Mamiya Raw Image Format (.mef)

The MEF file extension is associated with the Mamiya Raw Image Format, utilized by Mamiya digital cameras to produce camera-raw image files. These files capture unprocessed image data directly from the camera sensor, maintaining the integrity of the original scene's dynamic range and quality. This allows for extensive post-processing control, making the MEF format a top choice for professional photographers seeking to fine-tune their images for optimal exposure, color balance, and other critical attributes without compromising quality.

Due to their uncompressed nature, MEF files are characteristically large, preserving every detail and nuance of the image. They encompass a full spectrum of data from the camera lens, including vital metadata like exposure settings, white balance, and lens specifics. The raw data within an MEF file remains untouched by the camera's internal software, offering an authentic representation of the image that is crucial for advanced image processing tasks. Typically, MEF files are transferred to a computer for editing using specialized software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Corel PaintShop Pro, which supports MEF format and enables a level of image manipulation unattainable with processed formats.