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Konica Minolta’s EP450Z, a Plain-paper Copier with the World’s First Stepless Optical Zoom Function Released in 1983, Designated as Copying Machine Heritage
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Konica Minolta’s EP450Z, a Plain-paper Copier with the World’s First Stepless Optical Zoom Function Released in 1983, Designated as Copying Machine Heritage
June 8, 2026
Tokyo (June 8, 2026) - Konica Minolta, Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced that the EP450Z, a plain-paper copier with the world’s first stepless optical zoom function which Minolta Camera Co., Ltd., one of the Company’s predecessors, started to manufacture in 1983, was designated as Copying Machine Heritage by the Imaging Society of Japan.
Previously, the U-Bix 480, Konica Minolta’s plain-paper copier, was designated as Copying Machine Heritage in 2018.
About the EP450Z
In 1983, in line with advances in office automation, companies in the copier industry competed to improve enlargement/reduction functionality. However, only preset magnification switching based on the multi-step mechanical positioning mechanism was available. Under these circumstances, the EP450Z, which enabled CPU-controlled variable magnification settings, was widely adopted and became iconic through the catchphrase “Minolta, the Leader in Zoom Copying.”
The variable magnification enabled versatile settings between 0.640× and 1.420× in increments of 1/1,000×. The positions of the lens and folding mirror were controlled by a stepper motor depending on the set magnification to adjust the magnification and focus. The combination of the zoom function and the paper feeder realized the automatic magnification selection function*1 and automatic paper selection function*2, improving functionality and operability.
A proprietary microtoning process was used for the development. Smooth halftone image reproduction using micron-sized carrier particles was highly regarded and has been carried forward to the present day, underpinning Konica Minolta’s commitment to image quality.
The zoom function enabled by the EP450Z had a significant impact on the industry. From 1986 onward, new plain-paper copiers with a zoom function became mainstream, except low-speed copiers released by respective companies.
＊1 The original size is detected, and the optimal magnification is selected automatically depending on the set paper size.
＊2 The optimal paper size is selected automatically depending on the set magnification.
Since its founding, Konica Minolta has created new value by utilizing imaging technologies focused on image input and output and image processing, which have been refined in the camera and photography businesses. Going forward, the Company will open up new growth areas by combining its core technologies in the fields of materials, optics, imaging, and nano-fabrication with AI technologies.
About Copying Machine Heritage
The Imaging Society of Japan launched the Copying Machine Heritage designation program in 2018 to commend the technical and social achievements of early copiers, which drove Japan’s copier industry to lead the global market, and to preserve the heritage of technologies, which were used for existing historically important copiers, and pass them on to future generations.