.[1] [2] Even though numbered Mamiya II, this is in fact the third model to have been introduced. Like the Mamiya Six Ia, this model has a red double exposure warning pane in the rangefinder window. The Mamiya Six II is essentially a Mamiya Six III design without the flash contacts. At least some of the units seen also lack the red double-exposure warning pane in the rangefinder. Thus, in common it also has the slightly smaller waist level viewfinder (10 x 10 mm) and a smooth rim to the central viewfinder window.

Technical details

Like the Mamiya Six III from which this model is derived, the Six II has a smaller waist level finder (10 x10 mm) and the dimpled shutter release button. The guide rail for the removable pressure plate runs for the length of the film gate and now exhibits an embossed directional arrow.


Dimensions

TEXT TEXT TEXT

145 x 107 x 53mm (105mm open); 783g [3]

Lens and shutter combinations

  • K.O.L. Special 75mm f3.5
    • in NKS–TOKIO '0' shutter with T, B, 1-1/200 sec (standard)[4]
  • K.O.L. Special f/3.5 75mm
    • in GINREI KOHKI VESTER-3 (B, 1-200th) shutter[5]


5143934611_684fbccfb5_m.jpg 5143939851_bc3e0a561e_m.jpg 5144551752_43b594af00_m.jpg
4995254201_5a2e26d2d7_m.jpg 4995860410_7749e2965d_m.jpg 5144543298_f85e22c475_m.jpg
Mamiya Six Model II sn#9518 with a K.O.L. Special 75mm f/3.5 in NKS–TOKIO '0' shutter with T, B, 1-1/200 sec.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Mamiya Six IIa

As with the Mamiya Ia, this version of the Mamiya II allowed to use the larger (58mm) shutters, which required to use a simplified two-strut mechanism for the front door. This version was designed for photographers who wished to have faster (and thus usually larger diameter) shutters or have their own shutter and lens combinations installed.[6]

Dimensions

145 x 108 x 53 mm closed (105mm open); weight:827g[7]

Lens and shutter combinations


5256561097_791e915a88_m.jpg 5257172236_2a705b280e_m.jpg 5256566663_5798ea18b5_m.jpg
5257169820_66879b343d_m.jpg 5256558787_8c2c468d53_m.jpg 5256563413_3c2aa18b11_m.jpg
Mamiya Six Model IIa sn# 22344 with T.S.M. Anastigmat f/3.5 75mm in OLYMPUS-TOKYO-N KOHO shutter (B, T, 1-200th). Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Brochures and Manuals

http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg
'War-Time 'Advertising Brochure' (selective pages only) Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Notes

  1. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p.4
  2. ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ | Neco's Mamiya site
  3. ↑ With a K.O.L. Special 75mm f3.5 in NKS–TOKIO '0' shutter with T, B, 1-1/200 sec
  4. ↑ sn# 9518.—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann | (Flickr image)
  5. ↑ sn#19513—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  6. ↑ Mamiya History Pages, | Mamiya Six IIa
  7. ↑ With a T.S.M. Anastigmat f/3.5 75mm in OLYMPUS-TOKYO-N KOHO shutter (B, T, 1-200th)
  8. ↑ Illustrated on the back panel of a Brochure (1943?) on the Mamiya Six III
  9. ↑ sn#22344—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  10. ↑ | Neco's Mamiya Site


This is a work in progress.

PAGE FOUR -- Mamiya Six III

Mamiya Six Model III is unique inasmuch as its straddles World War II. Announced in March 1940, [1] before the outbreak of the Pacific War, the camera was produces as long as possible until the factory had to be moved from Tokyo in March 1945. Because the Mamiya Six seems to have been the first camera to have been ordered by the Central Purchasing Office of SCAP,[2] full scale production of the Mamiya Six III resumed in January 1946, when 46 units were delivered.[3]

War-time version

The camera was announced in February 1941[4] and introduced to the market in ¶¶ 1942[5] During the war, production volumes seem to have increased, twice necessitating an enlargement of the factory, first in February 1942 and then again in February 1944[6] In March 1944, Mamiya opened a secondary production facility at Tokyo University for the grinding and assembly of lenses.[7] The production of the Mamiya Six III was halted in March 1945, when the Mamiya factory had to be relocated from Tokyo to the intensified U.S. bombing raids.[8]

Technical details

Like the Mamiya I, the camera was fitted with a double exposure warning system, comprised of a small transparent, red coloured half-pane that would appear in the rangefinder window. At least the post war version has a shutter release lock that prevented accidental double exposure.[9] Double exposure warning mark in viewfinder. Flash contact.

The Pre-War Versions of the Mamiya Six III are built-identical with the Mamiya Six I, but have a slightly smaller waist level finder (10 x10 mm) window on the top late, while the round viewfinder window on the front has a smooth edge. The shutter release button now has a slight depression (dimple) in the top and the frame counter is encased in the shape of a droplet. The guide rail for the removable pressure plate runs for the length of the film gate and now exhibits an embossed directional arrow. The eyelets for a neck strap, which had been part of the Mamiya Six I design, have been omitted.

Dimensions

145 x 107 x 55 mm closed (107 mm open) ; weight: 820g[10]

Lens and shutter combinations

  • K.O.L. Sola Special Anastigmat f/3.5 75mm
  • K.O.L. Special f/3.5 75mm
    • in DABIT-SUPER (B, 1-500th) shutter[13]
    • in GINREI KOHKI VESTER-3 (B, 1-200th) shutter[14]
    • in NKS-TOKIO (B, T, 1-200th) shutter[15]
    • in Orient A shutter[16]
    • in TYS -II (B, T, 1-200th) shutter[17]
  • Schneider Xenar f/3.5 75mm
    • in F. DECKEL MÜNCHEN COMPUR RAPID (T, B, 1-300th) shutter[18]
 
 


5260055103_ec7f7d42aa_m.jpg 5260055671_5d4edbdbf1_m.jpg 5260667562_a69dbb7fd6_m.jpg
5260661982_feb4ff9c2a_m.jpg 5260661534_2d3de96f03_m.jpg 5260056809_e164c31807_m.jpg
War-time version of the Mamiya Six Model III with K.O.L. Special f/3.5 75mm in TYS -II (B, T, 1-200th) shutter.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Post war versions

Immediately after Japan's surrender, Mamiya sought to return to Tokyo and recommence camera production. This was facillitated in October 1946 by a major order placed by the Central Purchasing Office of SCAP. When production restarted after the war, some examples of the Mamiya Six III may well have assembled been from spare parts. Soon after, however, new bodies were machined, which have slight design variations compared with the pre-War and War-time bodies (→ technical details). These post-war versions can most readily be distinguished by the use of Takatiho Tokio Zuiko f/3.5 75mm lenses; these lenses, which were later replaced with Olympus Zuiko badged versions, were designed in post-World War II and first released in 1946.[19]. Full production recommenced in January 1946, when the first 57 units were delivered. Additional orders were placed by the Japan Trade Agency for bartered exports.[20] An English language manual for the Mamiya Six with a printing date of November 1946 depicts a Mamiya Six III but does not give much additional detail regarding lenses.[21] The fact that so far far no Mamiya Six III units have been noted which carry the engraving "Made in Occupied Japan" on the bottom, suggests that the production of the Mamiya Six III halted before the issuance of SCAPIN 1535 in February 1947.[22] Yet, advertising for the camera continued until December 1947 (→ Advertisements). Either these were surplus stocks, or units inscribed with Made in Occupied Japan have gone unpublicised.


Technical details

Post War versions of the Mamiya Six III are very similar to the prewar versions. They have a cold shoe for the flash which is affixed by two screws set diagonally; and a depth of field indicator ranging from 3.5 to 22. The encased, more elaborate droplet shaped frame counter of the war-time versions is replaced by a simple broad arrow.[23] The film winding knob is now mush-room-shaped. The directional arrow at the focus wheel has a filled head and only shows infinity as a direction. Minor differences are a stronger internal door catch and a different shape to the shutter release side of the front door. In addition, the protruding tripod socket is a slightly flatter than the pre-war models.


Variant A

single raised button to release the front door catch

Variant B

twin buttons to release the front door catch

Dimensions

146 x 108 x 50mm closed (106 open); weight: 827g[24]

Lens and shutter combinations


5260696774_63837bdbfd_m.jpg 5260089469_7bc2583b75_m.jpg 5260093795_487600fb98_m.jpg
5260695646_ca35455a65_m.jpg 5260086597_d3a8a7a689_m.jpg 5260698582_ef72bfef9d_m.jpg
Post-war version of the Mamiya Six Model III with Tōwa Kōki Neocon f/3.5 75mm in COPAL (B, 1-300th) shutter.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)


3625576308_88132af2f6_m_d.jpg 3624758581_dbb40b05fe_m_d.jpg 3624758345_d06efa24af_m_d.jpg
3625576602_82af2f618d_m_d.jpg 3624759611_e76d45464a_m_d.jpg 3625576886_802e8aaa23_m_d.jpg
Post-war version of a 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)

Brochures and Manuals

5253442375_8a3e1aabfb.jpg 5253442885_0d74fca894.jpg
War-Time Brochure for the Mamiya Six III (with reference to the Mamiya Six I, IA, II and IIA) Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)


5254072304_0d726d1763_m.jpg 5253462479_ccefffe6f9_m.jpg 5253462933_d3120c0598_m.jpg 5253462593_d445b0afe1_m.jpg
Post-War instruction Booklet for the Mamiya Six III (selective pages only) Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Advertisements

5214163963_9e8c478508_m.jpg
Advert by Kōseisha
in Shashin Kagaku (写真科学) Jan 1944 		5214760622_a3d877f78e_m.jpg
Advert by Nisshindō
in Shashin Kagaku (写真科学) Jan 1944 		5214170061_7efc51974c_m.jpg
Advert by Nihon Diamond
in Shashin Kagaku (写真科学) Jan 1944 		5214166005_7591a62d43_m.jpg
Advert
in Nihon Shashin (日本写真) Jan-Feb 1944
5214859609_4021ba4d3d_m.jpg
Advert by Kōseisha
in Shashin Kagaku (写真科学) Jan 1944 		5214857837_2e80a274a3_m.jpg
Advert by Nihon Diamond
in 'Shashin Kagaku (写真科学) Feb & Jul 1944 		5214756298_c0370d6bdc_m.jpg
Advert by Matsuzakaya
in Shashin Kagaku (写真科学) Jan-Feb 1944 		5214170343_14f57eb8b6_m.jpg
Advert by Hongō Shinbidō
in Shashin Kagaku (写真科学) Jan-Feb 1944
5213752963_635b8bcc8a_m.jpg
Advert by Asanuma Shashinki-ten
in Nihon Shashin (日本写真) May 1944 		5214347132_59f715362f_m.jpg
Advert
in Nihon Shashin (日本写真) May 1944 		5215250703_5d172a280a_m.jpg
Advert by Kōseisha
in Shashin Kagaku (写真科学) Jul 1944 		5215839614_ea87008097_m.jpg
Advert
in Nihon Shashin (日本写真) Jul 1944
Pre-War and war-time advertisements for the Mamiya Six III Images by Rebollo_fr. (Image rights)



3150396254_1a812d9f11_m.jpg
Ars Camera Feb 1946 		3155348273_16fd8f75c3_m.jpg
Ars Camera Jul 1946 		3151528926_cb3500d1b3_m.jpg
Ars Camera Apr 1946 		5212390470_cb6ce8a7d3_m.jpg
Ars Camera Nov-Dec 1946
 
http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg
 
5212390014_d19d8aa7d8_m.jpg
Ars Camera Jan 1947 		5211790397_2658585291_m.jpg
Ars Camera Feb 1947 		5212389438_864a8fb047_m.jpg
Ars Camera Mar 1947 		5212389120_db59df8615_m.jpg
Ars Camera Apr 1947
 
5211789437_21b5b092f4_m.jpg
Ars Camera Oct 1947 		5211716696_1a3f4a33d6_m.jpg
Kohga Gekkan (光画月刊). Dec 1947
Post-War advertisements for the Mamiya Six III Images by Rebollo_fr. (Image rights)


Notes

  1. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 3
  2. ↑ Supreme Command of the Allied Powers in Japan
  3. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 4
  4. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 3.
  5. ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ | Neco's Mamiya page
  6. ↑ The tripling in size (Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 4).
  7. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 4.—At this point of the research it is not clear whether the lenses manufactured at Tokyo University carried a different nomenclature.
  8. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 4.
  9. ↑ Intentional double exposure was possible by pushing the film advance lock to the left, but not advancing the film
  10. ↑ With K.O.L. Special f/3.5 75mm in TYS -II (B, T, 1-200th) shutter
  11. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/03/0300500.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  12. ↑ [[ http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d110780810 November 2010)|Yahoo Auction, seen December 2010]]
  13. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/03/031112.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  14. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/03/03111c.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  15. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/03/031114.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  16. ↑ [[ http://neco.mediacat-blog.jp/c2702_2.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  17. ↑ sn#17170—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  18. ↑ [[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/garww/2092718840/in/pool-998914@N24/%7CFlickr image]]
  19. ↑ See the lens chronology on the Zukio page.
  20. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 4.
  21. ↑ Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  22. ↑ See the entry Made in Occupied Japan for background.
  23. ↑ In essence the design goes back to that of the Mamiya I.
  24. ↑ With Tōwa Kōki Neocon f/3.5 75mm in COPAL (B, 1-300th) shutter
  25. ↑ [[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/3625576602/in/pool-46195334@N00/%7CFlickr image]]
  26. ↑ [[ http://picasaweb.google.com/kheims/CraigslistAndEbay#5356646212296282242%7CWeb page]]
  27. ↑ sn#24763—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  28. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/03/03111g.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  29. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/03/03111b.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  30. ↑ sn#25585—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  31. ↑ [[ http://nelsonfoto.com/SMF/index.php?action=printpage;topic=12471.0%7CWeb page]]
  32. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/03/03111a.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  33. ↑ [[ http://www.auctiondeals.ca/detail_product/150470493227/mamiya_six/%7CSales advertisement, seen December 2010]]
  34. ↑ [[ http://senior.nikkosen.net/cameralist.html |Web page]]


This is a work in progress.

PAGE FIVE -- Mamiya Six IV

The camera was introduced in ¶¶ 1947.[1] It was a major redesign of the camera, dispensing with the small waist-level viewfinder. That space was take up by a newly designed range-finder mechanism, which had been developed by Mamiya in March 1947.[2]


As part of the export drive, managed by the U.S. administration, Mamiya cameras were sold overseas in large quantities.[3] Once such contract was the manufacture of Mamiya Six IV models for the Indian distributor Patel. These units were badged CAMEX Six.


The camera was sold for ¥ ¶¶¶ in Japan.[4] A certain black-market trade (by servicemen stationed in Japan) seems to have existed in countries where formal imports did not occur until later.[5] It is listed in Australia for £24 10s in 1952[6] and the USA for $99.95 in 1954[7]

Technical details

TEXT TEXT TEXT
In keeping with the directives of the U.S. administration of Japan, Mamiya cameras produced between 1947 and 1949 were marked " Made in Occupied Japan." The early variants had this statement prominently engraved into bottom of the metal housing, but the later production was allowed to use text embossed into the leather covering of the door catch.[8]

Variant A

The inscription "Made in Occupied Japan" is engraved on the bottom plate.

Variant B

The inscription "Made in Occupied Japan" is embossed into the leatherette of the door closing mechanism..

Variant C

The camera no longer exhibits any reference to "Made in Occupied Japan".

CAMEX Six

In 19¶¶ Mamiya signed a major export order with the Indian distributor Patel. A large number of custom-badged Mamiya Six IV were produced,[9] carrying on the top housing the engraving "CAMEX SIX PATEL INDIA LTD" instead of the standard 'MAMIYA-6.' In every other aspect these Indian export models are build-identical with standard Six IV models and retain the Mamiya logo both (engraved) on the top housing and (embossed) on the front door.[10]

Dimensions

TEXT TEXT TEXT

Lens and shutter combinations

Variant A

Variant B

Variant C

CAMEX Six


2448145013_e0205f42f3_m_d.jpg 2448145019_841f0b559c_m_d.jpg 2448145021_a2765a6507_m_d.jpg
2448145031_7c74cf59f2_m_d.jpg 2448145027_fe1363c805_m_d.jpg 2448145025_e8154f03e1_m_d.jpg
Mamiya Six IV no.35446, Zuiko 7.5cm f/3.5 lens no.38265.
Pictures courtesy of Adrian Gotts. (Image rights)

Advertisements

5211788885_a2ed4e44bd_m.jpg
Ars Camera May 1948 		5223687614_04140c5018_m.jpg
Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) Camera May 1950 		5223687460_742afd0e30_m.jpg
Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) June 1950 		5223687086_6e09d1a6d9_m.jpg
Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) Aug 1950
 
5212760934_56179c74a7_m.jpg
Photo Art (フォトアー) Jan 1951 		5223686866_670b96c9c6_m.jpg
Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) Mar 1951 		5223686634_d24232fd67_m.jpg
Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) Jul 1951 		5255718476_f2776628d5_m.jpg
Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) March 1952
 
http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg
Post-War advertisements for the Mamiya Six IV Images by Rebollo_fr. (Image rights)

Notes

  1. ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ Neco's Mamiya page
  2. ↑ Mamiya. A History of Innovation. Mamiya 50th Anniversary. Produced by the Mamiya-History of Innovation Editorial Committee. Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo: Mamiya Camera Co. Ltd. p. 5.
  3. ↑ Unlike with the early Konica I models, we do not have any Mamiya Six copies with an engraved CPO [Central Purchasing Office] mark, suggesting that not too many Mamiya cameras were sold in the US PX stores in Japan. ¶¶VERIFY
  4. ↑ ¶¶¶
  5. ↑ Mamiya IV (or III?) were sold on the private market in Australia, probably as bring-back items by servicemen stationed in post-World War II Japan. In 1948, the going price seems to have been £50 in both Sydney and Melbourne: Advertising 'Wanted to sell’ The Sydney Morning Herald 13 March 1948 p 13 (private advertisement) with Zeiss Tessar in Compur Shutter £50.—Advertising 'Wanted to sell’ The Argus (Melbourne) 11 February 1948 p 11 col. 2 (private advertisement) £50.
  6. ↑ Classified Advertising ‘Goodman Bros, Sydney’ The Sydney Morning Herald 10 May 1952 p 14 £24/10/
  7. ↑ Sales price in the USA in 1954: Mamiya IV with Olympus D Zuiko F.C. f/3.5 (black face) $99.95; Auto-up $18.95; Flash $19.95 (The Complete Photo Equipment Guide. U.S. Camera November 1954, p. 89 file
  8. ↑ The same, for example, was required on the early Konica I models. But Konica had the statement prominently engraved on the top housing. (see [| this photo].
  9. ↑ The total number of Mamiya Six IV badged as 'CAMEX' is unclear at the time of writing. Preliminary searches have so far identified the following serial numbers: 41520, 43015, 43043, 43076 and 43122. Because standard versions of the Mamiya Six IV exist with serial numbers in the 42xxx range, it is possible that Mamiya filled at least two orders to India.
  10. ↑ See images in Sylvian Halgand's site
  11. ↑ [[ http://www.pbase.com/nickdemarco/image/122732832%7CWeb page]]
  12. ↑ [[ http://page5.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/e105826102%7CYahoo Auction, seen December 2010]]
  13. ↑ [[ http://www.pbase.com/jypsee/oldcameras%7CWeb page]]
  14. ↑ sn#49068—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  15. ↑ [[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/yefeihe/4909210453/%7CFlickr image]]
  16. ↑ [[ http://photo.net/medium-format-photography-forum/00H92u%7CWeb page]]
  17. ↑ sn#71295—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
  18. ↑ [[ http://ota-euphony.sakura.ne.jp/?page_id=78%7CWeb page]]
  19. ↑ [[ http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k135303419%7CYahoo Auction, seen December 2010]]
  20. ↑ [[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebollo_fr/2448145013/in/pool-camerapedia/%7CFlickr image]]
  21. ↑ sn#36632—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann
This is a work in progress.

PAGE SIX -- 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

Notes

  1. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/05/050031.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  2. ↑ [[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernardlanguillier/3689591265/%7CFlickr image]]
  3. ↑ [[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/31422927@N04/5185895534/in/pool-998914@N24/%7CFlickr image]]
This is a work in progress.

PAGE SEVEN -- Mamiya Six K

The Mamiya Six-K was introduced in August 1954 as a popular, lower priced version of Mamiya 6-V. It lacks not only the automatic film winding stop but also lacks the red double exposure warning pane in the viewfinder, which had been a characteristic of the earlier models.

Technical details

The front range finder windows of the Mamiya Six-K resemble those of the Mamiya IV (a round window at the left and a rectangular window on the right, surrounded by a small screwed-on frame). the margins of the frame of the Mamiya Six K are narrower than those of the Mamiya IV.[1] The name tag of the camera is ¶¶¶ The catch for the film door opens upwards, rather than downwards as was the case with the earlier Mamiya Six models.

Dimensions

TEXT TEXT TEXT

Lens and shutter combinations

Notes

  1. ↑ The design has been taken from the Mamiya IV as the Mamiya V has a long a long plate supporting BOTH the circular and the rectangular window.
  2. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/031223.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  3. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/031224.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  4. ↑ sn#9616—Photographica Collection Dirk HR Spennemann.—The low serial number for the Mamiya Six K body is rather odd and totally out of sequence. It is quite probably that this is a human manufacturing error (based on the serial number data compiled so far, a number like 39616 is more plausible), or that the numbering for the Mamiya Six K was restarted.—The Lens and shutter combination on the unit is somewhat unusual. The Combination of Toko f/3.5 75mm with Tōkyō Kōgaku RECTUS shutter can be found on the [PrimoFlex IB]. Until more units with this shutter combination come to light, we may have to assume that this is a post-market custom modification.
This is a work in progress.

PAGE EIGHT -- Mamiya Six IVb

May 1955 Mamiya 6-iV B Camera body size and weight were reduced to increase compactness.

??? new rangefinder in this model??

The design by Seiichi Mamiya was applied in Japan on 23 June 1954 and in the USA on 20 June 1955 (granted 24 June 1958).[1]

Technical details

5249028358_a4990b67e3.jpg
Redesigned rangefinder of the Mamiya Six (US Patent US 2,808,770) (Image rights)


TEXT TEXT TEXT

Dimensions

TEXT TEXT TEXT

Lens and shutter combinations

Notes

  1. ↑ Camera rangefinder. Patent application by Seiichi Mamiya, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo-to, Japan. Filed 12 May 1955, granted 8 October 1957. U.S. Patent nº 2,808,770.
  2. ↑ [[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/elmoalves/4315236143%7CFlickr image]]
  3. ↑ [[ http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackfacesheep/5092156263/%7CFlickr image]]
  4. ↑ [[ http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b117574345%7CYahoo Auction, seen December 2010]]
This is a work in progress.

PAGE NINE -- Mamiya Six Automat

December 1955 Mamiya 6-Automat Japan's first automatic shutter cocking by film advancing.

The design by Seiichi Mamiya was applied in Japan on 23 June 1954 and in the USA on 20 June 1955 (granted 24 June 1958).[1]

Technical details

TEXT TEXT TEXT

Dimensions

TEXT TEXT TEXT

Lens and shutter combinations

Patent Application

5249024480_0db81263fd.jpg
 5249024978_863dce5e42.jpg
Illustrations accompanying Seiichi Mamiya's Patent application for the Mamiya Six Automat
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)


Notes

  1. ↑ Mechanism for setting shutter by film-winding operation in rollfilm camera. Patent application by Seiichi Mamiya, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo-to, Japan. Filed 20 June 1955, granted 24 June 1958 1952. U.S. Patent nº 2,839,976.
  2. ↑ [[ http://www.g-root.jp/basement/camera/mamiya6automat.html |Web page]]
This is a work in progress.

PAGE TEN -- 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

  • Olympus D Zuiko F.C. f/3.5 75mm (black face)
  • Setagaya Kōki Sekor S f/3.5 75mm (black face)

Notes

  1. ↑ [[ http://poyorin.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2009/09/index.html |Web page]]
  2. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/0312510.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
This is a work in progress.

PAGE ELEVEN -- 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

  • Setagaya Kōki Sekor S f/3.5 75mm (black face)


Notes

  1. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/031212.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]

{{WIP}

This is a work in progress.

PAGE TWELVE -- 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

  • Mamiya Kominar f/3.5 75mm
  • Setagaya Kōki Sekor T f/3.5 75mm (silver face)

Notes

  1. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/031212.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  2. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/20/p/p0200101.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
This is a work in progress.

PAGE THIRTEEN -- Mamiya Six Automat 2

1958 Mamiya 6 Automat 2 was the last iteration of the camera design. It was the 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

  • Mamiya Sekor f/3.5 75mm
  • Olympus D Zuiko F.C. f/3.5 75mm (black face)

Notes

  1. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/031264.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
  2. ↑ [[ http://neco.aki.gs/neco99/neco30/00/mamiya/031271.html |Neco's Mamiya Site]]
This is a work in progress.

PAGE FOURTEEN -- Mamiya Six Design Variations

This page provides a visual overview over the various design elements of the Mamiya Six series of folding cameras. The images have been provided to allow the use an accurate identification of the various models and variants. You are strongly advised to use the dichotomous key provided on the main Mamiya Six page, as this will guide you in the identification of models.

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. Note that the lens and shutter combinations have been arranged alphabetically, not chronologically.

5160893435_6883922a3a_m.jpg
K.O.L. Anastigmat 7.5cm f/3.5
in MSU-TOKYO NEW HIT shutter 		4995251185_413f889fa3_m.jpg
K.O.L. Special 7.5cm f/3.5
in NKS–TOKIO shutter
 5260054511_c83d9fe83f_m.jpg
K.O.L. Special 7.5cm f/3.5
in TYS-II shutter 		5266917685_d68867dd34_m.jpg
Olympus Zuiko C. f/35. 75mm
in Seikosha-Rapid shutter
5256569043_9c3d4d504e_m.jpg
T.S.M. Anastigmat f/3.5 75mm
in OLYMPUS-TOKYO-N KOHO shutter 		5260190079_7970ee9036_m.jpg
Tokyo Optical Co. C. Simlar f/3.5 75mm
in Seikosha-Rapid shutter 		5260127411_836759c25b_m.jpg
Tokyo Optical Co.. Toko f/3.5 75mm
in Tokyo Opt. Co. RECTUS shutter 		5260088331_2d8e3cd98c_m.jpg
Tōwa Kōki Neocon f/3.5 75mm
in Copal shutter
Lens and Shutter Combinations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Flash Contacts

5143458091_853d511c2d_m.jpg
Type I
None, pull-out knob only 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Appearance of Flash Contacts of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Double Exposure Prevention

5143458091_853d511c2d_m.jpg
Type I
None, pull-out knob only 		5161496704_e2c7250e50_m.jpg
Type II
shutter cocked 		5161495442_c0551d3778_m.jpg
Type II
shutter released 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Double Exposure Prevention Systems of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Body Shape Variations

Name Plate

5160887909_f5fe2b9b9d.jpg
Serial Number to left of flash shoe, above MAMIYA SIX
12x12mm waist view finder (Mamiya Six I) 		5144578588_4e48b0b358.jpg
Serial Number to left of flash shoe, above MAMIYA SIX
10x10mm waist view finder (Mamiya Six II, III)
5260186981_4e76a1f82d.jpg
Serial Number to left of flash shoe, below MAMIYA-6
curved housing, tail of '6' is pointy
(Mamiya IV) 		5267474971_18e042c4ae.jpg
Serial Number to left of flash shoe, below MAMIYA-6
curved housing, tail of '6' is rounded
(Mamiya IV)
5260126343_fc4b32e048.jpg
Serial Number to left of flash shoe, below MAMIYA-6
straight housing
(Mamiya K) [NOTE the flash shoe is missing] 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Serial Number to right of flash shoe
Nameplate variations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Rangefinder Windows (front)

THREE WINDOWS   5161493564_8133839373_m.jpg 5150206963_30345fa9ac_m.jpg
5161485250_71e9709c16_m.jpg
central window with serrated edge 		5257178558_67af2198c3_m.jpg
central window with smooth edge
TWO WINDOWS   http://XXX.jpg
right window on small plate
wide margins
top of housing stepped 		http://XXX.jpg
right window on small plate
narrow margins
top of housing sloping 		http://XXX.jpg
both windows on a plate
top of housing sloping
 
Rangefinder window variations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Flash Shoe

5144586764_7f75c927f7_m.jpg
Three screws 		http://XXX.jpg
Two screws oblique 		http://XXX.jpg
Two screws vertical 		http://XXX.jpg
One screw
Flash-shoe variations of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Bottom Plate

5242279152_ef4cdf4abe_m.jpg
5255838523_96e90a6260_m.jpg
Mamiya Six I, II, III, 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Appearance of the bottom plate of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Film Counter Window

5231305168_bdb48e42f1_m.jpg
Mamiya Six I, II, III, 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Details of Film Advance Counter (Red) Windows of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Pressure Plate Support

5242244102_f24f72c9e5_m.jpg
Full length, arrow as label
Mamiya Six I, II, III, 		5241663147_9814cc4332_m.jpg
Full length, arrow embossed
Mamiya Six II, III, 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Appearance of the guide rail for the removable pressure plate of the Mamiya Six.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Front Door Variations

5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six II, III (war-time model) 		http://XXX.jpg
Mamiya Six III (post war model), IV, K 		5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg http://XXX.jpg
Appearance of the front door of the Mamiya Six.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Door Catch Variations

5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg
Mamiya Six II, III (war-time model) 		http://XXX.jpg
Mamiya Six III (post war model), IV, K 		5261261985_379e93d2ef_m.jpg http://XXX.jpg
Appearance of the internal door catch of the Mamiya Six.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Pressure Plate

http://XXX.jpg http://XXX.jpg http://XXX.jpg http://XXX.jpg
http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Appearance of the removable pressure plate of the Mamiya Six.
Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Various

5160891357_5b88d199de_m.jpg
Eye-lets for neck strap
Mamiya Six I only 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Various Details of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Knobs and Struts

Film Advance Knob

5144607786_14171759c1_m.jpg
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

5145173573_27718f86d6_m.jpg
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)

Shutter Release

5161493064_ac4de66412_m.jpg
rounded top 		5256568339_e05eb05166_m.jpg
dimpled top 		http://XXX.jpg
cable release thred 		http://XXX.jpg
XXXX
Variations of the shutter release of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Strut Mechanism

5240117722_1a62d949ac_m.jpg
Three Struts
( Standard )
  		5256568573_998ae142b3_m.jpg
Two Struts
( Mamiya Six Ia &
Mamiya Six IIa ) 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
The Strut Systems of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Lettering and Labelling

Frame Counter

5161489928_479a568317_m.jpg
Line Arrow 		5144001539_2c8d940946_m.jpg
Hollow triangle 		5260701678_62b6271f85_m.jpg
Hollow broad arrow
http://XXX.jpg
Filled broad arrow 		http://XXX.jpg
Filled triangle 		5256567915_c438ec4c70_m.jpg
Drop-shaped counter
Variations of the frame counter of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Depth of Field Indicator

http://XXX.jpg
Demarcation 3.5, 5.6, 8
Distances in Meters
Small Arrow 		5260456856_bcb18cf77e_m.jpg
Demarcation 3.5, 5.6, 8
Distances in Meters
Spacing: 1, 1.2 (wide) 		5260457562_4aeaff21bb_m.jpg
Demarcation 3.5, 5.6, 8
Distances in Meters
Spacing: 1, 1.2 (narrow) 		5259851965_ae84c9f81b_m.jpg
Demarcation 3.5, 8, 11, 22
Distances in Feet
Spacing: 3.5, 5
5260459994_9b386b6e34_m.jpg
Demarcation 3.5, 8, 11, 22
Distances in Feet
Spacing: 3.5, 4, 5 		5259851073_c42aec9737_m.jpg
Demarcation 3.5, 8, 11, 22
Distances in Feet
Spacing: 3.5, 4, 5, 7 		5259854029_400b468c43_m.jpg
Demarcation 3.5, 8, 11, 22
Distances in Feet
Spacing: 4, 5 		5260460752_692fe03353_m.jpg
Demarcation 3.5, 8, 11, 22
Distances in Feet
90º turned; spacing: 3.5, 5
Variations of the Depth of Field Indicator of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Film Advance Lock

5161489244_25aba02cbe_m.jpg
Line Arrows 		5256567855_5570206d4a_m.jpg
Filled arrows 		http://XXX.jpg
Filled arrow, no '1' shown
Variations of the labelling of the Film Advance Lock of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Focus Wheel

5160886063_b7fc507c44_m.jpg
Line Arrows 		5256567773_b9da91335a_m.jpg
Filled arrows 		5267967751_ff7af130f8_m.jpg
Filled arrow, no '1' shown
Variations of the focus wheel of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Made in Japan

http://XXX.jpg
" MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN"
engraved on the bottom plate 		http://XXX.jpg
" MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN"
embossed in the door latch 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Placement of the designator "Made in Occupied Japan" Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)

Labels on the Inside

5144041505_830b9d0f7a_m.jpg
MAMIYA SIX 6x6
TOKYO NIPPON 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT 		http://XXX.jpg
TEXT TEXT
Labels found in the back door of the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)


Leather Cases

The leather cases for the Mmaiya Six were made by suppliers using wooden lasts.[1] Over time modifications in the camera design, as well as changed specifications (e.g. for the case to be opened forward, rather than backward) led to variations in case design.[2]

At present the case seen for the Mamiya Six I is similar to that illustrated for the Mamiya Six III (war time version), except that it lacks all embossing ad that the fastening screw has a simple screw only (and not the characteristic metal bar). The case seen for the Mamiya Six II is again similar, replete with the appropriate cut-out for the red window (under the flap), but the case is embossed 'Zeiss Ikon.'[3]

TEXT TEXT TEXT    http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg http://XXXX.jpg
Mamiya Six III (war time)  

Flat case
Case Opens backwards
On front embossed 'MAMIYA-SIX"   
Embossed SM logo on front
Window cut-out on back (under the flap)

5260061153_064cfa3af3_m.jpg 5260670056_e0c25a70dc_m.jpg 5260068093_743212c03c_m.jpg 5260068547_a8a7efd321_m.jpg
Mamiya Six III (post war)

Flat case
Case Opens Forward
On front embossed 'MAMIYA-SIX"   
Embossed SM logo on front
No window cut-out on back

5260096241_daf51d88c9_m.jpg 5260096793_fefaa2490e_m.jpg 5260097615_861a5c5c45_m.jpg 5260098031_21171c594c_m.jpg
Leather Cases for the Mamiya Six. Images by Dirk HR Spennemann. (Image rights)


Notes

  1. ↑ See this blog post for a picture of a last.
  2. ↑ We need to be conscious that the observations reported here are based cases that came with the cameras. There is a small possibility that in the past a camera was furnished with a different case. This can, and will, be ruled out with a greater sample size.
  3. ↑ And there is no Zeiss Ikon camera design that has that specific red window configuration. we have to assume that the embossing is a custom job.
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