When it comes to original images, bigger is better.

Medium format is the modern choice of today's most discriminating photographers. It combines the demand for unexcelled image quality with the need for convenient and versatile camera operation.

Medium format images can produce far superior results when compared to 35mm. This is most important when large blow-ups are to be made. But even for smaller enlargements used for magazine illustrations, high quality advertisements, and particularly for fine arts publications or books, the results can be quite remarkable.

The "Ideal Format"
The "Ideal Format" allows the printing of an original negative or chrome to an 8" x 10" piece of paper with a minimum of cropping. 8" x 10" is the standard, or generally accepted printing dimension for photographic prints as well as for magazines. Mamiya 645 and 6x7 formats are "Ideal Formats" as they require a minimum of cropping to produce an 8" x 10" print. 35mm on the other hand wastes 20% of the image area in the cropping process.

Take a close look at the three basic Mamiya medium formats in comparison to standard 35mm.


35mm
Image area:
24 x 36mm or 864 sq. mm
1x
When cropped for a standard 8" x 10" print, usable image area is reduced to 24 x 30mm, 720 sq. mm.


645
Image area:
56 x 41.5mm or 2324 sq. mm
2.7x Larger than 35mm
645 yields an image area 2.7 times larger than 35mm. It is an "ideal format" allowing more compact camera design rivaling the size and convenience of many top line 345mm SLRs. The Mamiya 645 Pro, 645 SV Pack and 645 SVX Pack are 645 cameras.


6x6
Image area:
56 x 56mm or 3136 sq. mm
3.6x Larger than 35mm
6x6cm is an area 3.6 times greater than 35mm and 2.7 times greater when cropped to a 6x4.5cm vertical or horizontal rectangle (ideal format). It is a symmetrical format that offers versatility in framing and cropping after exposure. The Mamiya 6 is a 6x6 camera.


6x7
Image area:
56 x 69.5mm or 3892 sq. mm
4.5x Larger than 35mm
6x7cm gives an image area 4.5 times greater than 35mm, with a detailed negative large enough to view with the naked eye. The "ideal format" based upon the traditional 8x10 proportion, matching page layout and printing papers. The Mamiya RZ67, RB67 and Mamiya 7 are 6x7 cameras.