Mamiya has confirmed to AP that it is poised to sell its camera business.

Official details are still scant but AP has learned that Mamiya?s UK office is to issue a press statement shortly.

The news follows various unconfirmed reports circulating on the internet that Mamiya plans to sell its camera business to Cosmos Scientific Systems Inc which will assume the rights to use patents and trademarks relating to Mamiya?s optical division.

It is understood that Mamiya?s plight has not been helped by the recent release of the 22 million pixel medium format digital SLR the ZD which proved too costly to bring to market. The camera ? priced at more than £8,000 – was originally announced in September 2004.