Mamiya ZD DSLR

w dniu

(SN:FD1076)



Rambling about the camera and some of its technical aspects

Intro

I’ve long wanted to try a medium format digital camera to determine whether there is any real “magic” in its color rendering or overall image character. There’s a common view that older digital cameras produce a distinct look, shaped both by their technological limitations and by the expectations carried over from the film era—when each film stock had its own unique color signature. Interesting cases of distinctive color science include the Kodak DCS Pro and the Canon 5D Classic, a transitional CMOS-era camera—neither of which I’ve experienced firsthand. Unfortunately, for many older cameras, DxO data is unavailable, and solid evidence often resides in the data itself. That said, measurements don’t tell the whole story; what scores best does not necessarily look best.

The latest addition to my collection is the Mamiya ZD DSLR. At launch, it cost around $12,000 (≈48,000 PLN), reflecting its cutting-edge, low-volume production. Online sources estimate that only about 2,000 units were ever made. Today, prices typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on condition. I was fortunate to find a copy in near-perfect shape.

Sensor

The sensor was manufactured by DALSA (Canada): a 48 × 36 mm full-frame-transfer (FFT) dimetric RGB CCD. Here, “FFT” refers to the charge-transfer architecture rather than the physical size of the sensor. For context, the traditional 645 film frame measures 56 × 41.5 mm, so this sensor is effectively a crop of the 645 format (approximately 1.16× crop factor). The Mamiya was sold with an 80mm f/2.8 kit lens. On 645 film, that field of view is roughly equivalent to a 58mm f/2.0 lens on a standard 36 × 24 mm full-frame camera.

Sensor size comparison

Quantum efficiency data from the datasheet:

DxO metamerism index data:

DxO’s metamerism / color matrix data refers to a 3×3 color correction matrix applied during the linear RGB → corrected RGB transform. The matrix coefficients depend on the assumed illuminant (white balance and spectral power distribution of the light source). This score does not capture the full information about color reproduction, as it does not include full spectral response curves.

Color reproduction depends on the full imaging path:

Sensor (CCD/CMOS)/(CFA type) + cover glass + lens spectral transmission + RAW (pre)processing + development software. On each stage something can affect the output.

Older cameras often lack advanced in-camera corrections, which can result in output closer to the sensor’s native response—sometimes an advantage - as corrections can be applied later manually or via RAW developing software. Sensor bit-depth may be 14 bit (no info in sensor datasheets) and there is reduction step so output of the camera is 12 bit of information.

Via extrapolation from sensor data sheet (FTF4052M = M monochrome, C is same but with Bayer CFA) we can infer properties (no any warranty):

Parameter Value
Pixel size 9 µm
Qmax ~170k e−
Read noise ~25 e−
Linear DR ~12.3 EV

Big pixels → large Full Well Capacity (FWC) → higher charge before saturation. That makes highlights harder to clip and produces a smoother transition into saturation. The highlight roll-off should therefore feel more gradual and “analog”. However, the read noise (~25 e−) is significantly higher than in the Phase One P65+ (~11 e−). This means shadow regions degrade faster when exposure is pushed in post. The sensor tolerates overexposure better than underexposure. In practice, ZD suits an ETTR (Expose To The Right) workflow: maximize signal without clipping, minimize shadow lifting afterward. Even today it can excel in scenes with harsh highlights, provided you do not intend to recover deep shadows aggressively.

Usage

Startup: at the bottom screen you will see Fil IR (Filter IR?) for second or two, then BUSY.. and you can take picture (~5 seconds total).

This camera takes some getting used to. ISO 50 with an f/2.8 lens is challenging, even if you are coming from a Canon 5D Classic without Auto ISO. Mirror slap is strong but soft in character. Body is thick, much thicker than normal DSLR but it is not bothering me, In fact it is much more comfy than GFX50R which is like square brick or VHS tape.

Autofocus works. It is slow, but generally accurate. When focus misses, it is usually due to user error—the camera almost always locks onto whatever falls under the central AF point. If multiple elements align along the same axis, it tends to prioritize the closer subject. A useful feature is the focus confirmation indicator at the bottom of the viewfinder. It displays directional icons showing whether focus should be adjusted closer or farther, and it functions even in manual focus mode. This is particularly helpful when using manual lenses or in cases where the AF motor fails, which appears to be a relatively common issue with this camera.

The viewfinder is nice—still worse than a film camera (Canon EOS 630), but only slightly darker than the 5D Classic at the same aperture. From memory A900 viewfinder was closer to film EOS. [Eos 630 > Mamiya ZD > Canon 5D]

The Mamiya ZD has a user-replaceable dioptre adjustment lens. Mine came with both standard and farsighted versions. The shutter button feels somewhat mushy and lacks crisp tactile feedback (possibly copy-dependent).

I've noticed that you have to be quite stable to not blur the image. With 80mm lens 1/100s (or faster) shutter is preferable. It is probably due to heavy mirror and mirror slap (mirror is very nicely dampened).

If you want a similar experience to Mamiya ZD + 80 mm f/2.8, but lighter and more modern, Sony A900 + 50 mm f/1.4 is surprisingly close.

With power save mode enabled, expect a 2–3 second delay before AF activates waking up.

Image quality

ISO 50 — this is where the camera shines. The best time of day is morning or evening; colors are rendered best when the light temperature is higher (above ~5500K). Avoid shooting against the sun, as colors will appear washed out (this is generally good practice anyway).

ISO 400 is weak, but with correct exposure it can still produce acceptable results. Be cautious with fine fabrics and very small details — moiré can appear. In the image below (shot against the sun), you can see moiré artifacts in the water reflections.


Worst case scenario...

RAW developers

From my limited experience, colors on the default settings look good in Capture One. Lightroom seems to offer only a basic profile that requires additional work to make images look good.

The picture below is for a basic color comparison only, exported using default settings to the sRGB color space.


Lightroom vs Capture One

ZD DSLR vs GFX50R

Compared to the GFX50R, the ZD feels like a retro experience. The LCD is extremely low resolution, and image preview takes around four seconds. In practice, it feels closer to shooting film — not identical, but similar — with the added benefit of a histogram (visible only during playback, about four seconds after the shot, via a custom menu setting).
The ZD is limited to native 645 lenses. In contrast, the GFX system allows adaptation of many mounts — Canon EF/FD, M42, and various others.
In terms of color, I prefer the ZD’s out-of-camera RAW rendering. GFX files, however, offer more flexibility in post-processing.
A direct comparison is difficult without using the same lens on both systems, since lenses differ in spectral transmission.
Regarding ISO performance, the GFX is usable up to ISO 3200 (in my opinion). On the ZD, ISO 200 already feels like the upper limit. With longer, unstabilized lenses, the ZD is practical only in good light or on a tripod.

So the question is: who is the ZD DSLR for?

  • CCD enthusiasts
  • Collectors
  • Bright-day/Controlled light shooters
  • Portrait photographers
  • Tripod-based photographers
  • Owners of 645 lens collections
  • If you want a 48×36 mm sensor
  • People not afraid of owning a stylish paperweight (lack of service parts)

Surprises / quirks

  • Rear ON/OFF switch is not the main power switch. Power off is done via shutter button set to L.
  • No beep sounds of any kind.
  • No focusing screen illumination; AF confirmation is shown only at the bottom of the viewfinder.
  • RAW/JPEG is set via button + dial, not through the menu.
  • ISO 50 is extremely low; native lenses are not particularly fast.
  • Photokina prototype reportedly had serial number A00002.
  • Schneider LS lenses do not work (confirmed with: Schneider LS 80mm F2.8).
  • 4GB card = 112 RAW photos - this is recommended size due to issues below.
  • Tested with CF cards:
    • 4 GB SanDisk Extreme III (30MB/s): no problems, can format in body
    • 4 GB Sandis Ultra II: no problems, can format in body
    • 8GB Transcend Industrial: sometimes it works, sometimes shows BUSY indicator
    • 8GB Pretec x233: works
  • My ZD comes with firmware version 1.03 (data from MEF/RAW file "Ver 1 03").
  • MEF files between ZD DSLR vs digital back are identical.

More esoteric stuff

  • Full sensor name: FTF4052C (cover glass Hoya CG1).
  • Shinichi Sumikawa - was the designer behind the body form.
  • Patent holder - Mamiya Op Co: Replacable optical filters - https://jglobal.jst.go.jp/detail?JGLOBAL_ID=200903087134885690 - publication date: nov 2004, date of filling April/2003 - maybe ZD development phase started aroud that time.

Batteries



In my opinion, buying a “new”, “unused” original battery makes no sense. These batteries are old, and considering that the last production run was around 2007, even in an optimal scenario …they would likely retain around 50% of their original capacity. BUT If the battery left the factory at ~60% charge, after nearly 20 years of storage it would be effectively at zero usable charge and very likely unrecoverable.

  • Exact shell match: Camera Sino CS-SVBD1 / VW-VBD1 - just works in the charger and in camera.
  • Original Mamiya BA701: Li-ion 7.2 V, 1800 mAh (≈7.6 V fully charged).
  • NP-F500 may work, but requires plastic shell modification.
  • Deeply discharged batteries (<3 V for long periods) may never recover. Dispose properly.

Links collection

YouTube

Reviews

Sample images

Other / background

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