Top 10 Medium Format Cameras of 2025 (Searched in 2024)

10. Mamiya C330

Introduced: 1969
A unique beast in the TLR world with interchangeable lenses! Most twin-lens cameras have fixed optics, but the C330 gave photographers modular freedom while retaining the charm and simplicity of waist-level shooting. Loved for studio portraits, macro work, and those who enjoy slowing down with vintage gear.

A favourite Lens: Mamiya-Sekor 80mm f/2.8 Blue Dot

The go-to lens for the C-series. Blue Dot means a later version with improved coating. 

Predecessor: Mamiya C220

Successor: – (Last of the Mamiya interchangeable-lens TLRs)

9. Mamiya 6

Introduced: 1989
A beautifully compact 6x6 rangefinder with collapsible lens mount—engineered for travel and discretion. Unlike TLRs, you can change lenses! It was one of the last true medium format rangefinders and has become a cult favorite. Its square format, sharp optics, and intuitive controls make it a dream for minimalists.

A favourite Lens: Mamiya G 75mm f/3.5

Sharp and contrasty with virtually no distortion. Super compact and beautifully suited to the 6x6 format.

Predecessor: Mamiya 6 Automat (1950s TLR—not directly related)

 

Successor: Mamiya 7

8. Pentax 67 / 6x7

Introduced: 1969 (as Asahi Pentax 6x7)
Built like a 35mm SLR on steroids, the Pentax 67 is known for its massive mirror slap, but also for its beautiful rendering. It became iconic for portrait and fashion work thanks to lenses like the 105mm f/2.4. Later models improved metering and ergonomics. A favorite among fine art photographers for its balance of usability and negative size.

A favourite Lens: SMC Pentax 105mm f/2.4

The cult lens. Magical rendering with a glow and bokeh that’s iconic. The 165mm f/2.8 is another portrait stunner.

Predecessor: Asahi Pentax 6x7

 

Successor: Pentax 67II

7. Hasselblad X2D

(Image source: https://www.hasselblad.com/de-de/x-system/x2d-100c/)

Introduced: 2022
Hasselblad’s most advanced mirrorless medium format camera to date. It offers 100MP resolution, IBIS, and stunning color science, all in a minimalist Scandinavian design. Unlike the 907X, this is a fully modern system, built around the XCD lens lineup. Ideal for high-end portrait, landscape, and editorial work.

A favourite Lens: XCD 55mm f/2.5 V

Modern perfection—fast, sharp, and with excellent color and microcontrast. Versatile for most shooting styles.

Predecessor: Hasselblad X1D II 50c

Successor: – (Current flagship)

6. Hasselblad 907X

(Image source: https://www.hasselblad.com/de-de/v-system/907x-50c/)

Introduced: 2020
A bold fusion of digital and analog heritage, the 907X combines the modern CFV II 50C digital back with a new mirrorless body that also mounts classic V-system lenses. It’s a love letter to Hasselblad’s legacy and a modular digital platform for the future. Sleek, slow, and deliberate—perfect for contemplative shooters.

A favourite Lens: XCD 45mm f/4 P

Lightweight, compact, and tack sharp. For legacy vibes, adapt the Zeiss Planar 80mm T* V lens with the CFV II 50C back.

Predecessor: Hasselblad X1D II 50c

Successor: – (Current flagship modular mirrorless design)

5. Mamiya 7 / 7ii

Introduced: 1995 (7ii in 1999)
Often called the best rangefinder ever made, the Mamiya 7 shoots 6x7 negatives in a body the size of a 35mm SLR. Lightweight yet razor-sharp, it used a leaf shutter system for quiet operation and fast flash sync. The lens lineup—especially the 43mm—is legendary. It’s beloved by landscape and travel photographers for its portability and image quality.

A favourite Lens: Mamiya N 43mm f/4.5 L

A legendary wide-angle lens, with virtually zero distortion. For general use, the 80mm f/4 is sharp and compact.

Predecessor: Mamiya 6 MF (rangefinder)

Successor: – (No successor; production discontinued—cult classic)

4. Hasselblad 500C / 500CM

Introduced: 1957
A camera that truly needs no introduction—used by NASA on the moon, the 500C cemented Hasselblad’s legacy. With its modular design (separate film backs, finders, lenses), it revolutionized professional photography. The Zeiss Planar lenses offered superb image quality, and the camera's reliability made it a studio and fashion icon for decades.

A favourite Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 T

The classic kit lens—razor sharp, creamy rendering. The 100mm f/3.5 Planar is also a dream for more compression.

Predecessor: Hasselblad 1000F

Successor: Hasselblad 503CX / 501CM

3. Mamiya RZ67

Introduced: 1982
An evolution of the RB67, the RZ67 brought electronic controls, better ergonomics, and a redesigned lens system (Sekor Z lenses). It retained the beloved rotating back and bellows focusing. The RZ67 became a go-to camera for legendary photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon. It was Mamiya’s flagship until the digital era.

A favourite Lens: Mamiya Sekor Z 110mm f/2.8

The crown jewel. Ridiculously sharp with dreamy bokeh. Fastest lens in the system. Studio portrait gold.

Predecessor: Mamiya RB67

Successor: Mamiya RZ67 Pro II / RZ67 Pro IID (digital-compatible)

2. Mamiya 645

Introduced: 1975
This was Mamiya’s first foray into 6x4.5 medium format, offering a lighter, faster, and more affordable alternative to its larger brethren. Designed for versatility, the system bridged the gap between 35mm SLR users and medium format shooters. It became especially popular with wedding and portrait photographers during the '80s and '90s. Later versions introduced autofocus and digital compatibility.

A favourite Lens: Mamiya Sekor C 80mm f/2.8

A stellar all-rounder, equivalent to ~50mm in 35mm terms. For portraits, the 150mm f/3.5 is legendary and underrated.

Predecessor: – (original 645 introduced this series)

Successor: Mamiya 645AF / 645AFD (autofocus, digital-compatible models)

1. Mamiya RB67

Introduced: 1970
The RB67 was Mamiya’s bold answer to the needs of studio photographers. With its rotating back (hence "RB") and fully mechanical build, it allowed for effortless switching between portrait and landscape. Built like a tank, it’s a modular system with bellows focusing—ideal for controlled environments. It was also affordable compared to Hasselblads, making it a favorite in commercial studios.

A favourite Lens: Mamiya Sekor C 90mm f/3.8

The "normal" lens for the system—sharp, contrasty, with a lovely falloff. For portraits, try the 127mm or 150mm.

Predecessor: Mamiya Universal Press

Successor: Mamiya RZ67