WIP: Mamiya ZD DSLR

w dniu

(SN:FD10**)



Rambling about the camera and some of its technical aspects

Intro

I always wanted to experience older medium format digital camera and see whether there is any real “magic” in the colour rendering or elsewhere. It is widely believed that older digital cameras give different look due to technological challenges and other expectations of the users (coming from film - that was never life-like). One example of crazy colours is Kodak DCS PRO that I've never experienced first hand or Canon 5D Classic (CMOS camera with distinctly old-school colour science). Sadly for many cameras from that era DxO data is not available - and best evidence is in the data. But we have to be careful - not everything that measures best - looks best (same goes with audio equipment).

My new camera in question - Mamiya ZD DSLR - at launch cost around $12,000 (≈48,000 PLN), reflecting cutting-edge, non-mass-produced technology. Online sources suggest that only about 2,000 bodies were ever made. Today, prices typically fall in the $1,500–3,000 range, depending on the condition. Due to luck I was able to buy one almost in perfect state.

Sensor

Sensor is made by DALSA (Canada): 48×36 mm in size, full-frame-transfer (FFT) dimetric RGB CCD. FFT refers to the charge transfer architecture, not sensor size. Interestingly 645 format is 56×41.5mm so in fact this sensor is cropped one (~1.16x). Mamiya was sold with "kit lens" - 80mm F2.8 - on 645 film FOV is roughly equivalent to 58mm F2.0 on full-frame 36x24mm sensor 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 distribution of the light source).

Color reproduction depends on the full imaging pipeline:

Sensor (CCD/CMOS)/(CFA type) + cover glass + lens spectral transmission + RAW 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.

Usage

Startup: at the bottom screen you will see FilIR for second or two, then BUSY.. and you can take picture (~3 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 pleasantly soft in character. Body is quite thick, much thicker than normal DSLR.

The viewfinder is very 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 close 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.

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.

ISO 400 is poor, but if exposed correctly yields acceptable results.

ZD DSLR vs GFX50r

In comparison to the GFX50R, the ZD feels more like a nostalgic trip. It has a very poor LCD screen and extremely slow image preview times. In practice, it resembles shooting a film camera—not exactly, but close—with the added ability to view a histogram (visible during image preview, roughly 4 seconds after the shot). You are limited to 645 lenses on the ZD, whereas the GFX system allows adaptation of almost anything—Canon EF/FD to start with, plus M42 and more exotic mounts. As for color, I will try to capture RAW images of the same scenery so you can download them and judge for yourself. I personally prefer the out-of-the-RAW colors from the ZD, while GFX files are more flexible in post-processing. GFX (IMO) is usable up to ISO 6400, where ZD ISO 200 is the "danger zone". For longer lenses without stabilisation ... ZD is usable only during good weather.

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

  • CCD enthusiasts
  • Collectors
  • Bright-day shooters
  • Portrait photographers
  • Tripod-based photographers
  • Owners of large 645 lens collections
  • Those who specifically 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.
  • 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 but startup is longer - its not worth it
  • 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, you can feel it is not an average camera.
  • 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.
  • DALSA should have better quality control than many other vendors due to military clients.

Batteries

  • 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.

Mega links collection

YouTube

Reviews

Sample images

Other / background

If you find an error, want a link removed, or wish to add something relevant, please let me know.

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