Phase One announces 645DF medium format camera

Danish firm Phase One, a leading digital imaging technology company, has unveiled the most recent result of its partnership with Japanese camera manufacturer Mamiya, boasting that its medium format 645DF can claim a number of unique benefits.

As well as delivering high flash sync speeds of up to 1/1600 sec, Phase One has also teamed up with Schneider Kreuznach to offer three new leaf shutter lenses, a 55mm, 80mm, and 110mm, all f/2.8, to complete the range of expertise that has collaborated to create the new model.

“Our patent-pending flash sync breakthrough eases working with wide open apertures and fill-in flash on location,” said Jan H. Christiansen, Phase One marketing director. “We already offer the most flexible exposure times ranging from 1/4000 sec to one full hour. Setting new performance standards is all about expanding creative options for photographers.”

The new model can claim to be the only medium format camera with support for both leaf shutter and focal plane lenses, as well as boasting improved capture responsiveness and autofocus speeds, a range of custom-shooting modes and the ability to recall a pre-defined mode in an instant.

Henrik Håkonsson, President and CEO of Phase One emphazises the importance of the joint venture, stating: “Our vision of offering photographers freedom to choose from what is best in photographic equipment is at the heart of our cooperation with Schneider Kreuznach. We are committed to sharing expertise in digital imaging technology with the world’s most respected companies to push the limits of excellence for photographers.”

His views are mirrored by Toshio Midorikawa, President of Mamiya Digital Imaging, who confirms: “Successful teamwork has already resulted in the world’s most open medium format camera platform. Now we take another step, as we share our manufacturing expertise with Schneider Kreuznach’s optical design talents to benefit the world’s photographers.”

The 645DF should begin shipping in Q4 this year for US$5,990, though this price will be body-only, with the new lenses starting at US$2,490.