Mamiya Optical Co.
Mamiya originally achieved fame for its professional medium-format rangefinder film cameras such as the Mamiya Six (1940) and the Mamiya Press (1962) series. It later developed medium-format industry workhorse single lens reflex cameras: RB67 (1970), RZ67 (1982), and 645 (1975): 13 and twin-lens reflex C series, all of which were used by advanced amateur and professional photographers.
Many Mamiya models over the past six decades have become collectors' items. The earliest Mamiya Six medium-format folding camera, the 35 mm Mamiya-Sekor 1000DTL, the lightweight 35 mm Mamiya NC1000, the 6×6 cm medium-format C series of interchangeable-lens twin-lens reflex (TLR) cameras, and the press cameras of the Super/Universal series are highly valued. Mamiya also manufactured the last models in the Omega Rapid series of medium format press cameras.
Mamiya has entered other business markets over time by purchasing other companies. Until 2000, it made fishing equipment such as fishing rods and fishing reels. In 2006, the Mamiya Op Co., Ltd., Inc. transferred the camera and optical business to Mamiya Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. The original company, doing business as Mamiya-OP, continues to exist and makes a variety of industrial and electronics products. It also makes golf clubs, golf club shafts and grips, and golf balls through its subsidiaries Kasco and USTMamiya.
