Charman PC-606

Charman PC-606

#461

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Plastic point and shoot camera.


Specifications

35mm film

Free focus


Model


Reference sites


Manual


Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Olympus OM-10 (1979)

Olympus OM-10 (1979)

#460

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo.

Características

The Olympus OM system was released by Olympus in 1972. The Olympus OM bodies were divided in a high range and a middle range. The top range were the one digit models with a hyphen: OM-1/2/3/4. The two digit models were the middle range. All these bodies could take Olympus OM lenses (which means all potentially have DOF preview functionality, as this was standard on most OM Lenses).

Following the introduction of autofocus into the market, Olympus released two motor-driven bodies: the OM707 and the OM101. Later yet, a re-branded Cosina model was released, known as the OM2000.

Fonte: camerapedia


Especificações

The OM10 was the first consumer OM series body. Launched in 1979 it accepted the full line of OM lenses and most of the OM accessories for a lower price. The lower price was reflected in the construction of this camera and the features available, however, it was still a very competent performer and it reflected the elegant lines established by the compact OM-1 and 2 designs. Early production runs of the OM10 have known malfunction issues with electronics, metering, and shutter magnets. Olympus later changed the shutter to a 'Type II' design to correct the latter problem.

In its standard configuration the OM10 offered aperture priority automatic exposure, simple and accurate enough for a consumer camera in most lighting situations. It also offered exposure compensation for more complicated lighting situations and for more advanced users. Selection dial upon the top allowed for selection of Aperture Priority, B and Manual adapter, The small plug-in manual adaptor was available as an accessory to enable manual control of shutter speed, if no Manual Adapter was plugged in and the camera switch set to Manual Adapter then the camera shutter speed was set to fixed 1/60 for flash work.

While not well known to consumers, the focusing screen for the OM10 is indeed interchangeable, though not as easily as the OM-1. It shares the same focusing screen as the OM-1, but the extra protruding tab needs to be cut off as the OM10 doesn't have a placeholder for it.

The OM10 can accept all the lenses of the OM system.

The finder screen is fixed, as well as the back. It can accept the winder but not the motor drive. It existed in chrome and in black finish.

Fonte: camerapedia

Film Format : 24mm x 36mm
Type: :TTL auto-exposure 35mm SLR camera
Lens mount : OLYMPUS OM Mount. About 50 different Zuiko interchangeable lenses.
Shutter : Electronically controlled cloth focal plane shutter. Manual exposure: B, 1 - 1/1,000 sec. with adapter.
Synchronization : X type contact, hot shoe.
Automatic exposure control : Aperture preferred automatic exposure control electronic shutter type. TTL Direct Light Measuring System, center-weighted average light measurement. Measuring range: ASA 100 from F1.2, about 60 seconds to F16, 1/1,000 second.
Programmed Automatic Exposure : TTL direct, measuring range : approximate. -5 EV ~ 18 EV , 50mm F 1.4
Manual exposure : With a Manual Adapter
Self timer : 15sec. delay
Metering system : Olympus direct metering in body. Full aperture center weighted metering.
Measuring range : EV1.5 - EV17 (ASA 100 with F 1.2 standard lens).
Film speed Setting : ASA 12 - 3200
Power source : Two 1.5V silver oxide batteries Eveready S-76 or equivalents or alkaline manganese batteries LR 44
Viewfinder : Pentaprism type finder.
Finder view-field : 93% of actual picture field.
Reflex mirror : Quick return type (without lockup).
Manual film advance : Lever type with 130° angle for one long or several short strokes, pre-advance angle 30°
Exposure counter : Progressive type with automatic reset.
Film rewind : Rewind crank
Weight : 430g , body alone
Dimensions : 136 x 84 x 50mm, body

Fonte: thecamerasite.net


Modelo

A minha é do modelo prateado e tem o n.º de série 1016589.


Baterias

2 baterias LR44 1,5V

LR44 1,5V

Sítios de referência

camerapedia

thecamerasite.net


Manual

Manual em inglês


Vídeos

Vivitar PS:20 (~1980)

Vivitar PS:20 (~1980)

Gentilmente oferecida pelo meu irmão João Nunes

#459

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Vivitar was an American distributor of photographic equipment from 1938-2008. Originally founded under the name Ponder & Best, Inc., the company was established in Santa Monica, California in 1938 as a distributor of photographic products by Max Ponder and John C. Best. Later they began selling rebranded gear under the Vivitar name and eventually began designing and, in a few cases, manufacturing their own Vivitar gear. The company became better known for their very successful Vivitar brand and eventually changed the company name to Vivitar Corporation. The shift to autofocus cameras and later to digital cameras created difficult transitions, leading to a series of mergers, ownership changes, and eventual bankruptcy in 2008. The company itself is gone now but the Vivitar brand was purchased and continues to be used for marketing photographic gear.

Source: camera-wiki.org


The Vivitar PS:20 camera was a film camera.. The PS:20 was designed to take 35mm, Cartridge Roll film. The camera requires 2, AA batteries. Unloaded, the camera weighs 210.00 g (7.41 oz.), with batteries 260.00 g (9.17 oz.), and with film, 279.00 g (9.84 oz.). Features include integrated flash.

Source: camerahistoryproject.com


Specifications

The Vivitar PS20 is a simple 35mm point-and-shoot from the 1980s. It features an autofocus 35mm f5.6 lens and DX coding for automatically setting film speed (between ISO 100 and 400). The camera will allow you to take photos either with or without flash.

Source: rewindcameras.co.uk


Model

Serial number L2263874 (1987?)


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

camerahistoryproject.com

rewindcameras.co.uk

Manual


Batteries

2 AA batteries

Film

35mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Balda Baldessa 1a (~1958)

Balda Baldessa 1a (~1958)

#458

Gentilmente oferecida pelo Daniel. Muito obrigado!

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Baldessa is a range of modestly priced 35mm viewfinder and rangefinder cameras produced by Balda in Germany from c.1957 to the late 1960s.

Baldessas have an unusual folding film advance key in the base - requiring a 180° turn, along with a spring-out rewind crank. On the simpler models, this along with the front-mounted shutter release and the frame counter to the left of the viewfinder ocular leaves the top plate empty except for the accessory shoe. Early models have a removable back; later examples are hinged.

Source: Camera-wiki.org

The Balda Baldessa Ia (or Balda Baldessa 1a) is a 35mm rangefinder camera introduced by Balda Kamera-Werk in 1958, about ten years after founder Max Baldeweg fled Socialist Dresden to reestablish his company in the soon-to-be West German city of B ünde. The Baldessa Ia and its sister model the Ib are basically identical to the original Baldessa I with the addition of a coupled rangefinder. The Baldessa Ib then went a step further by also including a built-in light meter.

Source: vintagecameralab.com



Specifications

he Baldessa 1a was introduced in 1958, and adds a coupled rangefinder to the Baldessa I design. It was available with a Color-Westanar or Baldanar 45/2.8 lens in a Prontor-SVS shutter.

Source: Camera-wiki.org

I love unusual cameras and am happy to say that the Baldessa Ia boasts a number of peculiar design choices. First off, the Baldessa Ia’s top plate is completely barren apart from the cold shoe. Instead, the shutter button (which has a threaded socket for a cable release on its underside) is adjacent to the Baldanar 45mm f/2.8 lens on the front of the camera. Both shutter speed and aperture control rings are on the lens barrel as expected but a black tab has to be pushed in for either of them to move. Most cameras are focused via a ring on the lens barrel but the Baldessa Ia’s designers decided to use a wheel embedded into the body above the shutter button instead. Also on the front are a flash sync socket just off the lens barrel at five o’clock and an accompanying flash mode selector on the lens barrel at nine.

As we move to the camera’s bottom plate, we encounter more eccentricities. The tiny “kickstand” which allows the camera to balance on a flat surface can also be shifted to the “R” position to release the comma-shaped film rewinding lever. Opposite the rewind mechanism is a winding key which, when unfolded, reveals an automatic film counter while advancing the frame with every half turn. In the middle of it all is a tripod socket which also houses a film speed indicator. Last but not least on the list of oddities are the two silver buttons on the user’s right-hand side which can be simultaneously depressed to open the back of the camera.

Source: vintagecameralab.com


Model

Serial number 097513


Reference sites

Camera-wiki.org

vintagecameralab.com


Manual

Balda Baldessa Manual in english

Film

35mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

SC-911 Camera

 

SC-911

#457

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

A cheap plastic camera sold in Portugal, with a Portuguese instruction leaflet.

Source:


Specifications

35mm film

35mm focus freen lens

Source:


Model

No serial number. 911-03-2 engraved in the interior.

Reference sites


Manual

Film

35 mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Voigtlander Vito B (1954-1960)

Voigtlander Vito B (1954-1960)

#456

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Vito B is an attractive and compact 35mm viewfinder made by Voigtländer and produced between 1954-60. It has the fine Color-Skopar 50mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 lens (a four element Tessar-type) in a 4-speed Pronto or 8-speed Prontor shutter.

The Vito B was equipped with either a 4-speed Pronto (B, 1/25th, 1/50th, 1/100th, and 1/200th sec) or 8-speed (B, 1, 1/2, 1/5th, 1/10th, 1/25th, 1/50th, 1/100th, and 1/300th sec) Prontor SVS shutter, the 4-speed shutter being discontinued in 1957. The shutter is cocked by the film engaging a sprocket wheel, preventing double exposure, and so will not cock if there is not a film present; this has led some to mistakenly diagnose the shutter of a working Vito B as broken.

The self-timer mechanism can be engaged by moving the synchronising lever to the V (green) position; however, given the age of the camera and the weak governing spring, using this feature is discouraged, as it can cause the camera to stop working.

The Vito B's body is compact and rounded, a look characterised as "cute". It has some nice features including a hinged baseplate for easy loading (which also releases the back) and a milled film counter that counts down rather than up.

The Vito B body existed in two versions, the first one (1954-57) had a small viewfinder and low profile top plate. The later version (1957-60) had a larger bright-frame viewfinder; while brighter and more useful than the original Vito B's viewfinder, some enthusiasts feel that this spoiled the appearance of the camera.

Source: Camerapedia

Small, sweet little scale-focus classic from Voigtlander. One of those cameras that you really need to hold in your hot little hand to appreciate. My sample is the ‘budget’ version, with 4-speed Pronto shutter instead of the better Prontor-SVS shutter. A later model (BS) has an oversized viewfinder that while more practical, in my opinion throws off the ‘look’ of this sleek little package.

The Vito B sports the same semi-legendary Color-Skopar found on the everpopular Vito II and other Voigtlander classics. It is a sharp Tessar style lens, occasionally found in the faster 50/2.8 configuration. f8 and better is quite impressive. The shutter is very smooth and silent even in this model, and with the scale focus this becomes a great stealth camera.

Notable features: manual frame counter setting, the counter is subtractive (counts backward) so after loading set it to the number of exposures and let it count down to zero. Also the shutter is locked until you put a film in the camera, sometimes that will allow you to get a seemingly ‘broken’ one as a bargain.

Source: mattsclassiccameras.com

Specifications

Embossing on the top plate: Vito B

Lens:Color-Skopar 50mm f/3.5 filter slip-on

Aperture: f/3.5-f/22 setting: ring and scale on the lens, turns with the speed ring, according to Light Values 2-18, separate setting possible by a knob on the lens

Focus range: 1-20m + inf

Focusing: manual front element focusing, guess the distance

Shutter: Prontor-SVS leaf shutter, speeds: 1-1/300 +B. The shutter is cocked by the film engaging sprocket wheel, preventing double exposure, so will not cock if there is not a film in the camera. This has led some to mistakenly diagnose the shutter of a working Vito B as broken.

Setting : ring and scale on the lens, turns with the aperture ring, according to Light Values 2-18, separate setting possible by a knob on the lens

Shutter release: on the top plate, w/cable release socket

Cocking lever: long stroke, on the back of the camera

Frame counter: manual reset by milled film counter reseting ring on the front of the bottom plate, counts down, counter window at the center front of the top plate

Viewfinder: large 1/1 size crystal bright-frame viewfinder on tall housing

Re-wind knob: on the left of the top plate, a pop-up knob by a small lever on left side of the camera

Re-wind release: unlocks when the re-wind knob pops-up

Flash PC socket: on the left of the lens flange

Flash sync: X and M, sets by a lever on the left of the lens flange

Cold-shoe

Self-timer: set the synchronising lever to the V (green)

Back cover: hinged, a part of the bottom plate folds open to facilitate the exchange of the film cartridge as well as to open the camera's back door

Tripod socket: 1/4" (actually a 3/8" socket with a pre-installed 1/4" adapter)

Strap knobs

Body: metal; Weight: 610g

Source: Camerapedia


Model

Probably later version (1957-1960)

No serial number


Reference sites

Camerapedia

mattsclassiccameras.com

Manual

English manual

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Yashica Mimy (1963)

Yashica Mimy (1963)

#455

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The cute little Mimy was the most basic of several half-frame Yashica models. Half-frame cameras (18x24mm, half the size of the 35mm format but using the same film) had a brief spell of popularity in the mid 1960s; other examples on this site are the Canon Demi and Minolta Repo. The Mimy was essentially a dressed-down version of the Yashica 72-E (see below). Like the 72-E it was a viewfinder camera but with fixed focus and without manual exposure controls. Due to the short focal length of the lens (28mm, equivalent to about 40mm on full frame) the depth of field was relatively large, which was why Yashica could get away with a fixed focus lens. The focus distance was set at 3m, so one needed to stop down to at least f/11 to get infinity focus. Thus, this camera was more practical for street photography.

The Mimy was equipped with auto exposure: upon pushing the release button half-way down the bottom left corner of the viewfinder frame would change from red to yellow if light was sufficient. The camera could also run in aperture-priority mode, although it appears this was mainly meant to be used with flash, as the lightmeter window did not clearly indicate if the exposure was fine. Film was advanced by means of a small thumb wheel at the bottom of the camera. The Mimy was succeeded by the Mimy-S, which had a redesigned viewfinder area and a lens that could be focussed.

Source: cjs-classic-cameras.co.uk

The Yashica Mimy is a lovely half-frame 35mm camera from the early 1960s. The half-frame picture format is 18×24 mm rather than the 24x36mm of standard 35mm. This means that you get double the amount of shots out of a standard film roll (48 photos out of a 24-exposure roll or 72 out of a 36-exposure roll); this of course means your photos will have more noticable film grain. 

This camera has a fully automatic exposure mode powered by a selenium cell (no battery required). In addition, you can manually pick an f-stop (use this mode for flash photography). The lens is a nice fixed focus Yashinon 28mm f2.8; At f.28, everything from 2.39m-4m will be in focus; by f11 everything from 1.5m to infinity will be in focus (see the manual linked below for a full depth of field chart). 

Source: newwavepool.shop


Specifications

Country : Japan
Year : 1963
Type : 35 MM HALF FRAME
Format : 18 X 24 mm
Lens : Yashinon 2.8 / 28 mm
Shutter : Automatic
Support : Film 35 mm

Source: appaphot.be


Model

Serial number ME 3091796


Reference sites

appaphot.be

cjs-classic-cameras.co.uk

newwavepool.shop


Manual

English manual

Film

35mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Halina 1600 (~1990)

Halina 1600 (~1990)

#453

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

W. Haking Enterprises Ltd. is a camera and binocular maker based in British Hong Kong. It was founded by Dr. Haking Wong (1906-1996) and Dr. Pauline Chan in 1956. In 2002 the company was taken over by Dr. Tony Chak-Leung Tai & Dr. Tai-Chin Lo and built a new factory in Xinhui (Guangdong).

Its camera products of the brands Halina and Ansco are distributed nowadays in the UK, Ireland, the Middle East and Africa by a company named Halina Imaging, that belongs to the British photographic distribution company SPS Logistics.

Older cameras of Haking are marked as "Empire made"

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

The Halina 1600 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera is a simple to use and maintain. Simply load 2x AAA batteries and a roll of your favourite 35mm film to operate. This camera features a bright flash, electronic winder and manual rewind lever. This camera features a sharp lens with a choice of ISO settings, giving you shooting options when using different films. This little camera is a gem and its certainly fun to use!

This camera is great for travel, lifestyle and parties and is extremely light weight. 

Features:

Easy to use and maintain

Bright flash and sharp lens

Ideal if you are new to film photography 

Great fun to use 

Source: f16camerastore.co.uk


Model

"126B" written in the interior.


Reference sites

camerapedia

f16camerastore.co.uk


Manual


Batteries

2 AAA batteries

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Polo FMD System Motor Drive (~1990)

Polo FMD System Motor Drive (~1990)

#452

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

This article refers to a series of cheap plastic 35mm cameras, sold under a bewildering number of names and styling variations, designed to deceive the shopper. They are often seen advertised on auction sites at ridiculously high prices, sometimes as an outfit including an equally cheaply-made tripod and carrying case. They have been attributed to the Ouyama company based in Taiwan, and are manufactured in China.
Most shameless is the variety of names under which the camera is sold. "Olympia" is intended to sound vaguely like Olympus; "Nikai" or "Nokina" like Nikon; and "Tashika" like Yashica. Many others simply use counterfeit Canon (or "Canomatic") labeling—right down to the stylized font used for the name. Other names that have also been observed include Ouyama, Mitsuba, Panoramic, Sonaki, Elco, Ultima, Rokinon, Akira, Cyber 2002, Nikkei, Minotar, Panasound and even Sony. There are undoubtedly others.
An oddity of many of these models is the inclusion of a brilliant finder within the top housing (where a real SLR would have a pentaprism). As there is no focusing adjustment possible, this is simply a stylistic flourish; and recent models seem to omit it. The camera kit may also include a separate "potato masher"-styled electronic flash: Impressive-looking, but equally shoddy in its construction.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Elaborate styling that superficially resembles an SLR, a metal weight in the base to conceal the all-plastic construction, and (typically) a battery-driven film advance (sometimes labeled as "Full Motor Drive") - all distract the buyer from noticing that these are basically trashcams. They have fixed focus, poor-quality "optical" lenses; and while the aperture may be adjusted from (nominally) f/6.3 to f/16, there is a single, non-adjustable shutter speed. The apparently large lens diameter is mostly a dummy clear plastic cover; the actual optics are much smaller and recessed into the plastic barrel.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

CollectiBlend

Manual


Batteries


Film

35mm film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Pentax ME Super (1980-1986)

Pentax ME Super (1980-1986)

#448

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

In 1977, Pentax had introduced two compact 35mm SLRs, the MX and the ME, after the Olympus OM-1 presented in 1972 had introduced a new trend for compactness in SLR cameras.

The Pentax ME was the automatic model, but it had no manual mode. It was replaced in 1979 by the simpler MV and the more advanced ME Super, which was the smallest and lightest SLR (440g) available, with the following changes:

• manual mode added
• shutter speed range from 4s to 1/2000, sync at 1/125
• additional shoe contact for dedicated Pentax flash units
• different finder magnification
• The marking "ASAHI" in the pentaprism housing was eliminated sometime between the ME and the ME Super

The Pentax ME Super was an aperture priority automatic camera, with an electronic focal plane shutter from 4s to 1/2000, flash synchronized at 1/125. The camera also shoots manually (no battery) at the 1/125 flash speed. The shutter curtains were metal and had a vertical movement. For manual mode, the customary shutter knob was replaced by two buttons, up and down, to select the shutter speed. The exposure meter was of the standard TTL open aperture center weighted type. It was activated by a slight pressure on the release button.

The Pentax ME Super had a 0.95x viewfinder, covering 92% of the field. The finder screen was fixed, with a split image and a microprism ring in the center. The shutter speed chosen by the camera or the user was displayed in the finder, the aperture was not.

There was a self-timer and a hot shoe on the top of the prism with an additional contact for dedicated Pentax flash units. The selector around the release button had five positions: L (lock), Auto, M (manual), 125 and B. The Pentax ME Super could attach the external winder ME (1.5 i/s) or the later Winder ME II (2i/s). The Pentax ME Super could also mount a Dial Data ME databack, or the later Digital Data M databack via a cord adapter.

The lenses were interchangeable with the K bayonet mount. Together with the ME and MX, the SMC Pentax-M series of compact lenses were introduced.

The Pentax ME Super existed in chrome or black finish. There was a special edition called ME Super SE, only sold in chrome finish; the differences are the SE marking and the diagonal instead of horizontal split-image device in the focusing screen.

A derivative with a primitive autofocus mechanism, called the Pentax ME-F, was released in 1981. Production of the ME Super stopped in 1986.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

Maker: Pentax
Dates: 1980-1986
Variants: chrome, black, SE
Lens mount: Pentax K with fully automatic diaphragm linkage
Shutter type: SEIKO MFC-E2 electronic focal plane, vertical, metal
Min. shutter speed: 4s
Max. shutter speed: 1/2000
Exposure meter: TTL, open aperture, center weighted by GPD cells. EV 1-19
Exposure modes: aperture priority, manual, 125 mechanical, Bulb
ASA/ISO range: 12 to 1600 ISO
Finder screen: fixed split-screen
Shoe: fixed hot shoe, contact for dedicated flash
X sync speed: 1/125
TTL Flash: no
Motor drive: external Winder ME (1.5i/s) or Winder ME II (2i/s)
Battery: 2 × 1.5V (SR44, LR44 or equivalent)
Weight: 445g w/o lens
Number produced: unknown

Source: camerapedia


Model

Serial number 2043604


Reference sites

camerapedia


Manual

English manual


Batteries

2 LR44 batteries

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Canon AT-1 (1976 - ~)

Canon AT-1 (1976 - ~)

#447

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The AE-1 with shutter speed-priority AE and TTL metering became wildly popular in Japan and overseas.

However in a few overseas markets, the AE-1 had a high price tag. There were also many users who still preferred manual metering. In response to these people, the AT-1 was developed. It had the same body as the AE-1. It featured match-needle metering and TTL centerweighted averaging metering with CdS photocell. The camera could use the same accessories as the AE-1.

Source: Canon Camera Museum

Canon introduced the AT-1 in late 1976, about eight months after the immensely popular AE-1 made its debut. Both SLRs utilize the FD lens mount.

While outwardly the two models are near-twins, and share many accessories, the AT-1 was an export-only model offering cost-conscious buyers a cheaper alternative. Where the AE-1 offers shutter-priority autoexposure, the AT-1 is a pure match-needle, manual-exposure camera. Its viewfinder display is a simplified throwback to earlier match-needle SLRs: an analog needle floats to reflect a TTL reading of the scene brightness; and the user adjusts either aperture or shutter speed until the EV "lolipop" aligns with the needle position. There is no indication of either the selected aperture or shutter speed in the viewfinder.

Despite these appearances, the AT-1 is not a full-blown retro mechanical SLR: it is based on the innovative cost-cutting electronics of the AE-1. The shutter is electronically timed and entirely dependent on battery power. A 10 second self-timer with blinking LED indicator is activated by rotating a tab alongside the shutter release to its forward position. (Rather illogically, returning the tab to its normal position does not cancel the self-timer; instead it fires the shutter immediately.)

While never selling in the same numbers as the AE-1 or AE-1P, today an AT-1 offers photographers access to numerous inexpensive, used FD-mount lenses, in a body free from extraneous bells and whistles.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera
Picture Size: 24 x 36 mm
Normal Lens: Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 SC
Lens Mount: FD mount
Shutter: Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. X, B, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000 sec. All speeds controlled electronically. Built-in self-timer (with blinking LED).
Flash Sync: X-sync automatic-switching sync contacts with German socket and hot shoe.
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.82x magnification, 93.5% vertical coverage, 96.3% horizontal coverage. Split-image rangefinder encircled by microprism rangefinder at center of fresnel matte screen. Metering match needle, overexposure warning (also battery check indicator), and underexposure warning provided.
Exposure Control:  CdS cell for TTL full-aperture, match-needle centerweighted averaging metering. Metering range at ISO 100 and f/1.8 lens: EV 3 – 17. Film speed range from ISO 25 to 3200.
Power Source: One 4G-13 6 V mercury oxide battery or 4LR44 alkaline battery
Film Loading & Advance: Slotted take-up spool. Advances with camera-top lever’s 120 stroke (partial strokes enabled). Ready position at 30.
Frame Counter: Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened.
Film Rewind: Camera-top crank
Dimensions & Weight: 141 x 87 x 48 mm, 590 g

Source: Canon Camera Museum


Model

Serial number 570051


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

Canon Camera Museum


Manual

English manual

English booklet


Batteries

V28 PX 6V battery

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Zeiss Ikon Contina III (1955-1958)

Zeiss Ikon Contina III (1955-1958)

#445

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

During WWII Hubert Nerwin thought about a new 35mm folder. The results of his thoughts were developed after the war to Zeiss Ikon's first completely new postwar product, made since 1948 as Ikonta 522/24. As Zeiss was unable to produce sufficient Tessar lenses (due to war damage to their production facilities), this is one of the few Zeiss models ever to feature a non-Zeiss (Schneider Xenar) lens. The model was continued in 1953 as Contina, as one of the first cameras of the new Contina series of 35mm viewfinder cameras (one was a rangefinder) made in Germany by Zeiss Ikon. The first models were folders, later models were rigid. Some had linked shutter/aperture rings, using the Light-value system. The folding models had knob wind, frame counter and rewind fitted to the bottom; the later ones had top-mounted 180° lever wind, knob rewind and frame counter around the shutter release.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

Manufacturer: Zeiss Ikon
Origin: Stuttgart, Germany
Introduced: 1951 (folder); 1954 (rigid)
Film: 35mm
Shutters: Prontor-SVS, 1sec-1/250 or 1/300 with X & M sync & self-timer, Prontor-SLK or Synchro-Compur

Source: camerapedia

Contina III
1955-58
529/24
Pantar 45mm/2.8
Light meter + convertible lens

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Serial number


Reference sites

camerapedia

camera-wiki.org


Manual

English manual


Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Revue SC5 Auto (1993-)

Revue SC5 Auto (1993-)

#443

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Revue SC5 auto aka Cosina C2 sold by the German mail-order house Foto Quelle. Entry level SLR for 35 mm film with Pentax K-mount from 1993. Manual film advance and focussing was a bit old fashioned at that time.

Source: flickr.com

The C2 is a manual-focus 35mm SLR made by Cosina and using the popular K-mount bayonet for lens interchangeability. The camera offers a choice between manual match-LED exposure settings and aperture-priority autoexposure. In auto mode, the electronically-timed shutter offer speeds from 1/1000 sec down to 8 seconds. Flash sync is at 1/60th sec. Pressing the transparent red button on the front of the camera activates a electronic self-timer delay of 10 seconds, with an indicator lamp whose flashing speed becomes more rapid in the final 2 seconds.

The Cosina C3 is essentially the same camera, but with shutter speeds from 1/2 to 1/2000 sec. The Cosina C1s is a close sibling, lacking the electronic shutter and auto-exposure of the C2, but with a 1 to 1/2000 sec. shutter range and flash sync at 1/125.

The features of the Cosina C2 resemble those of the Cosina-manufactured Canon T60 and (with modifications) the Nikon FE10. The C2 has also been sold under other names, such as the Revue SC 5 auto and Carena 1000 SX. The C3 has appeared rebranded as the Voigtländer VSL 43, the Phoenix P2, and likely several other names.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Manual exposure mode and aperture-priority AE mode.
Shutter speeds: 1 to 1/1000 s and B (M), 8 to 1/1000 s (AE), flash synchronisation 1/60 s
Film speed: 25 to 1600 ASA
Metering range: EV 1 to EV 18 (f/2, 2 s to f/16, 1/1000 s at ISO 100)
Batteries: 2x LR44 (1.5 V)
Weight: 370 g (body only)
Displays in viewfinder: array with shutter speeds, exposure modes, under/over exposure and B with LEDs aside. In M-mode selected and suggested shutter speed is indicated. Split image, micro prism collar.
Tripod socket, self-timer, cable release socket, hot shoe, frame counter, shutter button lock via "lock" on the dial. Vertically operating metal focal plane shutter, electronically controlled.
This camera has a mechanical sibling, the Cosina C1s.

Source: flickr.com


Model

Serial number 30109489


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

flickr.com


Manual

English manual (Cosina C2)


Batteries

2 LR44 batteries

Film

Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Beauty Lightomatic II (1960)

Beauty Lightomatic II (1960)

#441

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Beauty Lightomatic is a series of 35mm rangefinder cameras made by Beauty Camera from 1959 to 1963. The early Lightomatics helped pioneer integral coupled metering, following the Mamiya Elca, Minolta Autowide and Konica S, made possible by their use of the Copal SV series of shutters.

List of versions:

Beauty Lightomatic or Beauty LM
Beauty Lightomatic II
Beauty Lightomatic III, Lightmatic III and Beauty Lite III
Beauty Lightmatic SP
It is sometimes said that the "Lightomatic LM" is a name variant of the Lightomatic II, but this is perhaps a mistake. A Beauty LM2 is also reported.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

The 1960 Lightomatic II featured:

Cosmetic restyle and improvement of Lightomatic / LM chassis.
Addition of brightline finder window at front panel.
Coupled selenium meter with squared match-needle window on top, and magnified match-needle window seen in finder.
Copal-SV shutter with speeds B, 1sec to 1/500s.
Biokor-S 45 mm / f1.9 lens with 5 aperture blades. Rotation for focusing is opposite from earlier lenses.
And again the advance lever must be pulled out to unlock shutter release.

Source: camerapedia


The Beauty Lightomatics are a series of 35mm rangefinder cameras made by the Beauty Camera Company between 1959 and 1963.

Each model shares some common features.

Viewfinder: Integrated coincidence rangefinder/viewfinder with self-correcting bright line.
Focus: Coupled rangefinder with manual ring on lens barrel.
Meter: Selenium meter electro-mechanically coupled to lens barrel aperture, shutter speed settings, and film speed index.
Exposure: Centre-the-needle system with pointer window on the top plate of the camera.
Lens: 45mm f1.9 (6 elements in unknown number of groups) stopping down to f16.
Close Focus: 0.8m / 2'7".
Shutter:. Five blade Copal-SV shutter with speeds: B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250 & 500 sec,. plus B. Shutter speeds and aperture settings can be interlocked. The shutter release locks when the advance lever is flush with the camera body.
Cable Release: Standard socket in shutter release button.
Filter Size: 55mm screw in.
Flash: Cold shoe and PC terminal. M and X sync.
Film Advance Single stroke lever.
Frame Counter: Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened.
Rewind: Collapsible crank, and rewind selector switch.

The Beauty Lightomatic II was introduced in 1960.
The lens is a Biokor-S.
The meter needle pointer window was re-designed so that it's shape changed from circular to rectangular, and the exposure adjustment graphic was abandoned along with the film type reminder. This was replaced by a table showing film speed setting parameters (e.g. a setting of 100 ASA accommodated films between 75 - 120 ASA.
The viewfinder was changed to Bright-Frame (i.e. projected lines) which required an illumination window, and this along with the rangefinder and viewfinder windows where unified by a singe glass covering.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Serial number R 3980


Reference sites

camerapedia

camera-wiki.org

Manual

English manual


Film


Pictures taken with this camera


Videos

Firstflex 35 (~1958)

Firstflex 35 (~1958)

#439

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

he early Firstflex-35 model is a leaf-shutter SLR with waist level finder and a special lens bayonet, made starting in 1955 by Tokiwa Seiki. Other names used for that model were Soligor-35, Windsorflex-35 and Lafayette-35.

Two types of the later model exist, the Firstflex 35 and the PLUSflex 35, both with pentaprism finder, flash synchronized shutter, with and Exakta lens bayonet.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

And here is an example of the second type Firstflex 35. This model was made around 1958 and has an unusual mix of features. A nicely styled camera with what would have been "clean, modern lines" back at the tail end of the fifties.

The reflex mirror acts as the shutter on this camera and has only two shutter speeds available, 1/125 second and "B". The standard pc flash contact on the front plate has a prominent "M" sign beside it, which I would presume to mean that the synchronization is preset for bulbs rather than for electronic flash.

The lens mount is Exacta bayonet and the standard 45mm f/2.8 Auto Tokinon lens has an auto diaphragm mechanism closing down to the taking aperture with light pressure on the shutter release button. You can see the lens release lever clearly in the picture above.

Something is missing here, can you tell me what it was?.............. I think I've figured it out now that I've seen another example, this threaded hole must have been used to mount an accessory shoe to allow you to use a flash on the camera. Interestingly, there is no mention of an accessory shoe in the instruction manual.

Another 'undocumented feature' is the shutter release lock, the nicely-knurled collar underneath the shutter release button can be easily wound upwards to block unintended release of the shutter. Because the shutter release button has quite long travel, the collar does not have to be raised far to do the job very well.

List price was £24/19/6 according to the "British Journal of Photography Annual 1966" which lists new camera models for 1964 and 1965. In June 1964 this model was being sold at the knockdown price of £15/19/6 by Westminster Photographic in London, according to their advert in the "Amateur Photographer".

Source: retinarescue.com


Model

Serial number 65073


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

retinarescue.com

Manual

English manual


Film


Pictures taken with this camera


Videos

Braun Paxette Electromatic II (1960-1964)

Braun Paxette Electromatic II (1960-1964)

#437

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Paxette was a line of 35mm film viewfinder and rangefinder cameras made by the Braun company in Nuremberg, Germany in the middle part of the 20th century. These cameras were of high quality, with excellent optics. Some of the models in this line had interchangeable lenses, something that was notable since these cameras all used Prontor leaf shutters, rather than the focal plane shutters typically used on such cameras (like the Leica). The interchangeable-lens models, which offered several different lines of lenses made by different noted lens manufacturers, included sizes from 35mm (moderate wide angle) to 135mm (telephoto).
The Paxette lenses had a M39 screw mount mechanically compatible to the Leica M39 screw mount (Leica thread mount, LTM), but the flange focal distance differs, because the leaf shutter needs more space than a focal plane shutter, so the Paxette lenses are not interchangeable with the Leica lenses.
There were also Paxette SLR models, the Paxette Reflex.
Later models of the interchangeable-lens cameras, the Super Paxettes, included a coupled rangefinder, some even a coupled selenium meter.

Paxette Electromatic is a series of 35mm film viewfinder cameras made by Braun and produced between 1959-64. They have electric automatic exposure system.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

The Electromatic II still had a single shutter speed at 1/40 sec, but with an improved lens. It was fitted with an Ultralit 1:2.8/40mm, focussed with a twist/screw action. Markings on the lens show that it can focus down to 1m (3.3 feet), although with only a simple viewfinder the photographer must use a guess focusing technique. At around 2m there is a symbol of a person to indicate portraiture, and at around 4m there is a symbol of a building. As with the Electromatic, the selenium meter gave a red/green light sufficiency signal.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Serial number 481202

Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

camerapedia

Manual


Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Minolta Dynax 300si (1995)

Minolta Dynax 300si (1995)

#435

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Dynax 300si is a 35mm SLR camera manufactured by Minolta and released in 1995. It is also known as the Maxxum 300si in the Americas. It was also sold in American Ritz Camera stores the as the Maxxum RZ300si.

A date version was also available called Dynax 300si QD while the Ritz Camera version is Maxxum RZ330si or 330si RZ as written on the body. A panorama variation called Maxxum 350si was also available. It was also known as Maxxum Panorama Elite. The Japanese version is called α-101si (Alpha 101si).

The user has a choice between fully automatic program mode "P" and five pre-set programs, including portrait, landscape, macro, sports and night-portrait. It has no manual program mode of any kind.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Year of launch: 1995
Manufacturer: Minolta
Type: Autofocus system single lens reflex camera
Lens mount: Minolta AF mount
Film type: 35mm film with speeds of 25 to 5000 ISO, with auto DX (25 to 1000 ISO for flash photography)
Metering: TTL, 8 segment silicon photo cell.
Metering range: 1 to 20 EV (50mm f1.4)
Focusing: CCD TTL phase detection autofocus with AF illuminator.
Programs: landscape, sports, macro, portrait and night portrait
Flash: Guide number 12
Shutter: Focal plane shutter with speeds from 30sec to 1/2000sec, 1 fps
19315669322_841f1a26b4_m_d.jpg
image by John Warwick (Image rights)
Film advance: fully automatic morotorized advance and rewind
Viewfinder: Pentamirror
Battery: 1x 2CR5 6V Lithium battery
Dimensions: 147 × 101 × 68mm
Weight: 380g

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Serial number 02606685


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

Manual

English manual


Batteries

2CR5 battery

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Pentax K1000 (1976-1997)

Pentax K1000 (1976-1997)

#434

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

K1000 is a 35mm film SLR camera made by Pentax and produced between 1976–97. Its design descends from the original Spotmatic series of screw-mount SLRs introduced in the 1960s.

An affordable camera for the amateur photographer, it was a fully mechanical, manual camera designed without any program modes. It survived much longer than originally intended and became the archetypal "student's camera." The K1000 was equipped with all features required for manual photography: a TTL metering system, wide-ranging shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 1 s, and the ability to use all the available K-mount lenses made by Pentax and licensees such as Ricoh and Cosina. The K1000 omitted some features found on more advanced models, such as depth-of-field preview, self-timer, and separate meter on/off switch.

Despite its great popularity and longevity of the same basic design, Pentax finally ceased production of the K1000 after more than 20 years in 1997.

The K series evolved from the classic Spotmatic SP 1000, in fact the K1000 itself is essentially a Spotmatic with a bayonet rather than M42×1 screw mount.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

Lens release: lever on the right lower side of the lens mount, slide downward and turn the lens counter clockwise, when mounting the lens the red marks of the lens and the camera must be aligned
Focusing: manual front focusing, via Fresnel matte screen, ring and scale window on the lens
Shutter: horizontally traveling, rubberized silk focal plane, speeds: 1/1000–1 s +B; setting: speed dial knob on the top plate
Shutter release: on the top plate, with cable release socket
Cocking lever: also winds the film, short stroke, retractable, on the right of the top plate
Frame counter: additive type, auto-reset, window on the cocking lever
Viewfinder: eye level SLR pentaprism, needle index of exposure meter visible in it
Exposure meter: full frame averaging TTL metering with built-in coupled match-needle meter ASA range: 20–3200, setting: ring and window on the speed dial, lift and turn
Exposure setting: manual, turn the speed dial or aperture ring until the needle aligned to the center of the index, in the finder
Rewind: folding crank on the top plate, turns when winding
Rewind release: a button on the bottom plate
Flash PC socket: left lower front side of the camera, w/ removable lid, X-Sync. 1/60, red X mark on the speed dial
Hot-shoe
Self-timer: none
Back cover: hinged, opens by lifting the re-wind lever
Tripod socket: 1/4 in
Strap lugs
Battery: 1.5 V LR44 alkaline or SR44 silver oxide (only for exposure meter)
Battery chamber: on the bottom plate
Attention: leave the lens cap on when you are not using the camera, there is no on-off switch for the exposure meter, so it works continuously

Source: camerapedia


Model

Serial number 7868338


Reference sites

camerapedia

Manual

English manual


Batteries

2 LR44 batteries

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos