Mamiya Six II A (1943) Film Camera
What is the Mamiya Six II A?
The Mamiya Six II A is a film camera that was first released in 1943 by the Japanese camera manufacturer Mamiya. It is a medium format camera that uses 120 roll film and is known for its exceptional build quality and reliable performance. The Mamiya Six II A was designed to be a portable and versatile camera, suitable for both professional and amateur photographers.
The Features and Specifications
The Mamiya Six II A features a collapsible bellows design, which makes it compact and easy to carry around. It has a dual-format capability, allowing photographers to shoot both 6×6 square format and 6×4.5 rectangular format images. The camera is equipped with a coupled rangefinder for accurate focusing and a built-in self-timer for capturing self-portraits or group shots.
One of the standout features of the Mamiya Six II A is its lens system. It comes with an interchangeable lens mount, allowing photographers to use a variety of lenses to suit different shooting needs. The camera originally came with a 75mm f/3.5 lens, which is renowned for its sharpness and image quality.
In terms of technical specifications, the Mamiya Six II A has a top shutter speed of 1/500s, a flash sync speed of 1/100s, and a range of aperture settings from f/3.5 to f/32. The camera also has a built-in light meter, which was an advanced feature for its time.
Price and Availability
Back in 1943, the Mamiya Six II A was priced at around $60-$80, depending on the lens configuration. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to approximately $900-$1200 in today’s currency. It was widely available in camera stores and became quite popular among photographers who were looking for a high-quality medium format camera.
Conclusion
The Mamiya Six II A is a legendary film camera that has stood the test of time. Its exceptional build quality, versatile features, and superb lens system make it a favorite among vintage camera enthusiasts and professional photographers. Despite being released almost 80 years ago, the Mamiya Six II A can still produce stunning images and is a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of Mamiya as a camera manufacturer.
