Mamiya 150mm f/4.5 Lens for Mamiya 6

Name: Mamiya 150mm
Brand: Mamiya

An interchangeable lens with built-in electronic leaf shutter, designed for the Mamiya 6 rangefinder camera.

Overview

This is the 150mm f/4.5 lens for the Mamiya 6 rangefinder camera. It is one of three interchangeable lenses in the system, alongside the 50mm and 75mm. It came out in May 1989 with the Mamiya 6 system. Mamiya America Corporation was still selling it new in December 2003 through a special offer, though the lens is no longer in production. It has its own electronic leaf shutter, with speeds from 4 seconds to 1/500, plus Bulb, and flash sync at all speeds. When not in use, the lens collapses about 1.5 inches into the camera body. The other Mamiya 6 lenses do the same.

Specifications

Focal length	150mm
Maximum aperture	f/4.5
Minimum aperture	f/32
Diaphragm blades	5
Optical construction	6 elements in 5 groups
Filter thread	67mm metal
Minimum focus	1.8m (6 feet)
Weight	480g (16.9 oz)
Dimensions	86mm (3.4") long, 70mm (2.8") diameter
Shutter type	Electronic leaf shutter
Shutter speed range	4 seconds to 1/500, plus Bulb
Flash sync	All speeds, including 1/500
Collapsible	Retracts about 1.5 inches into camera body
Viewfinder indication	Square in the center shows 150mm frame
Included accessory	Screw-in metal lens hood

Design

The shutter is in the lens, so the body doesn't need one. Electronic control keeps the timing precise, especially at slower speeds, and the shutters never require calibration. Manual operation is in full-stop increments. Automatic exposure is stepless.

Context

The Mamiya 6 system launched in May 1989 and was produced until 1999. It combined medium format, a rangefinder design, and interchangeable lenses, which was a rare mix. The 150mm f/4.5 was part of the original trio of lenses and is a compact, high-performance telephoto. All three lenses are praised for optical quality. This one is noted for sharpness at every aperture and no visible light falloff even wide open.

Market

Reviewer Ken Rockwell bought a used example for $799. A special offer from Mamiya America Corporation in December 2003 also listed the lens at $799, which suggests it was still available new then. No data on common failures, maintenance, or spare parts availability is available.