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 erratic nature of model numbering,
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, October | Mamiya Six IVb\s |
| 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 modfied in early 1941 (Ia) and 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). These models a separate range finder window and a waist-level brillant-type finder, resulting in three windows in the front. The units have a single red window 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] The camera door was supported by three struts. All units are covered with leatherette. Dimensions: 140 x 103 x 51mm (closed), weight 780g. 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. Lens and shutter combinations:
- K.O.L. Special 75mm f3.5 in N.K.S. '0' shutter with T, B, 1-1/200 sec (standard)
The film respool knob is a solid knurled knob. The indicator arrow next to the film counter is pointed arrow with a thin tail.
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 front door is now supported by two struts ¶¶ The camera sold for ¥298. The dimensions of the camera remained unchanged. Lens and shutter combinations:
- K.O.L. Special 75mm f3.5 in ¶¶¶ '0' shutter with T, B, 1-1/200 sec (standard)
- K.O.L. Anastigmat 75mm f3.5 in K.O.L. Rapid '0' shutter
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. Version of Mamiya 6-iii without flash contact.
Mamiya Six III
The camera was introduced in ¶¶ 1942[7]
Double exposure warning mark in viewfinder. Flash contact.
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]
Mamiya Six IVb
May 1955 Mamiya 6-iV B Camera body size and weight were reduced to increase compactness.
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.
Mamiya Six P
December 1957 Mamiya 6-P Economy priced version of 6-iV S.
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.
Mamiya Six K
August 1954 Mamiya 6-K Popular version of Mamiya 6-V without automatic film winding stop.
Mamiya Six K2
March 1956 Mamiya 6-K ii Advanced model to type K with built-in format conversion. (6x6 to 6x4.5cm)
Mamiya Six Automat
December 1955 Mamiya 6-Automat Japan's first automatic shutter cocking by film advancing.
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.
Notes
- ↑ History of Mamiya Six (Mamiya history website)
- ↑ Asahi Camera September 1940 Neco's Mamiya page
- ↑ Mamiya Six IMamiya history website)
- ↑ Asahi Camera January 1941, February 1941 Neco's Mamiya page
- ↑ Mamiya Six IMamiya history website)
- ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ Neco's Mamiya page
- ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ Neco's Mamiya page
- ↑ Asahi Camera ¶¶¶¶¶ Neco's Mamiya page
