PART II - MAMIYA ZD FIRMWARE

Since the last update more information has come available. The last entry discussed how to find the ZD firmware revision by viewing the EXIF data in Mamiya’s Digital Photostudio. A ZD recently for sale on Ebay was described as being compatible with the new Mamiya-Sekor AF 28mm F4.5 D. I contacted the seller and asked if he could check a MEF file in the Mamiya software and report his findings. He was kind enough to forward a RAW MEF file from his ZD camera.

To the right is a screen grab of the file’s EXIF data as shown in Mamiya’s Digital Photostudio software (click the image for a larger view). The first arrow shows 28mm as the focal length and the second arrow points to Camera Firmware 1.10. This shot proves that Mamiya ZD Camera Firmware 1.10 is compatible with the Mamiya-Sekor 28mm lens.

My ZD (also loaded with Camera Firmware 1.10) works with the Mamiya-Sekor AF 80mm F2.8 D. The Mamiya-Sekor AF 150mm F2.8 IF D was announced at the same time, so it is likely my Mamiya ZD will also work with the new F2.8 150mm. The ZD camera discussed above works with 28mm and it should work with the Mamiya-Sekor 75-150mm F4.5 D; both lenses were announced at the same time. I cannot say this with 100% confidence, but it appears that Camera Firmware 1.10 works with the 28mm, 80mm, 75-150mm and 150mm “D” lenses. There is a new Mamiya-Sekor AF 45mm F2.8 D now for sale also; presumably firmware 1.10 will work with that lens also. The retail price for the 45mm D is $2099 USD.

Since Camera Firmware 1.10 works with both the 28mm and 80mm D lenses, I see no reason to send my ZD to Vistek for a firmware update. As best as I can tell, my camera already has the most current firmware. To be sure, I will verify Camera Firmware 1.10 is the most current version by asking Vistek.

MAMIYA DIGITAL PHOTOSTUDIO SOFTWARE VERSION 1.3.0

If you need to download the latest copy of the Mamiya Digital Photostudio software, it is available on the Mamiya Japan website. The current (Or last) version is 1.3.0 and data December 28, 2006. My ZD came with version 1.1.0. Click here for the download. I have not downloaded the new(er) version yet since I just needed it to check EXIF data.

MAMIYA REMOTE CAPTURE - BETA

While on topic of software, I downloaded the new remote capture application from Mamiya (click here for the download). This application controls the ZD remotely from a PC or Mac; I downloaded the Mac version. The program installed easily on a Intel 3.0 GHz Quad Pro running OS 10.4.11. I attached the firewire cable to the ZD and Mac, opened the application and was greeted by the screen shot to the left. I set a storage folder and rattled off a couple shots. The application works fine, but there is no image review. What is the point of using a remote capture application if you can’t review the captured images? Maybe I was supposed to set-up a hot folder for Lightroom, Phase One C1, Mamiya’s Digital Photostudio or some other editor. I don’t know... It is important to note, this is just a Beta, so maybe Mamiya has bigger plans for the application. I think it needs a window to review the capture so we can check sharpness, etc. Note - in the screen shot above a manual lens was mounted on the ZD at the time, so the aperture shows “F - - “.

Instead of developing the Remote Capture application, why not add remote capture support to Phase One’s C1? Seems like that would be much simpler, especially since Mamiya and Phase One are in a “strategic alliance”. And why update the ZD back to double buffer instead of simply re-labeling a P25+ or P30+ as a ZD II?

Phase One used a Kodak sensor for the P25 & P25+, the Mamiya ZD uses a Dalsa sensor (click here for Dalsa 9/28/2004 Press Release), so maybe that is why we are not seeing a re-labeled P25+ as a Mamiya ZD II. And Kodak has discontinued that sensor too.  Regardless, why continue with the ZD back if they have strategic relationship Phase One? And now there is the Mamiya DL28 with is an Aptus 65 II back. FYI - in case Dalsa ever pulls that press release, a screen shoot is available at the right.

Anyway, very curious. It seems like Mamiya is intent upon pursing digital backs and software on their own within a limited scope. Perhaps a “Plan B” strategy? Meanwhile Mamiya stopped developing the Mamiya Digital Photostudio at about the time they announced the ZD backs shipping with Adobe Lightroom. Why stop developing the Photostudio application but develop the Remote Capture application? Maybe Remote Capture application is a pet project of Mamiya software engineer who happens to own a ZD? If I spoke Japanese...  :)