Mamiya NC1000S (1977)
Mamiya introduced this new NC series at the time when the development of the camera electronics was on the threshold of an exponential growth. This was a stumbling block to many but perhaps not to Mamiya. In order to get the full use of the upcoming electronic and optical features. You can choose either fully automatic exposure with shutter speed priority system or manual over-ride allowing full control of every picture taking situation. Mamiya was forced to make a new bayonet lens mount for the NC cameras. This also forced to make a new series of lenses. A rather extensive variety of Mamiya-Sekor CS lenses were introduced and to enable the use of the former Sekor lenses with an adaptor (not easy to get today) which allows stop-down metering and diaphragm automation with the TL, DTL, SX or other Pentax type screw thread lenses. Mamiya's new bayonet mount with extra wide throat allowed use of new high speed f/1.2 standard lens and easy adaption to screw thread lenses of MSX/DSX camera or other Praktica/Pentax type lenses.
The Mamiya NC1000s is a 35mm bayonet-mount automatic shutter speed priority SLR camera. Characteristic to it, compared to it's predecessors Mamiya DSX (beneath) is the considerably smaller size and weight. Weighing a mere 655g with
50mm f/1.7 fitted and only an
overall 136mm long by 83mm high
it was the smallest and lightest fully
automatic SLR with shutter speed
priority system around. Olympus OM-1 which was introduced a couple of years before (1972) is similar in size but not automatic. |
"The compact size and light weight offers an excellent handling ease and convenience. The open-aperture metering system assures that the viewfinder always remains bright. The exposure automation system is of the popular shutter-speed priority type, in which the camera meter automatically selects the correct aperture in accordance with the shutter speed selected by the user.
The NC 1000/1000s is designed to meet the needs of the amateur and professional photographer alike."
As an argument for a serious goal to offer a 35mm camera for the advanced amateur or even the professional use is among others the five alternate viewfinder screens , Auto Bellows and Angle Finder. Perhaps the only flaw in the new NC 1000/1000S series was, that the new bayonet mount was not in spite of the adapter, compatible with the earlier Mamiya XTL mount. This was the fact, that obviously turned the heads of many potential buyer towards other brands. Despite the competitive pricing and very progressive features NC series was not any sell-out for Mamiya. |
Camera Type:
35mm, shutter speed priority Automatic Exposure 35mm SLR with manual override.
Film and Negative Size:
35mm film, 24mm x 36mm.
Standard Lenses:
Auto Mamiya-Sekor CS Multi-Coated 50mm f/1.4 (7 elements in 6 groups, 49mm filter size).
Auto Mamiya-Sekor CS Multi-Coated 50mm f/1.7 (6 elements in 5 groups, 49mm filter size).
Lens Mount:
Mamiya Bayonet Mount.
Shutter:
Electronically controlled rubberized silk focal plane shutter with range of 1/1000 - 1 sec., B .
Self-Timer:
Variable time delay of approximately 4-9 sec.
Sync Terminals:
FP, X and a Hot-Shoe for cordless flash operation.
Exposure Meter:
Center weighted CdS meter with exposure measurement range of EV 2-18 (100ASA, f/1.4 lens).
Coupling:
With Mamiya-Sekor CS lenses in AE mode: ASA, shutter speed and lens maximum aperture.
With Mamiya-Sekor CS lenses in manual mode: ASA, shutter speed and lens maximum aperture.
With preset lenses: ASA and shutter speed. Stop-down metering. |
Film Speed Range:
ASA, 25-3200; DIN 15-36.
Viewfinder:
Large, brilliant pentaprism SLR viewing. Exposure Meter Indicator Needle, Aperture Scale and Stop-Down Metering Index Mark visible in viewfinder. Magnification of 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity. Three-way focusing: Central rangefinder wedge at 45° angle surrounded by a microprism collar which is located in a matte field, with finely-grooved Fresnel lens for even illumination.
The focusing screen of the NC 1000S is interchangeable with four other screens.
Mirror:
Quick-return mirror, coated for increased reflectance.
Film Advance Lever:
Single-action type with short 130° throw and stand-off angle of 15°, double exposure prevention and with Meter OFF Button incorporated into lever (Meter OFF Button also doubles as Shutter Release Button Lock).
Exposure Counter:
Additive type with automatic reset.
Film Memo Pocket:
Built-on the Back Cover.
Power Source:
Two 1.5V silver oxide batteries (Eveready S-76, Ray-O-Vac RS-76, Mallory MS-76 or equivalent) supply the power for the electronic shutter and exposure meter.
Dimensions and Weight: 136 x 83 x 50mm (5 11/32" x 3 17/64" x 1 31/32") 18 oz. (510g) body only |
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Mamiya DSX 1000 (1975)
The predecessor of Mamiya NC 1000. The development steps and the competition was so fast that something new has to be on offer. SX models (MSX, DSX) only lived two years and again the successor (NC serie, above) took the throne. "Living is life" said one Finnish ski jumper. Perhaps he meant, that it has to go on.
The only AUTO Mamiya/Sekor SX lens, that I have is 1:2.8 f=28mm wide angle. It si not the standard lens but that exept of that I am a proud owner oc this camera. Mamiya SX lenses have a good reputation.
Much more about Mamiya SLR cameras on the Joerg Krueger's page HERE |
Camera type:
35mrn Single Lens Reflex with two separate
behind-the-lens, lull aperture metering systems;
one for averaged readings and one for spot
readings.
Film size:
Perforated 35mm film in standard 20 or 36 exposure cartridges.
Standard automatic lenses:
mamiya/sekor SX 55mmf/1.4
7 elements in 5 groups
Angle ot view: 43"
Accessory size: 52mm
mamiya/sekor SX 55mm f/1.8
6 elements in 5 groups
Angle of view: 43°
Accessory size; 52mm
mamiya/sekor SX 50mm f/2
6 elements in 4 groups
Angle of view: 48°
Accessory size: 52mm LENS MOUNT:
Universal thread mount (42mm) with locking pin.
Shutter:
DSX 1000: Focal plane with speeds from 1 to 1/ 1000 second and B for time exposures Built-in variable delay self-timer. (DSX 1000 only) DSX 500: Focal plane with speeds from 1 to 1 / 500 second and B for time exposures.
Exposure control:
Two separate metering systems with one CdS cell positioned on the back of the reflex mirror (spot system) and one CdS cell located on each side of the viewfinder eyepiece in the pentaprism housing (averaging system). Both metering systems are cross coupled to the shutter speed control, film speed dial, and diaphragm mechanism on all automatic SX lenses. This dual system accurately measures light at full aperture with mamiya/sekor SX lenses. With other universal thread mount lenses, the dual metering systems will operate in the stop-down mode. The film advance lever switches the metering system on and actuates the diaphragm mechanism on all automatic SX lenses. The Spot/ Averaging selector switch on the camera body allows the use of either system of exposure calculation.
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Meter sensitivity:
ASA 25 to 3200 DIN 15 to 36
Viewfinder:
Pentaprism type with micro-diaprism center spot on Fresnel screen for rapid focusing. Brackets visible in finder indicate location of spot meter reading area (6% of field). Pointer and "S" and "A" symbols visible in finder indicate whether the spot or averaging meter system is being used. Exposure needle and reference points indicate necessary exposure adjustments.
Flash synchronization:
Two separate flash contacts are provided,
marked "FP" and "X". Proper selection of
terminals allows correct synchronization for all
types of flash pictures.
A built-in "hot shoe" accessory bracket is located
atop the viewfinder, for use with cordless flash
units
Reflex mirror:
Instant return type
Film advance:
Ratchet type film advance lever transports film,
cocks shutter, and advances exposure counter
in a single stroke(i60 )or by a number of shorter
strokes.
Exposure counter:
Progressive type, reads from "S" (start) to 36.
Counter automatically resets to "S" when film
compartment door is opened.
Dimensions:
Width : 5 31/32 in. (151.5mm)
Height : 3 3/4 in. (95 mm)
Thickness: With 55mm 1/1.4 lens 3 61/64 in.
(100.5mm) With 55mm f/1.8 lens 3 25/32 in.
(96mm) With 50mm f/2 lens: 3 3/4in. (95mm)
Weight:
With 55mm f/1 4 lens: 33 14/16 oz. (960g)
With 55mm f/1.8 lens: 32 2/16 oz. (91 Og)
With 50mm f/2 lens: 31 3/16 oz. (885g)
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