Condition: the camera is in great overall condition. Both lenses are also in great shape.

Includes: Camera, both lenses + front caps, fresh batteries.

The Mamiya ZE is a 35mm SLR camera introduced in the early 1980s by Mamiya, designed for enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers. It was notable for being one of the first cameras to offer fully automatic exposure control with programmed auto-exposure mode, as well as a traditional manual mode, making it both user-friendly and versatile.

Below are the technical specifications for the Mamiya ZE:

Key Specifications for the Mamiya ZE:

Camera Type:

• Type: 35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) camera

• Format: 35mm film (standard 135 format)

• Exposure Control:

  • Programmed auto-exposure mode (fully automatic, where the camera automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed for correct exposure)

  • Manual exposure mode (full control over shutter speed and aperture)

• Metering:

  • TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering with average metering system

Lens Mount:

• Lens Mount: Mamiya Bayonet Mount (similar to Pentax K-mount but specific to Mamiya lenses)

• Lens Compatibility:

  • Compatible with Mamiya ZE lenses (Mamiya-Sekor lenses)

  • Primarily designed for use with Mamiya's own lenses, though some other bayonet mount lenses may also be compatible.

Shutter:

• Shutter Type: Vertical-travel focal-plane shutter

• Shutter Speeds:

  • Automatic Mode: Camera adjusts shutter speed and aperture in programmed mode

  • Manual Mode: 1/1000 sec to 1 sec

  • Bulb (B) mode for long exposures

• Flash Sync:

  • X-sync at 1/90 sec (for flash photography)

Viewfinder:

• Viewfinder Type: Fixed pentaprism viewfinder

• Focusing Aid:

  • Split-image and microprism focusing screen

  • Offers ease of focusing in manual mode

• Diopter Adjustment: Yes, for fine-tuning the viewfinder image

• Field of View: Approximately 92% frame coverage (typical for SLR cameras)

Exposure Control:

• Programmed Exposure: Fully automatic exposure (program mode) that sets both shutter speed and aperture based on available light.

• Manual Exposure: Full manual control for aperture and shutter speed for more advanced control over the image.

• ISO/ASA Range: 25 to 1600 (adjustable based on film ISO rating)

Film Transport:

• Film Advance:

  • Manual film advance lever

  • 36-frame capacity per roll of 35mm film

• Frame Counter: Automatic film frame counter that resets when the back is opened

• Film Rewind: Manual film rewind knob

Other Features:

• Battery:

  • Powered by 2 x 1.5V AA batteries (typically alkaline or equivalent)

  • Battery powers the light meter, automatic exposure control, and electronic features.

• Self-Timer: Yes (for delayed shutter release)

• Tripod Mount: Standard 1/4"-20 tripod thread

• Flash Hot Shoe: Yes (for mounting an external flash unit)

Body Construction:

• Material: Primarily plastic with some metal components (typical of cameras from the early 1980s)

• Dimensions: 142 x 91 x 51 mm (5.59 x 3.58 x 2.01 inches)

• Weight: Approx. 550 grams (1.21 lbs) without lens and batteries

Notable Features:

1. Automatic Exposure with Program Mode: The Mamiya ZE was one of the early SLRs to offer a fully automated exposure mode (program mode), where the camera automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed and aperture combination for the given lighting conditions. This made it more accessible to beginners or those who wanted quick, reliable results without worrying about settings.

2. Manual Control: Despite being an auto-exposure camera, it also offered full manual control over shutter speed and aperture. This provided flexibility for advanced photographers who wanted more creative control.

3. Compact and Lightweight: With a plastic body, the ZE was relatively lightweight compared to other SLRs from the era, making it a good option for travel or street photography.

4. Mamiya Lens System: The camera was designed to use Mamiya-Sekor lenses, offering good quality optics that produced sharp, high-contrast images. Lenses with the Mamiya Bayonet mount were made specifically for the ZE, though some third-party lenses may also work (depending on compatibility).

5. Ergonomics: The camera was designed with ease of use in mind, offering a simple control layout and intuitive operation for both amateurs and more experienced photographers.

6. Lightweight Design: Its plastic construction made it lighter and easier to handle compared to metal-bodied SLRs, though some photographers might prefer the feel of a more solid, all-metal body.

Drawbacks:

• No Built-In Light Meter: While it has TTL metering, the lack of a built-in light meter display means users need to rely on external indicators (like a needle or LEDs) for exposure readings.

• Lens Compatibility: The Mamiya ZE lens mount is unique to the Mamiya system, so the camera is somewhat limited to using Mamiya-specific lenses.

The Mamiya ZE was aimed at the amateur to semi-professional photographer, offering a combination of automatic exposure and manual control, a user-friendly design, and reliable performance. It was ideal for photographers transitioning from point-and-shoot or fully manual cameras to a more sophisticated SLR system. Its light weight, compact design, and solid features made it a good choice for those seeking a versatile and portable 35mm SLR.