Talk:Zone VI

Zone VI Camera History

Notes from an article by Richard Ritter in View Camera Magazine, Jan-Feb 2003 issue. This article is available as a PDF to subscribers. A later article by Ron Wisner (also available as a PDF) offers a different view of this history.

Late 1970s Name plate:

“Zone VI”  

Made by Tachihara, Japan , Cherry wood, chrome plated fittings. Single focusing rail, 12” bellows extension

1980 Name plate:

“Specially Made for Zone VI” 

Made by Wista Single focusing rail, 12” bellows Modified by changing to a more robust base plate.

1986 (not in catalog till ’87) Name plate : “The Zone VI Classic, Made for Zone VI Studios, Newfane VT Made by Wisner Classic Mfg. Co., Marion Mass”. Mahogany and polished brass. Double focusing rail, Interchangable bellows <150 units produced by 1988 S/N Range :100-250

1988 : Ron Wisner no longer associated with Zone VI Studios

1988 Name Plate: “Zone VI, Made By Zone VI Studios, Newfane Vermont USA” They jobbed-out parts locally and assembled them at the Studio. +3000 units built Mahogany wood, Brass fittings. S/N Range: 1,000 - 4,500 (with gaps)

1989 Larger knobs, GG Loading Bail Walnut and Cherry models (limited run) S/N in 9,000 range

1991 Gold Plated Fittings 1,800 units S/N range :3,000-4,000 .

1991 Calumet bought Zone VI Studios and marketed the same camera. Then changed to black anodized aluminum fittings. Called it the “Lightweight”