Canon EOS 500N (1996-1999)

Canon EOS 500N (1996-1999)

#418

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Canon EOS 500N is also known as the EOS Rebel G in the Americas or the New EOS Kiss in Japan. Sometimes it's referred to as the EOS Kiss 2 as it followed the release of the EOS Kiss in Japan. This camera was released in 1996 and replaced the EOS 500. The Japanese version of the camera had the date back as standard. Its successor was the EOS-300 / REBEL2000 / Kiss III, released in 1999.

There are not too many changes in this model compared to the original. A few new features include compatibility with ETTL type flash. It still has the same 1/90 of a sec sync speed of the previous model, but when equipped with a Canon Speedlight such as the 380EX, 220EX it can be used at 1/2000 of a sec. Focus has improved a bit as as a AF assist light is now available. Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) can be use from -2 to ++2 in 1/2 stop increments. The command dial now has a easier to access night scene mode. The body is able to use the BP-8 vertical grip that can also accept four AA batteries.

Source: camera-wiki.org

The Canon EOS Rebel G is a perfectly competent, all-plastic 35mm SLR film camera that works with all Canon autofocus (EOS) lenses. It's a plastic camera with a plastic lens mount and a mirror prism, so it weighs nothing!

The Rebel G works great with IS lenses, and everything except Canon's EF-S lenses for small-format digital cameras (or the ancient FD lenses for manual focus cameras that went obsolete in 1986).

It first winds the film to the end, and then shoots the frames in reverse order. Its frame counter always shows you the frames remaining as it counts backwards.

All the hot lenses you buy for your 1D X and 5D Mark III, like the 14mm II, fisheyes and super-teles, all are 100% compatible — and you can buy a Rebel G body for one-half of one percent of the cost of a 1DS Mk III body.

The Rebel G was an inexpensive film camera. Its advantage is that it weighs nothing and works great. It shoots in all exposure modes and has a modern evaluative metering system.

Pop on a pro lens like the 16-35mm f/2.8 L II, and the package is still light enough to throw around your neck all day.

The Rebel G feels like a toy, but it's beauty is that it doesn't weigh anything. It's an easy camera to knock around all day, and brings back great results, even on Fuji Velvia 50 slide film.

The only gotha is that the finder is a super-light penta-mirror type, so the finder isn't quite as big, sharp or as contrasty as a pro film camera. If I shot this camera all day, every day I'd want a better finder for my convenience, but as a knock around camera, it's great.

This EOS Rebel G replaced the EOS Rebel XS (EOS 500 or EOS Kiss) which was introduced in September 1993. The 1993 EOS Rebel XS should not be confused with the Digital Rebel XS that was introduced in August 2008.

The EOS Rebel 2000 (EOS 300 or EOS Kiss III) replaced this EOS Rebel G in April, 1999.

Source: kenrockwell.com


Specifications

Name
Americas: EOS Rebel G
Japan: New EOS Kiss.
Rest of world: EOS 500N.

AF Sensors
3.

AF Assist light
Yes.

Finder
Mirror-prism.
0.7x magnification with 50mm lens.
90% coverage.
18.5mm eye relief.

Meter
Evaluative.
Averaging and PArtial available in other modes.
Rated LV 2-20 with f/1.4 lens.

ISO Range
ISO 25-5,000 (DX).
ISO 6-6,400 manually.

Shutter
1/2,000 - 30 seconds and Bulb in half-stops.
Fastest Shutter Speed with Flash (sync)
1/90.
(there is a trick FP mode with some flashes.)

Frame Rate
1 FPS.

Built-in Flash
Guide Number 39/12 (feet/meters at ISO 100).
Covers 28mm lens.

Cable Release Socket
NO.
You have to buy an expensive RS-60E3 cord.

Date Imprint
Available if you paid extra for the Quartz Date version.

Power
Two CR123A (DL123A) batteries.
Rated 85 24-exposure rolls without flash, 35 rolls with 50% flash, and 17 rolls with 100% flash, all at 68ºF (20ºC).
The date back, if you get it, uses a CR2025.

Colors
Pro black or gag-me silver paint.

Size
5.7 x 3.6 x 2.4" (145.7 x 92 x 61.9mm), WHD.

Weight
14.1 oz (400g) with batteries.
13.05 oz. (370g), naked and stripped of batteries.

Price
59,000 Yen (body only) at introduction in 1996.

Introduced
September 1996.

Replaced
By the Rebel 2000 in 1999.

Accessories:
GR-80TP Grip, which unfolds as a mini tripod.
EP-EX15 eyepiece extender makes the eyepiece poke out further and adds 15mm to the eye relief, but reduces the size of the finder image to 0.5x.
E Diopters.
RS-60E3 dedicated cable release.
BP-8 External AA Battery Pack.
EX Series flashes (speedlites).
EH8-L (Rebel G and small lens) and EH-8LL (with longer lens) never-ready cases.
Source: kenrockwell.com

Model

Serial number 1615580


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

kenrockwell.com


Manual

English manual


Batteries

2 CR123A battery

Film

Fujicolor C200/36

Pictures taken with this machine

Canon EOS 500N sample 1

Canon EOS 500N sample 2

Canon EOS 500N sample 3

Videos

Canon EOS 3000 (1999)

Canon EOS 3000 (1999)

#397

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

A compact, lightweight, low-priced SLR camera. Successor to the EOS5000, but with greatly expanded basic functions. The camera incorporates the Mode Dial and most other basic features of the EOS Kiss/EOS REBEL XS/EOS500 and includes six-zone evaluative metering linked to three focusing points. In addition, the flash is linked to the measurement point so that during shooting the flash out-put level is constantly adjusted for optimum exposure control. For reasons of cost, the flash unit is manual pop-up/retractable head type. The EOS3000 is compatible with system accessories for the Kiss and New Kiss. The high-quality design has a feel of genuine elegance.

Source: global.canon

The EOS 3000 is an autofocus SLR for 35mm film introduced by Canon in 1999. It was sold as the EOS 88 in Asia. (It was not sold in the US.) The pentamirror viewfinder and manually-activated popup flash helped keep this a lower-cost model; but a full range of autoexposure modes were included, including off-the-film flash exposure setting. Film transport is motorized and the camera requires two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries to operate.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter, multi-mode AF SLR camera
Normal Lens: Canon EF lenses
Picture Size: 24 x 36 mm (panorama image approximately 13 x 36 mm using panorama adapter PA-1000) (Japanese model only)
Lens Mount: EF mount
AF System: TTL-SIR (TTL secondary image phase differential detection). AF modes: One-shot AF, One-shot AF/Predictive AI servo AF automatic switching, and manual focus. Multi-BASIS (1+1 array). AF operating range EV1.5-18 (ISO 100). AF in-focus indicators: LCD indicator inside the viewfinder, plus in-focus beeper (tone on/off selection is available in the Creative Zone).
Shutter: Vertical travel, focal plane electronic shutter. 1/2000-30 sec. in 1/2-stop increments, Bulb. X-sync at 1/90 sec. (hot shoe). In shutter-priority AE and manual exposure control mode; electronic dial provides 1/2- stop increments shutter speed setting. In other modes: Shutter speed is set automatically by the camera. Built-in electronic self-timer. Camera-shake warning in Full Auto and IS mode.
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentamirror. 0.7x Magnification and 90% coverage horizontally and vertically.
Viewfinder Information: On the screen: Center AF mark, wide AF frame, and partial metering circle. Below the screen (seven-segment LCD display): Shutter speed (with camera-shake and out-of-range warnings) and aperture. Below the screen (LCD mask indicators): AE lock, red-eye reduction, flash charge completed, flash-use warning for low-light (blinking), exposure indicators (in 1/2-stop increments), AE exposure compensation amount, manual exposure, red-eye reduction lamp progress, AF in-focus (blinks if AF fails), manual in-focus.
Exposure Compensation: Manual setting ±2 EV in 1/2-steps. Operating range EV2-20 (ISO 100, f/1.4).
External LCD Information: Aperture, ISO mark, shutter-speed (ISO film speed/battery-check (bc) indicator, battery check level), exposure indicator (in 1/2-stop increments, ±2 stops) (exposure compensation amount/metered manual/red-eye reduction lamp), film status (loaded/not loaded/AL failure), film counter (multiple exposure setting/multiple exposures count (counts down)/beeper setting/self-timer operation (count down)), self-timer, beeper, red-eye reduction, multiple exposure
Metering & Exposure Control: Composite SPC for TTL full-aperture metering (six-zone evaluative metering and partial metering :9.5% of viewfinder at center). Picture-taking modes: Intelligent program AE (program shift enabled), Shutter speed- priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Full-auto mode (intelligent AE), four Programmed Image Control modes (Portrait/Night Scene/Close-up/Sports), Auto-DEP, TTL program flash AE, A-TTL program flash AE, metered manual. AE lock enabled (button- operated). ISO film speed range: ISO 25-5000 in 1/3-stop increments, set automatically with DX code. ISO 6-6400 in 1/3-stop increments manual settings. Multiple exposures: Max nine multiple exposures (cancels automatically at completion or manually before completion). Exposure Compensation: Manual setting ±2 EV in 1/2-stop increments. Metering range: EV2-20 (ISO 100, f/1.4).
Built-in Flash: Retractable, located on pentamirror hump. TTL auto flash control. Off-the-film metering (linked to three weighted focusing points). Measurement Conditions Creative mode: Fires automatically when flash is up. Full auto/Image select mode: Fires automatically when flash is up, under low-light or backlit conditions. Flash Sync Speed Program AE: Automatically set to 1/90 sec Shutter priority AE, Manual: Set as needed at 1/90 or slower (in 1/2-stop increments). Aperture priority AE: Automatically set from 30 to 1/90 seconds Daylight sync available, red-eye reduction lamp provided (also functions as AF assist beam lamp) Guide number: 12 (ISO 100) With External Flash: External flash has priority, built-in flash operation disabled. EZ/E series strobe: A-TTL autoflash. EX series strobe, ML-3: TTL autoflash
Autodate Feature: No date; month, day, year; day, month, year; year, month day (Japan and QD models only)
Power Source: Two 3V CR123A or DL123A lithium batteries
Film Loading & Advance: Align film leader at mark, then close the camera back for prewind loading. Film rewinds as each shot is exposed. Built-in motor for automatic winding/rewinding. Film advance: Automatic. Single-frame and continuous (1 fps). Automatically rewinds film leader into cartridge when designated number of frames have been exposed (midroll rewind available).
Frame Counter: Counts down on external LCD panel (counts up during prewinding)
Dimensions & Weight: 145 x 92 x 61.9mm, 345 g (QD model: 360 g)

Source: global.canon


Model

Serial number 3716638


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

global.canon


Manual

English manual


Batteries

2 CR123A battery

Film

Fujifilm Fujicolor Superia 100/24

Pictures taken with this machine

Canon EOS 3000 sample 1

Canon EOS 3000 sample 2

Canon EOS 3000 sample 3

Videos

Fujifilm Fotonex 250ix ZOOM (1997)

Fujifilm Fotonex 250ix ZOOM (1997)

#378

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

he Fuji Fotonex 250 Zoom was not much smaller than the average 35mm compact AF zoom. It wasn't much different in any way, despite having a clean and easily-handled design which slipped neatly into a pocket.
So it sat in the office for a few days, and no-one really paid much attention to it. Then I loaded it up and actually took it around with me for a week. Suddenly, the little switch which changes the viewfinder masking from Classic (35mm shape) to HDTV (16:9 ratio) or Panoramic (3:1 long thin print) came to life. In conjunction with the 25-55mm zoom lens, more or less equal to a 28-65mm on 35mm, the ability to preselect the format and compose shots to suit turned out to be an enjoyable creative function.

I found myself handing the camera to Shirley, then saying 'hey, try a vertical panoramic on that shot!' only to find that she was already doing exactly that.  Everyone enjoyed using the camera, loaded with Kodak's Advantix 200 film which overcame problems of dull light and indoor flash, and objections to its viewfinder were overcome as we learned to centre the eye precisely and avoid it blacking out.

Finally, after a few shots taken in the botanical gardens at Dawyck in Scotland, a few at home, and some family snaps at son Richard's house, the 40-exposure roll was finished. Forty exposures may not seem much more than a standard 135/36, but as I normally load 24s for this kind of colour neg snap, it seemed like an endless roll.

Then the downside emerged - our local Boots, which normally takes any non-rollfilm colour neg film and processes it overnight for under fiver with excellent 6 x 4 gloss prints, had no idea what the APS roll was or any instructions on how to process it. They couldn't accept it.

Our local small High Street photo dealer in Kelso, Hector Innes, was completely aware of what to do. Photon readers may recall that it was Hector who put a Casio QV-10 digital camera in stock before any other shop had them, and for the record, he also bought one of the first Photo-CD players and has 'slide showed' his portfolio of wedding pictures ever since, constantly playing next to the counter.

Hector also bought APS film and cameras from Kodak the day they became available, and before I had had a chance to see them, his first cameras had sold out. He was complaining that Minolta's more expensive and fully specified cameras, which he could have sold just as easily and quickly, were not due to arrive for a couple of months.

He took the film from me, and gave me the bad news - it would take a full week to go back to Kodak for processing, no local lab had the facilities, and it would cost an unspecified figure which could be well into the teens if I had used the panoramic mode often. The 10" long pan prints cost more than the standard ones.

So I handed it over and resigned myself to a long wait and expensive bill for a bundle of snaps.

When the day came, any misgivings disappeared. Instead of some floppy envelope with a docket stuck to it and negs floating around in bits of loose sleeving, Alastair Innes produced a hard plastic and card case resembling a VHS cassette box extended 50% in length. Not only did this look like the £11.49 (inc VAT) I was going to pay, but it felt good. Inside this snap-shut case with its colourful Kodak livery and designer paper engineering, a neat recess held the film, all negatives safely archived away from fingerprints. In the lid, an index print like a full colour contact sheet showed our shots with the masking we had selected.
The prints themselves were arranged in order of format - on top, the Classic 6 x 4 prints in order of taking; below this, the HDTV 'long' prints, and at the bottom fitting precisely into the compartment the panoramic prints.

The general standard of printing, considering that no special measures had been taken, was excellent. The Advantix 200 film gave high sharpness, and grain comparable to a good 400 speed on 35mm. Kodak might deny this, but some panoramic prints from a Konica disposable panoramic loaded with 400 speed film were pretty much exactly the same.

The only failures, in terms of print density, were images which should have been richer and darker because no sky was included. These were exposed or printed too light. Poor flash exposure contributed to some familiar gritty underdone low-light snaps, which I had hoped that APS might eliminate.

The overall impression was that this box of prints was well worth the money, and that the compact Fuji Fotonex camera was 'bigger' than 35mm. The Fotonex viewfinder was misleading, and showed a heavily cropped frame which appeared to match the equally heavy crop shown on the index print - yet the actual prints had far more visible on them, especially on wide-angle P shots.

While I do not see the Advanced Photo System having much relevance to our readers with professional or creative interests, it can not fail to catch on with discerning casual photographers. With this quality of presentation delivered by Kodak, professionals will have to upgrade the way they deliver both social and commercial work. A glassine envelope just isn't enough.

Conclusion

With superb results, negligible weight and complete ease of the use the little Fuji camera does exactly what APS compacts were supposed to do. The film delivers the goods and the processing is excellent. You can not fail to be, as I repeat, impressed.
The Advanced Photo System is set to be a winner and every film exposed by 'early adopters' will help sell the system to Christmas season buyers. Follow my example and try it, and you'll just light up with a big grin when you get your first results back.

But where will you store that bookcase-full of big presentation cases? And will you have the heart to break up the box and put prints in albums? Products are already on the way to file and present APS work more space-efficiently - watch our news pages monthly for updates.

Source: iconpublications.com


Specifications

Source:


Model

Serial number 40104394


Reference sites

iconpublications.com


Manual


Batteries

CR123A battery

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Pentax Zoom 105 Super (1990)

Pentax Zoom 105 Super (1990)

#356

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

he Pentax Zoom 105 Super is a fully automatic compact camera released by with a 38-105mm zoom lens. It was also sold as the IQZoom 105 Super so it is part of the Pentax Espio IQZoom series, but this branding is often omitted from the camera body. It was manufactured by Pentax in 1990.

An minor updated version was available in 1991 called the Zoom 105-R which has red eye reduction.

The lens is a 38-105mm, f/4-7.8, the power zoom can be controlled continuously or in steps of 46, 55, 70 and 85mm by lightly tapping the zooming lever. The focal length is displayed on the top LCD screen. The focus range is from 1.35m to inf, but with macro mode enabled this changes to 0.75m to 1.35m. There is also a super macro mode. This button is located under a downward sliding cover on the left hand side of the body. This enables fixed focus range of 0.45m. In this mode the flash always fires and auto focus does not function. An electronic self timer, that can shoot up to five exposures. Number of exposure can be adjusted with the zoom toggle switch. The first shot is set at 10 seconds, the second is at 5 seconds, exposure 3 to 5 is at approx 2 seconds. DX encoded film is required as non-DX film is shot at ISO 25. The film is exposed upside down since the take-up reel is to the left. It takes two CR123A batteries, the battery compartment has a screw that can be release with a accessory on the camera strap. The other side of the tool can be used for mid-roll rewind and date adjustment. The camera strap is slotted to the right hand side of the hand grip.

On date models, Month-Day-Year, Day-Month-Year, Year-Month-Day or Day-Hour-Minute can be imprinted. The years 1987 to 2019 can be imprinted.


Source: camera-wiki.org

Specifications

Type: Fully automatic 35mm film camera with zoom lens
Film: DX-coded ISO 25-3200, frame size 24x36mm
Lens: Pentax power zoom 38-105mm, f/4-7.8 with macro mode. 11 elements in 9 groups - Angle 50-23.5 degrees.
Focusing: Active infrared autofocus system
Shutter: automatic 1/250s-1/3 sec. Bulb: 1/2-60 sec.
Self-timer: up to 5 frames.
Viewfinder: 87% - magnification 0,45-0,97
Exposure Compensation: +-3EV (steps of 0.5 EV)
Double exposure: possible
Flash: built-in.
Film advance: automatic - max. 1.3 fps, automatic rewind.
Power: Two 3v lithium batteries CR-123A or DL 123A
Size: 144x83x67 mm
Weight: 470g without batteries.

Source: camera-wiki.org

Model

Serial number 1721540


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

Manual

Manual in english


Batteries

2 CR123A batteries

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Premier M-301

Premier M-301

#353

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 


Source:

Specifications

F73.5

34mm lens

Motorized

CR123A battery

Flash

Timer

Made in Taiwan


Source:

Model

Serial number A28804



Reference sites


Manual


Batteries

CR123A battery

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Olympus AF-10 XB

Olympus AF-10 XB

#337

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Olympus AF-10 XB (Infinity 10 XB in the US) was a fully automatic 35mm compact camera with an extra-large viewfinder. It was the last in the Olympus AF series and was made in China.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Lens: 29mm, f/4.5
Autofocus with focus lock.
Auto-exposure.
Auto-flash that can be disabled.
Self-timer.
Integrated lens cover.
LCD for frame counter and battery check.
Film advance: Motordrive and power rewind.
Tripod socket.
Power: 3V 123 lithium battery.

Source: camera-wiki.org

Model

Serial numbers 05100134 and 06185676.

I have two cameras of this model.


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

cnet.com

Manual


Batteries

CR123A battery

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Konica Z-up 150 VP (2000)

Konica Z-up 150 VP (2000)

#297

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

This is a point n' shoot superzoom 35mm film camera with quite a high specification; the top model of Konica's Z-up range.

The lens ranges from 38mm to 150mm using the T/W lever exactly where your thumb would expect. The body has a nice champagne and matt black finish, the camera front is metal but the rest of the camera is obviously plastic.

Fonte: camerapedia


Especificações

Takes DX coded film, ISO 25-3200. Auto-loading and wind-on.
Lens has maximum aperture of F/5 at 38mm f/13.8 at 150mm. Sharpness should be good with 10 glass elements in 8 groups.
Lens cover is built-in and retracts on power up.
Shutter speeds: automatic from 1/320s to 1.5s.
Auto-exposure via CdS meter. Exposure range is EV4-EV16 at f/5.
Autofocus via infra red scanning. Focus-lock by the common half-click method.
Minimum focus distance is 80cm.
Small "real image" viewfinder that automatically zooms. Dioptre adjustment also present.
LCD indicating frame number, battery power and mode setting. (8 modes for flash and distance).
Flash is not very powerful and has an 8 seconds recharge time.
Self-timer.
Power source: 1x CR123A 3V battery (see image).

Konica Remote controller A: available as an optional extra.
Some models also have auto-date function and panorama setting.

Fonte: camerapedia


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 6646242


Sítios de referência

camerapedia


Manual

Manual em inglês


Baterias

CR123A battery

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Minolta Riva Zoom 70w (1995)

Minolta Riva Zoom 70w (1995)

#280

Máquina fotográfica gentilmente oferecida por Isabel Alber

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

The Riva Zoom 70W (also known as the Freedom Zoom Explorer 70W) was a compact camera with a wide-angle zoom lens introduced by Minolta in 1995. Some models had a Switchable panorama mask. It was available in black or "champagne" silver. This camera was superseded by the very similar Minolta Riva Zoom 75w which had a slightly longer lens in the same-sized body.

Fonte: camerapedia

MINOLTA EXPLORER FREEDOM ZOOM (RIVA ZOOM 70W) – GUEST REVIEW BY BENN MURHAAYA

Earlier this year, while I was visiting San Francisco, my photographer friend Arachide presented me with a bulky yet interesting looking compact camera – A Minolta Explorer Freedom Zoom. It was one of his lucky thrift store finds. Although skeptical of zoom compact camera, I gave it a go and entrusted one of my precious films to it, as my main shooter – Fuji DL Mini Super – did not provide me with such reach as this one. After I came back, I decided to pop some more film in and explore (see what I did there) the camera’s capabilities further. So let’s take a closer look.

My incarnation is all black one, marked as Minolta Explorer Freedom Zoom. That I believe is naming for United States while in Europe is known under Minolta Riva Zoom 70W. The 70 in the name refers the longest focal length. The body is quite bulky but handles alright. On the back there is on/off switch, panorama switch and a zoom button. When switched to panorama mode, the top and bottom of the viewfinder is covered with black bars so you won’t accidentally shoot in this mode without realizing it. The lens (28 mm f/3.5 – 70 mm f/8.9) will be covered in detail later but let me say that on paper, this is quite interesting if not amazing configuration for a compact camera. Interesting feature regarding the lens is that the electric eye for light metering is located on the lens barrel and it is not that hard to find and easily use clip on filters and the camera will meter through the filter – nice!

By default, the camera starts in all auto. It does not remember any of the settings – like we even hope, but the good thing is that once you’ve selected the mode, it will retain the mode until you change it or power off the camera. The flash off is third flash mode.
Just by quick glance, you know, the camera has active autofocus. Plus side is it will focus in the dark, minus side is it won’t focus on the image in the mirror or through the glass. But at least one of the modes is an infinity focus. Other modes are macro, slow synchro and the infinity focus. The camera also has a date function, however my model has a busted buttons so I cannot set the date. It runs on one CR123 battery.

On the paper, the 28 mm f/3.5 – 70 mm f/8.9 looks pretty interesting. There are not that many zoom compacts that start on 28 mm. On 35 there’s a few and 38 mm now there’s plenty (I dislike such cameras very much). The 3.5 is not that bad either. On the contrary it is pretty decent aperture for a compact. Fuji DL Mini Super has 28/3.5 lens, Fuji DL-500 has a 28/3.5 lens, Minolta TC-1 has a 28/3.5 lens … all of which are excellent cameras with sharp lenses. Can the Minolta Explorer hold up even though it is a zoom lens? Sadly, no. Not by any chance even though there should be two double aspherical elements in the lens. In terms of quality it does not even touch the the DLs.
The most obvious aberration is huge pincushion distortion. On 28 mm it is really evident and not only in the borders but quite in the middle as well. This does not clear on the long end, where slight barrel distortion is observable. I don’t recall shooting any pictures in between though.
In terms of sharpness, it is also no match to Fuji’s or TC-1. We have to be fair and cut the camera some slack because it is a zoom (2.5x). Some pictures are quite sharp, while others seem downright muddy. Even on the wide end, taken on a sunny day so the lens should be stopped down is no match to DL Super and even on same scenes scaled down to 720p the DL looks crisper.
Also, having my scanning process set up for films shot by OM-1 SLR and Fujis, the photos from the Explorer tended to have a slight greenish tint. Not a huge issue with print film and I don’t expect anybody to shoot slide (except for xpro) in this camera.
I must add that besides pictures being muddy, I did not have any focusing issues. In the three films shot so far, I don’t have any misfocused pictures. It may be thanks to the camera or partly by me, being more experienced. There are some materials that tend to throw these active AF cameras off like dark non-reflecting fabrics or shiny reflective surfaces (like latex).
In some rare cases, I was able to get a pictures with a shallow depth of field on the 28 mm. It’s natural as I was shooting 400 ISO film in low light conditions without flash and focusing quite near.

In terms of exposure, the camera is alright. Slightly overexposing maybe. But that is definitely better than otherwise. The limits for the exposure is 2 seconds on the short end and 8 seconds on the long. I wish Fuji DL Super Mini had that as it goes to only about ½ sec. 2 seconds is enough to take a solid night city scene from tripod. Good thinking there Minolta guys. The camera meters down to 2.6 EV to that something you don’t see every day cameras of this class.
Exposure with the flash is good as well and the camera again tends to overexpose. With good scanner this is not a problem.
The fact, that clip on filters can be used and the cell meters through the filter is so sweet that I just wish other cameras I use had a cell on the lens. A $1 bottom of the bin yellow filter will give your photos that extra punch.

Being a pretty bulky camera, it fits nicely to the hand but not that nicely into your shirt pocket. It is no Ricoh as you might see but unlike Ricoh, it packs a zoom lens and zoom finder.
Buttons on the top are easy to press and after a while you don’t even need to look on the LCD and set the camera modes by heart. When the camera is switched on, it makes a nice and satisfying noise as the cover opens and lens extends. This happens pretty quickly.

This camera has a “great” film economics. It will squeeze every frame it can get out the film. When loaded with Foma Fomapan it stopped and rewound the film after I successfully shot frame no. 39. Fomapans are bit longer than other films and I can squeeze 38 pictures in my OM-1 SLR or Fuji DL-500. This is a nice touch. I hate when the camera stops at 36 even though I know, there is room for one, two or even three more pictures. I am saving pennies here but hey, why not?
Interesting but in practice probably not very usable is a 1.2 fps continuous drive mode. Holding down the shutter will make the camera shoot a sequence of pictures but it is far from a rapid fire we might be used from today’s DSLRs.
Other quirk is, that the lens barrel has only 28, 50 and 70 marked on it. No 35 mm, not even a dot. But why shoot on 35 when you can shoot on 28, right?

I first used the Minolta Explorer Freedom Zoom, because being on the peninsula, I wanted to take a closer photo of the Alcatraz island while visiting San Francisco. I used it as a “long lens” camera during my vacation but it kept drawing my attention while being set aside in the drawer. However another two films I put through did not convinced me to use the camera again. Which is such a shame because I like the camera. Even though it is bulky, I like it, it feels sturdy, sleek. It’s black so there’s plus ten points to the cool factor right there. It’s great with filters and squeezes every frame it can out of the film. The lens is wide and long but also distorts massively and the pictures that a camera produces is the main factor a camera is judged upon. I am way passed my Lomography days but I will most probably give it to somebody who is not yet and who this camera will make happy.

Fonte: 35mmc.com


Especificações

Compact camera using 35mm film.
Lens: Minolta 28-70mm motorized zoom. Four elements in four groups. Max. aperture f/3.5-8.4.
Autofocus from 0.5m - infinity, with macro ability from 0.4-1m.
Auto-exposure with shutter speeds from 2-1/500s at 28mm and 8-1/350s at 70mm.
Film advance: Auto-loading, motorwind and rewind of DX-coded film (Automatic Film speeds: ISO 25-3200).
Integrated pop-up flash, with several modes. Maximum range at 28mm and 100 ISO is 6m.
Power: One 3V lithium CR123/DL123A.
Dimensions: 121×66.5×44mm
Weight: 240g

Fonte: camerapedia


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 19517727


Sítios de referência

35mmc.com


Manual

Manual em inglês


Baterias

CR123A battery

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Fujifilm Fotonex 300 Zoom (1996)

#275

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

A compact APS camera from Fuji.
Also know as the Fujifilm Endeavor.

Fonte: Camerapedia

The Fujifilm Fotonex 300 Zoomcompact is an APS film camera from Fuji. Also known as the Fujifilm Endeavor or the Fujifilm Epion 300Z.

Fonte: camera-wiki.org


Especificações

Year of Manufacture: 1996
Focal Range 30-90 mm (Super EBC Fujinon)
f/4-f/10.5
8 elements in 6 groups
Mid-Roll Switchable
Red Eye Reduction
Print Quantity Pre-Setting Capability
Flash Obstruction Warning System
Date/Time/Message Printing Capability
Self-Timer
Power: 1x CR123A
Dimensions: 125 x 67 x 40mm

Fonte: Camerapedia


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 40308008


Sítios de referência

Camerapedia

camera-wiki.org


Manual


Baterias

CR123A battery

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Praktica Sport SA90 Nova Zoom

Praktica Sport SA90 Nova Zoom

#256

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

VEB Pentacon Dresden was an East German camera maker formed as VEB Kamera- und Kinowerke Dresden in 1959 by amalgation of Zeiss Ikon, Kamera Werke, Belca, Altissa, Welta, and cine film specialist Aspecta. In 1964 it was named Pentacon. Originally Pentacon was the export model name for the Contax D, since the use of the name Contax had been prohibited for the East German company VEB Zeiss Ikon. The new name had been coined from Pentaprism and Contax. The company produced its own shutters. Known is the Pentacon-Prestor leaf shutter.

The SLR production of VEB Pentacon essentially concentrated on the Praktica SLRs.

In 1968 VEB Pentacon Dresden became Kombinat VEB Pentacon Dresden, being merged with Mentor, Certo, Ihagee, Meyer, the camera industry of Freital and further specialized companies.

After the end of the Soviet bloc and just before German Reunification Pentacon was placed into the hands of the "Treuhand", a state-owned company charged with privatizing all the state-owned companies of East Germany. However, led by West-German business people, the Treuhand simply closed many companies. The first big hit against the East German economy was taken by the Pentacon group. On 2nd October 1990, one day before Reunification, Pentacon's liquidation began. The final day of production was June 30th 1991. The company still had 3331 employees. The next day it had just 232 who had to finish liquidation.

The only investor who had been interested in saving Pentacon was Heinrich Mandermann, the man who once had saved the lens maker Schneider-Kreuznach and who also was the co-founder of the camera trader Beroflex. But he waited until after liquidation to buy parts of the company from the Treuhand - thus getting them cheaper, including one of the modern Pentacon buildings which once served for military production. This part of Pentacon, now the new Pentacon GmbH, is still located in Dresden, and includes a service office for older cameras, camera production being outsourced to South Korea. The camera and lens brands represented by the new Pentacon are Praktica, Exakta, and Schneider Dresden, the enterprise employing about 150. Among its own products are amazing scanner cameras.

Fonte: Camerapedia


Especificações

Prakticar Zoom Lens

38-90mm lens

Zoom

Auto Focus

Flash

35mm film


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 13056815


Sítios de referência

Camerapedia


Manual


Baterias

2 CR123A batteries

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Fujifilm Fotonex 300ix Zoom (~1996)

Fujifilm Fotonex 300ix Zoom (~1996)

#246

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características


Especificações

APS film

CR123A battery

Flash

30-90mm lens


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 50609898


Sítios de referência


Manual


Baterias

1 CR123A Battery

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Kodak KE60

Kodak KE60

#222

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

Cheap fixed lens Kodak, with a design as cheap as the camera. Ugly it may be, but it has some very interesting features for a camera sold in blisters by convenience stores.

First, the lens is a 29 mm "all glass ektanar", meaning a dead slow wide angle of 5,6, but a relief from the common 35 mm. There are suprising details on this camera, like the projected viewfinder lines and AF mark, doesn't seem to be a cheap choice. There are soft rubber covers where you hold the camera, not cold plastic.Then there is a LCD at the rear with the usual flash modes, infinity focus and it is even back lit in indigo blue by pushing a button, nice.

The most interesting thing is the Kodak easy load 35 system that I was completely unaware of. There is no back door on the camera. The system is remarkably similar to the APS loading system, a small transparent door, all you have to so is to put the tip of the film in a slot and close the door. The camera automatically winds the film and locks the door, making it impossible to open the door by mistake. The system is really impressive and fool proof (literally!).

Fonte: Paulo Moreira

Especificações

The Kodak KE60 has 29mm all glass lens with a programmed shutter speeds of 1/60 to 1/400 seconds.
Apertures is f/5.6. The focus range is Daylight 1.5ft (0.5m) to infinity. The viewfinder is projected image, centrespotted-aiming
circle, macro correction.
This camera has to special option modes:
Portrait mode – allows you to take sharp, close-up pictures of people.
Infinity-focus - you can capture sharp, distant scenery for outdoor picture-taking
Flash is built in, with a recycle time of 6 seconds. Flash modes on this camera are: Flash Off, Fill Flash, Night
view with flash, and night view without flash.

ISO Film Speed Flash to subject distance
100 1.5 to 12ft (0.5 to 3.7m)
200 1.5 to 17ft (0.5 to 5.2m)
400 1.5 to 23ft (0.5 to 7.0m)
800 1.5 to 28ft (0.5 to 8.5m)

Power source is one 3 V lithium battery
Dimensions: 38 x 62 x 124mm
Weight: 6.1 oz.

Fonte: stephenfinkelphotography.com


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 0423976


Sítios de referência

Paulo Moreira

stephenfinkelphotography.com

Manual

Manual em inglês


Baterias

CR123A 3V battery

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Minolta Riva Zoom 75w (~1995)

Minolta Riva Zoom 75w (~1995)

#211

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

The Riva Zoom 75w (also known as the Freedom Zoom Explorer EX) is a fully automatic compact camera with zoom lens and built-in pop-up flash. It was a minor upgrade from the very similar Riva Zoom 70W with a slightly longer focal range. With this model it stretches from wide angle (28mm) to portrait (75mm) with maximum apertures of f/3.5 to f/8.9. It automatically recognizes the DX-coded ISO speed between 25 and 3200 from the 35mm film capsule. Exposure control, focusing and film transport are fully automatic. The lens allows "macro" exposures (min. distance 40 cm), and the flash has multiple modes: off, on, automatic, red-eye reduction. Focusing and exposure lock are triggered by pressing the shutter release halfway down. The camera was sold in a crowded market in which many compact autofocus zoom viewfinder cameras offered a similarly medium-high quality. The camera has a mighty little flash, reliable automatic functions, but a slight sharpness weakness in portrait focal length and cushion distortion in wide angle focal length.

Fonte: Camerapedia


Especificações


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 40001493


Sítios de referência

Camerapedia


Manual

Manual em inglês, francês, castelhano e Alemão


Baterias

1 CR123A battery

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina

Minolta Riva Zoom 75w sample 1

Vídeos

Minolta Riva Zoom Pico (1993)

Minolta Riva Zoom Pico (1993)

#201

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

The Freedom Action Zoom is a 35mm autofocus compact camera from Minolta. A similar body version is also known as the Riva Zoom Pico and Autodate Zoom.

Fonte: camera-wiki.org


Especificações

It features a 38 to 60mm zoom lens. A self-timer is provided. Compatible with 25-3200 ISO DX code film. Power is with a single CR123A battery.

Fonte: camera-wiki.org


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série 77319709


Sítios de referência

camera-wiki.org



Manual

Manual em inglês


Baterias

CR 12A battery

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos

Konica Top's AF-300 (~1993)

Konica Top's AF-300 (~1993)

#195

Esta fotografia é do segundo exemplar que possuo.

Este modelo foi-me oferecido por Sandra Morgado. Muito obrigado!

Características


Especificações

The range of Top's had taken life with the Top's (fix-focus) and the Top’s AF 300 (autofocus). In 1993, the EF-200 SP and the AF-300 SP were added. These last ones are weatherproof variants of the previous ones. SP means "Sand Proof", but they are also watertight.
The 4 classification of JIS (Japan Industry Standard) determines that it must resist 5 minutes to sprayed water at a rate of 10litres / minute / square meter, according to an arc of 180 degrees at a distance from 30 to 50cm.
The two new cameras have a 4.5/34mm lens with three elements and accept 100, 200 and 400 ISO films. The advance and the rewinding of the film is motorized.
The Top’s 200 is fix-focus, with a focus on minimum 1.5metre. The shutter is set to 1/125 per sec (with an aperture at 8) under normal conditions and 1/50 per sec (with an aperture at 4.5) with the flash.
The price in 1993 was 490 francs.

Fonte: collection-appareils.fr


Modelo

A primeira tem o n.º de série 5030791

A segunda tem o n.º de série


Sítios de referência

collection-appareils.fr


Manual


Baterias

1 CR123A battery

1 CR2025 battery

Filme

Konica VX 100/24

Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina

Konica Top's AF-300 sample 1

Konica Top's AF-300 sample 2

Konica Top's AF-300 sample 3

Vídeos

Canon Prima 5 (1991)

Canon Prima 5 (1991)

#187

Esta fotografia é do exemplar que possuo

Características

The Canon Sure Shot Max was a 1991 model from Canon's very successful Sure Shot range. This compact 35mm film camera was known as the Prima 5 in continental Europe and Autoboy Mini in Japan.

Fonte: camerapedia

his plastic-bodied, slim point and shoot from Canon appeared in 1991. Called the Autoboy Mini in Japan, and Prima 5 in Europe, it is a pretty sensible camera that does not try to do too much.  With its 38mm f/3.5 lens, the Sure Shot Max is a compact AF camera that fits in a jacket pocket and can be ready for photography almost immediately.  It has one odd little feature - you turn the camera on with the switch located on the lens bezel.  With the lens retracted into the body, it sure does have a thin profile.

Fonte: randomphoto

Especificações

Lens: 38mm, f/3.5 with 3-point smart autofocus.
Auto-exposure with shutter speeds of 1/8-1/250s.
Integral flash. (Guide No: 9m at ISO 100.)
Auto-load, wind and rewind of DX-coded film.
Dimensions: 125x68x43mm.
Weight: 245g (with battery)
Power: One 3V CR123A lithium battery.
A version with an autodate function was available.

Fonte: camerapedia

3 point smart AF, prefocus is enabled.
38mm f/3.5 lens  (3 elements in 3 groups)
Shutter: Electromagnetic programmed shutter and aperture. Range of f/3.5 to f/22; 1/8 sec - 1/250 sec shutter speeds, all automatic.
Self-timer
Viewfinder: 85% coverage, parallax correction frame, OK to shoot indicator, flash-ready, red-eye reduction indicator, and close-up warning.
DX coded ISO setting from ISO 25-3200.
Flash: Built-in, Guide No. 9 (at ISO 100). Flash can be turned off. Red-eye reduction lamp.
Battery: 1 3V CR123A.
Film winding is automatic, rewind automatic at end of roll.
Weight: 245 grams w/battery; dimensions- 125 x 68 x 43mm
Tripod socket

Fonte: randomphoto


Modelo

A minha tem o n.º de série


Sítios de referência

camerapedia

randomphoto


Manual

Manual em inglês


Baterias

CR123A battery

Filme


Fotografias tiradas com esta máquina


Vídeos