Torel 110 Mini (1986-)

Torel 110 Mini (1986-)

#444

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Anasuma and Co était un groupe japonais, tout à fait sérieux, fabricant pendant plus de 80 ans, des accessoires d'optiques. Au milieu des années 80, cette firme sortit une série de mini 110 gadgets dénommés Torel.

Source: collection-appareils.fr


Specifications

Nom: Torel 110 (2)
Marque: ASANUMA; fabricant: Asanuma & Co Ltd; publicité: -
Pays: Japon
Date: début: ?1986; fin: ??
Type: (CFFCm)
Dimensions: 68x34x32;68x47x32mm; poids: 35
Matière: plastique; Couleur: blanc
Surface sensible: film 110; format: 13x17mm
Objectif: nom: ?; fabricant:?; ouv./focale: f8/25; fixation : fixe
Diaphragme: type: fixe; ouvertures: f8
Obturateur: nom: ?; fabricant: ?; vitesses: 1/80; pose: -
Retardateur: -; Armement: molette
Compte-vues: fenêtre; Protection 2 expos: oui
Synchro flash: X; flash intégré: électronique
Posemètre: type: -; plage: -; automatisme: manuel
Mise au point: type: fixe; mini: 1,5m; télémètre: -
Décentrement vert.: -; hor.: -; bascule avant: -; arrière: -
Viseur: cadre; Porte-accessoire: sabot non synchronisé; Niveau: -
Mode d'emploi: blister

Source: collectiongeven.com


Model

Blue model with leave (Canadian...?)


Reference sites

collection-appareils.fr

collectiongeven.com


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

Balda Baldix (1950-1955)

Balda Baldix (1950-1955)

#442

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Balda's Baldix cameras were a series of self-erecting folding cameras derived from the Baldax series. The cameras made 6x6cm exposures on type No. 120 film rolls.
The Baldix was like the postwar Baldax without the frame counter. The Mess-Baldix had the additional mechanical frame counter, and an uncoupled rangefinder. The Baldi 29 was a later, cheaper model based on the same body, with a more rounded top housing and a f:2.9 lens, hence the name. The range of cameras available at the 1956 Photokina included the Baldi 29, Baldix and Super Baldax, all models that were still available in 1959–60.

Source: Camerapedia

Sweet little folder that takes 6×6 pictures on 120 rollfilm, made by the famous Balda Kamera Werk in West Germany. Balda-Werk was located in Dresden from 1908 up until the end of WWII when it became part of VEB Pentacon group and was re-established in Bunde, (West) Germany. They made cameras up until 1985 when the camera production portion of Balda was sold to a Chinese joint venture. Balda AG is now manufacturing components for mobile communications, satellites and the medical industry. (Come to think of it, isn’t that more or less what Zeiss is up to these days?) Balda Werk made other similar folders such as the excellent (pre-VEB) Baldax and Baldalux and the (post-VEB) 35mm Baldinette. Shutters used in these cameras range from Vario to Compur-Rapid, lenses included Balda-Werk and Enna-Werk, Hugo Meyer and Schneider Kreuznach. They also made Baldax models sold as Lisette under the name Porst. This camera is imprinted Baldix, West Germany, Balda, Bunde, on the leather.

There are a lot of features packed into this comact but heavy pocket-sized folder. Double-exposure lock, PC sync and accessory shoe, self-timer (not working too well on this example), coated lens, positive spring-loaded extension. It’s extremely well-designed. Wind knob is ratcheting (cool idea) as part of the interesting (see below) double-exposure prevention. The Enna-Werk Ennagon lens is a real beauty. You can tell at a glance that it’s a high-quality German lens, with the same coated crispness I can see looking at my Meyer Oreston. Enna-Werk made the interchangeable lenses for the prized American rangefinder Argus C fourty-four, which is in fact the main reason that camera is valuable. The lens frontispiece has a red C that I assume stands for Color, which would mean that it was a color-corrected coated lens. (Color is part of the options on the film selection indicator, so I think it’s a safe assumption.)

Controls are simple – the top has ratcheting wind knob on the left, with the bellows release button next to it, the accesssory shoe in the center, the shutter release, and a knob that has a dial film indicator but doesn’t really do anything, it’s just supposed to remind you if you have Din 7 Ortho-Panchromatic film or if you’re using the ASA 100 Color film today. Only goes up to ASA 200 so it’s only marginally useful…. The other controls are all on top (side? depends on how you’re holding the camera) of the lens-mounted shutter. The shutter cocking lever cocks easily to one side with a finger. VXM self-timer/flash sync switch is color-coded Green Red Yellow, fairly standard. PC terminal is right there too, sticking out a little presumptuously. Focus is smooth and I assume the scale is in meters even though it doesn’t say.

One of the nicest things about this little beauty is the perfect placement of the shutter release button. Shooting with it feels like shooting a solid 35mm rangefinder while the result is a whopping 6x6cm instead of 24x36mm. It’s about the same size and weight as the Contaflex, and it is just a pleasure to shoot. Make sure you depress the shutter release all the way in one smooth movement, otherwise it goes click-click as the linkage engages and then the shutter releases, and you may miss your shot. Be firm, not timid.

Source: mattsclassiccameras.com


Specifications

Produced 1950-55 (1952?) Balda Kamera Werk, Bunde, Germany
Film type 120 rollfilm
Picture size 6cm x 6cm
Weight 18.2oz (516g)
Lens Enna Werk Ennagon C 75mm, f3.5 (stops to f22)
Filter size use Series VI with the 1 1/4″ (31.5mm) slip-on adapter
Focal Range 1m to infinity
Shutter Prontor SVS (has V, X, M settings)
Shutter speeds B, 1-300
Viewfinder in-body viewfinder
Exposure meter none
PC sync and accessory shoe
Film counter, double-exposure prevention
Close cousins HAPO (eg HAns POrst)

Source: mattsclassiccameras.com


Model


Reference sites

35mmc.com

baldabaldix/

Camerapedia

mattsclassiccameras.com



Manual

English manual


Film


Pictures taken with this camera


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

Kodak Jiffy Six 20 Series II (1937-48)

Kodak Jiffy Six 20 Series II (1937-48)

#440

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Kodak Jiffy is a medium format folding cameras series made by Eastman Kodak Co. Ltd., Rochester, NY, USA and produced between 1937-48.

Source: camerapedia


Specifications

Models

Jiffy Six 16 (1933-37)
Jiffy Six 20 (1933-37)
Jiffy Six 16 Series II (1937-48)
Jiffy Six 20 Series II (1937-48)
Both of the Jiffy first series and the Series II models made with two similar versions except the film size, one for 616 film named Six 16 and one for 620 film named Six 20.

First series were made with Art Déco painted front plate, but the Series II front plate was covered with black leatherette.

Film:
Six 16: 616 roll, picture size: 6.5x11cm
Six 20: 620 roll, picture size: 6x9cm

Engraving on the back cover opening catch: Six 16 or Six 20, Jiffy Kodak, Series II, Made in USA by Eastman Kodak Co. Rochester, N.Y.

Lens: Twindar (Periscopic), 105mm f/8 filter slip-on

Aperture: two, f/8, f/11 (some cameras have f/16 also), sets by a pull-out tab on the left of the front plate

Focus range: 5-10 feet +inf

Focusing: manual front focusing, there are two extreme stops, 5 to 10 feet and Beyond 10 feet
Shutter: simple spring rotary shutter, one speed, I instant 1/50 (1/25?) and T time, setting lever on the top of the front plate

Cocking lever and Shutter release: by the same lever, for instant press once, aperture hole opens and closes

Viewfinder: two reflecting bright finders

Bellows: single extension, strut folding, self opening

Front plate and bellows opening: by a silver knob on the right side of the camera; closing: press outwards the struts

Back cover: Hinged, opens by a latch on top of the camera, with a red window w/ a lid

There is a sticker inside of the back cover: Use Kodak 616 or 620 film

Tripod socket: none

Hand grip lugs

Camera leg: swivelling for vertical and horizontal standing, beneath the front plate

Body: metal, leatherette covered; Weight: 753g

Source: camerapedia


The Jiffy Kodak Six-16 & Six-20 Series II Cameras were manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Company from 1937 to 1948. Advertised as the simplest folding camera ever devised. Named Jiffy for the speed and ease at which the camera would get ready to shoot. Simply by touching a button the front pops out. Touch a second and the picture is taken. Features included a twindar lens, built in shutter with time and instantaneous actions, two crowned brilliant finders, foot support to stand camera for time exposures. Finished in black Moroccan grain covering, black and nickel etched metal front. The six-16 took 8 images, 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch size on 616 film and originally sold for $9.00. The six-20 took 8 images 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 inch size on 620 film and originally cost $8.00. Measures 7"L x 1.25"w x 3.25"h when closed.

Source: historiccamera.com


Model

Model II. 620 film.


Reference sites

camerapedia

historiccamera.com
Manual

English manual

Film

620 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

Polaroid Automatic 320 Land Camera (1969-1971)

Polaroid Automatic 320 Land Camera

#438

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Polaroid Automatic 320 is an instant pack film folding rangefinder camera produced by Polaroid.  It was manufactured between 1969-1971, and is part of the 100-400 Land Camera series.  The Polaroid Automatic 320 has several features that were standard on all models in the 100-400 series.  Those features include a folding bellows, automatic exposure and the use of 100 series pack film.  The Automatic 320 was also the lowest priced folding pack film camera produced, as it was Polaroid's goal to make the camera affordable for any budget.  Polaroid was able to reduce costs by offering the camera with a plastic body and lens housing.   This worked as an advantage, as the Automatic 320 was more lightweight and easier for travel.

Source: keh.com


Specifications

The Polaroid Automatic 320 features a two element plastic 114mm f8.8 lens.  It also has automatic exposure capabilities with an external electric eye light meter beside the lens.  The camera has a parallax viewfinder with a distance estimator in the eyepiece, and a separate rangefinder focus window.  The Automatic 320 has film speed settings of 75 ASA, or 3000 ASA.   The camera also features a light/dark control for exposure compensation.  The Automatic 320 uses 100 series pack film (FujiFilm's FP-100C is readily available today).

Source: keh.com


Model


Reference sites

keh.com

Manual

English manual


Batteries

A132 3V battery

Film

Fujifilm FP-100c

Pictures taken with this machine


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

Polaroid Spectra 1200FF (~1985)

Polaroid Spectra 1200FF (~1985)

#436

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Polaroid introduced the Spectra system of cameras in the early 1980s. It was an all-new line of cameras, and had a corresponding new film. Spectra film (called 'Image' outside of North America) is different from 600 integral film in that it has a different image format: a rectangular 9.2 x 7.3cm rather than 600 film's square format. Spectra film is otherwise identical to 600 film - ISO speed, development method and operation remain identical. The Spectra range of cameras also sport better lenses on average than the 600-film range, with most of the models utilising an arc-shaped range of focusing lenses inside the body that swing across the exterior lens element to provide correct focusing, rather than adjusting the distance between internal lens elements. Spectra cameras are thought to take higher-quality pictures than a conventional 600 Polaroid camera, due to the camera's higher build quality and a proportionally larger print area.
Spectra film initially came with 10 shots per pack, but this was increased to 12 in most markets. Spectra film is also known as 1200 or Image film in some markets, and there are high definition and grid-marked versions available, as with 600 film.
All Spectra models except the Macro SLRs and the ProCam feature 125mm lenses, giving a field of view equivalent to 46mm on a 35mm film camera.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Specifications

Different folding mechanism to other Spectra models, featuring folding plastic bellows. The camera front is hinged at the bottom and opens vertically; similar in principle to a single-hinged SX-70 model though this is not an SLR camera. A black model known as the Spectra Blitz was marketed by the Lomography Society, but that model does not fold down.

Wider lens (100mm f/11.5, 2-element aspherical plastic).
Fixed-focus, but has built-in close-up lens for shots down to 60cm. A warning/reminder light appears near the viewfinder when the close-up lens has been selected.
Auto-flash with no ability to force on or off.
Built-in metal lens cover automatically slides over the lens when the camera is folded.
No tripod socket.
No Lighten/Darken control or other means of exposure compensation.
Shoots up to 12 exposures using the final generation of Spectra/Image 1200 film.

Source: camera-wiki.org


Model

Code inside: BBQABPJ5BPA

Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

Manual

English manual


Film

Spectra 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

Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super (1959-1962)

Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super (1959)

#433

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

This is a Zeiss-Ikon Contaflex Super, a 35mm Single Lens Reflex leaf shutter camera made by Zeiss-Ikon AG in Stuttgart, West Germany between the years 1959 and 1962.  It was part of the long lived Contaflex series that saw many variations between the original Contaflex I in 1953 all the way to the Contaflex S from about 1970.  The Super, as it’s name implies was a rather high spec version of the camera, featuring a coupled selenium exposure meter with match needle readout in the viewfinder, and a 4-element 50mm Tessar lens with interchangeable front elements.  With the use of Pro-Tessar bayonet mount lenses, the Contaflex had available wide angle and telephoto lenses.

Source: mikeeckman.com


Specifications

Film Type: 135 (35mm)
Lens: 50mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Tessar coated 4-elements
Lens Mount: Contaflex Bayonet (front element only)
Focus: 2.5 feet to Infinity
Viewfinder: Fixed SLR Pentaprism
Shutter: Synchro-Compur Leaf
Speeds: B, 1 – 1/500 seconds
Exposure Meter: Coupled Selenium Cell w/ viewfinder and top plate match needle
Battery: None
Flash Mount: Coldshoe and M and X Flash Sync
Weight: 850 grams

Source: mikeeckman.com


Model

Engraved X 46064

Reference sites

mikeeckman.com


Manual

English manual


Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Pentax MG (1981-1984)

Pentax MG (1981-1984)

#432

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Pentax MG was a product of Asahi Optical Co later called Pentax Corporation, introduced in 1981 and produced until 1984. It was a replacement of the MV and MV1 cameras as entry level 35mm semi-automatic camera.

The Pentax MG was a manual focus, aperture priority camera, with no manual settings of speeds. The Pentax MG had an electronic focal plane shutter from 1s to 1/1000, synchronized at 1/100. The shutter curtains were metal and had a vertical movement. However, if the batteries fail the camera still operated at 1/100s or B, thus the selector around the release button had three positions: Auto, 100X (1/100, X sync) and B. The exposure meter is center-weighted TTL type with open aperture measuring for Pentax M compatible lenses. The Pentax MG can use any Pentax K-mount and can still be used with current Pentax lenses. There was a self-timer and a hot shoe with an additional contact for dedicated Pentax flash units. The Pentax MG used 2 SR-44 batteries or equivalent to power it.

The Pentax MG had a 0.87x 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 was displayed in the finder by LEDs, which also indicated over/under exposure or slow speeds and the possibility of shaking. However the aperture was not displayed. The camera also had an exposure compensation from +2 to -2 EV.

Pentax MG with SMC Pentax-M 50/2 lens
The body resembles that of the M-Family of cameras such as the ME, MX, MV, etc. and as such was compatible with the external Winder ME (1.5 frame/s) or the later Winder ME II (2 frame/s). The Pentax MG could use the Dial Data ME databack with an adaptor to slide in the hot shoe, or it could make direct use of the Digital Data M databack. The Pentax MG was available in chrome or black finish.

Source: Wikipedia


Specifications


General
Lens Mount: K
Mount Limitations: The lens must be set to a numerical aperture
Self-Timer: 4 ~ 10 sec
Mirror Lock-Up: —
Cable Release: mechanical
Infra-Red Release: —
Additional Features: —
Width x Height x Depth: 132 x 85 x 49.5 mm
Weight: 423 g

Exposure System
Exposure Modes: Av
Metering Modes with K and M Lenses: center-weighted
Metering Modes with A and newer Lenses: center-weighted
Meter Material: GPD
Exposure Compensation (Step): XXX
Exposure Lock: —
Meter Range: 2 ~ 19 EV
Manual ISO Range: 25 ~ 1600 ASA

Shutter
Construction: electronic (vertical)
Material: metal
Shutter Speeds: 1 ~ 1/1000, B
Mechanical Speeds: X, B

Viewfinder
Magnification [Coverage]: 0.87x [92%]
Aperture Indication: —
Shutter-Speed Indication: LED
Interchangeable Screens: —

Power Source
Batteries: 2 x 1.5 Volt silver-oxide (A76, SR44) or alkaline (LR44)
External: —

Continuous Shooting
Continuous Shooting: manual wind lever
Compatible with Winder(s): ME, ME II

Flash System
Command Protocol(s): analog
Features: S
Synchronization Speed(s): 1/100 ~ 1, B
Built-In Flash: —

Accessories
Fitting Case(s): soft case: ME super MG

Source: kmp.pentaxians.eu


Model

Serial number 7285975


Reference sites

kmp.pentaxians.eu

Wikipedia


Manual

English manual


Batteries

2 LR44 batteries

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Canon A-1 (1978-1985)

Canon A-1 (1978-1985)

#431

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Canon A-1 is an advanced level single-lens reflex (SLR) 35 mm film camera for use with interchangeable lenses. It was manufactured by Canon Camera K. K. (today Canon Incorporated) in Japan from April 1978 to 1985. It employs a horizontal cloth-curtain focal-plane shutter with a speed range of 30 to 1/1000 second plus bulb and flash synchronization speed of 1/60 second. It has dimensions of 92 millimetres (3.6 in) height, 141 millimetres (5.6 in) width, 48 millimetres (1.9 in) depth and 620 grams (22 oz) weight. Unlike most SLRs of the time, it was available in only one color; all black. The introductory US list price for the body plus Canon FD 50 mm f/1.4 SSC lens was $625, the camera was generally sold with a 30–40% discount (roughly $375 to $435).

The A-1 is a historically significant camera. It was the first SLR to offer an electronically controlled programmed autoexposure mode. Instead of the photographer picking a shutter speed to freeze or blur motion and choosing a lens aperture f-stop to control depth of field (focus), the A-1 has a microprocessor programmed to automatically select a compromise exposure based on light meter input. Virtually all cameras today have at least one program mode.

Beginning with the amateur level Canon AE-1 of 1976, there was a complete overhaul of the entire Canon SLR line. The 1970s and 1980s were an era of intense competition among the major SLR brands: Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax and Olympus. Between 1975 and 1985, there was a dramatic shift away from heavy all-metal manual mechanical camera bodies to much more compact bodies with integrated circuit (IC) electronic automation. In addition, because of rapid advances in electronics, the brands continually leapfrogged each other with models having new or more automatic features, and less expensive components and assembly. The industry was trying to expand out from the saturated high-end professional market and appeal to the large mass of low-end amateur photographers keen to move up from compact automatic leaf shutter rangefinder cameras to the more "glamorous" SLR but were intimidated by the need to learn all the details of operating a traditional SLR.

The A-1 is the high technology standard bearer of the landmark Canon amateur level A-series SLRs. The other members of the A-series are the Canon AE-1 (released 1976), AT-1 (1977), AV-1 (1979), AE-1 Program (1981) and AL-1 (1982). They all use the same compact aluminum alloy chassis, but with differing feature levels and outer cosmetic acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic panels. By sharing most major components, and an inexpensive horizontal cloth-curtain shutter, costs could be spread out over a larger production volumes. The A-1 represented Canon's bid to defeat Nikon through more features and the cheapest price.

The A-1 caused a sensation when it was released in early 1978. Most photographers were amazed at its advanced features, years ahead of the competition, but in the face of changing technology, not all comments were positive. Professional photographers worried about the long term reliability of its consumer-level mechanical and electronic components under heavy daily use, the relatively slow flash sync and top shutter speeds. Traditionalist photographers complained about an "excess" of automation ruining the art of photography, a criticism that was leveled at all of the newly automated cameras released in the 1980s. However, automation turned out to be the right way to entice many new amateur photographers on a budget, and paid off very well for Canon.

The Canon A-1 was a runaway best seller, as it offered new SLR buyers considerable features and value for the price. It was reliable for its day in amateur usage. But as competitors brought out their own programmed SLRs,[1] the A-1 began to show its age. This is especially true for its horizontal cloth-curtain shutter, viewfinder information display and autoflash control. The A-1 was due for replacement when the Canon T90 came out in 1985. Canon's abandonment of the FD lens mount for the EOS design also had a significant effect on demand for the A-1 on the used market. But it is still regarded as one of the most fascinating SLRs of its generation and many are still in regular use.

Source: en.wikipedia.org


Specifications

The A-1 accepts any lens with the Canon FD breech lock mount (introduced in 1971) or Canon New FD pseudo-bayonet mount (sometimes called the FDn mount, introduced 1979). It can also use most earlier FL lenses and some even older R (or Canomatic) series lenses, albeit with reduced functionality. This excludes all of Canon's EF bayonet mount autofocus lenses (introduced in 1987). During the late 1970s and 1980s, there were approximately 55 Canon FD lenses available for purchase. They ranged from a 7.5mm f/5.6 fisheye to an FD 800mm f/5.6 telephoto, and included lenses with maximum apertures to f/1.2 and a line of L-series lenses of exceptional quality. Accessories for the A-1 included the Canon motor drive MA (automatic film advance up to 5 frames per second), the Canon Databack A (sequential numbering or date stamping on the film), and the Canon Speedlight 155A (guide number 56/17 (feet/meters) at ASA/ISO 100) and Canon Speedlight 199A (guide number 98/30 (feet/meters) at ASA/ISO 100) electronic flashes.

The A-1 is a battery-powered (one 4LR44 or PX-28) microprocessor-controlled manual-focus SLR with manual exposure control or shutter priority, aperture priority or programmed autoexposure. A fifth mode is "stopped down AE", in which the aperture is closed and alterable by the photographer and the camera selects the shutter speed based on the actual light reading. This differs from aperture priority in which the aperture is not closed until a photograph is taken and the shutter speed is calculated based on the light measured through the fully open aperture. Stopped down AE existed so that old FL lenses could be used with at least some kind of AE, and was also useful for photomicroscopy, manual-aperture lenses, etc. The A-1 is the first SLR to have all four of the now standard PASM exposure modes. It has a viewfinder exposure information system using a six-digit, seven-segment per digit, red alphanumeric LED display on the bottom of the viewfinder to indicate the readings of the built-in centerweighted, silicon photocell light meter. The focusing screen also has Canon's standard split image rangefinder and microprism collar focusing help.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

• Type:35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera
• Picture Size: 24 x 36 mm
• Normal Lens: Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 SSC, FD 50mm f/1.4 SSC
• Lens Mount: FD mount
• Shutter: Four-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains. X, B, 30, 15, 8, 4, 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 2- and 10-sec. delay and blinking LED). Multiple exposures enabled with a lever. Electronic shutter release.
• Flash Sync: X-sync automatic-switching sync contacts with German socket and hot shoe.
• Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism. 0.83x magnification, 93.4% vertical coverage, 95.3% horizontal coverage. Split-image rangefinder encircled by microprism rangefinder at center of fresnel matte screen. Eyepiece shutter provided. Six interchangeable focusing screens optional (installed by service personnel). The standard screen was later replaced by the brighter and sharper Laser Matte screen.
• Viewfinder Information: Digital readout with 7-segment red LED for shutter speed, aperture, dedicated Speedlite flash-ready, manual settings, and warning displays.
• Metering & Exposure Control: SPC for TTL full-aperture centerweighted averaging metering or TTL stopped-down metering. Exposure compensation range of 2 EV. AE lock provided. Five AE modes: Shutter speed-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, program AE, preset aperture-priority AE, and Speedlite AE (with dedicated Speedlite). The mode is set with a selector dial. Metering range at ISO 100 and f/1.4: EV -2 – 18. Film speed range from ISO 6 to 12800 in 1/3 steps.
• Power Source: One 4G-13 6 V mercury oxide battery or 4LR44 alkaline battery. Battery check with button and blinking LED.
• 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. Counts down during rewind.
• Film Rewind: Camera-top crank
• Dimensions & Weight:  141 x 92 x 48 mm, 620 g

Source: global.canon


Model

Serial number 1412230


Reference sites

en.wikipedia.org

global.canon

mir.com.my


Manual

English manual

Canon A-1 Repair Guide


Batteries

V28 PX 6V battery

Film

Kodak ColorPlus 200/24

Fujicolor C200/36

Pictures taken with this machine

Kodak ColorPlus 200/24 sample 1

Kodak ColorPlus 200/24 sample 2

Kodak ColorPlus 200/24 sample 3

Fujicolor C200/36 sample 1

Fujicolor C200/36 sample 2

Fujicolor C200/36 sample 3

Videos

Werlisa Club Color (1976) (black model)

Werlisa Club Color (1976) (black model)

#430

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

Simple plastic viewfinder camera made by Certex in Spain.

Source: camera-wiki.org

This is a cheap camera, from the 70´s & 80´s when in Spain was having a lot of “little” changes. It is a camera with focus free, and 3 positions for its speed. You must charge the film, pass this one and … shoot !!!

A lot of Spanish homes have a little camera like this: all our life, vacancies, work, … has been impressed in a lot of photographs taken by cameras like this one.
It was one the latest and genuine “Spanish product”, in the years that this was a very important thing in our world.
Today, all this little firms was for the great and omnipotent global trademarks, or simply closed the factories.
This lovely camera can rewind the film with the same mechanism like other cameras. You push the button in the “bottom” of the camera and, then, you can use the little crank in the left. It is easy to make doubles with other cameras …I like to do it with another ones. You can´t do doubles exposures, in the same point, but it will give you “special” results !!!

As the Werlisa Club Color only has two iso sensitivities (100 and 400 ISO), what I do is to load a spool of 200 ISO, and I use the references of 100 ISO to overexpose lightly the film. I believe that this camera answers of forceful form to the rule: Do not think!, just shoot! It does not have rear window to be able to see the spool that it has inside, it can be very useful for the “surprise effect” of the photos. It is robust and it bears very well the “ill-treatment”.

Source: lomography.com

Werlisa é o nome de uma extensa série de câmeras, em constante evolução, produzido por Certex, que marcou uma era na fotografia amadora na Espanha.
As câmeras são funcionais, com óptica boa, inteiramente adequado para fotografia a cores e teve um grande sucesso no mercado espanhol para os fãs à procura de uma câmara que lhes permitam memória de imagem.
O Werlisa Cor Club é a primeira das câmaras da segunda geração deste tipo feita por Certex, inspirou a criação de câmaras simples e de baixo custo que pode ser utilizado por um público não familiarizado com a fotografia e cuja única pretensão de tirar as fotos de memória.
Estas câmaras são caracterizadas pelo abandono de vidro e metal e com a introdução de plástico para o corpo para a óptica.

Source: flickr.com


Specifications

It has 3 settings on the ring around the focus free lens: sunny, cloudy and flash.

The lens is a Certar 38mm f/7.5, and there is only one shutterspeed. Film transport is done by a thumbwheel on the back of the camera, it also cocks the shutter. The camera does not need any batteries.

Source: camera-wiki.org

Tipo de Câmera: Compacta
Fabricados em: Espanha
Ano de fabricação: 1976
Objetiva: 38mm f Certa 7,5 de acrílico.
Obturador: Três velocidades (1 / 30, 1 / 60, 1 / 120).
Diafragma: Fixo (7.5)
Tipo de filme: 135 (Universal)
Foco: 2.5m ao infinito fixo.
Fabricante: Certex

Source: flickr.com


Model

Black model


Reference sites

camera-wiki.org

flickr.com

lomography.com


Manual


Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos

Pentax MX (1976-1985)

Pentax MX (1976-1985)

#429

This photo is from the copy I own

History and technical features 

The Pentax MX was a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera produced by Asahi Optical Co, later Pentax of Japan between 1976 and 1985. It was Pentax's flagship professional SLR until the introduction of the Pentax LX. Internally, the MX is essentially a smaller, lighter version of the Pentax KX, and otherwise has little in common with the rest of the Pentax M-series. However, the MX was designed as the mechanical twin sister of the remarkably successful entry-level Pentax ME.

The MX was solidly built, and featured a fully mechanical construction, including a mechanical shutter of the horizontal cloth type. Only the light metering system was dependent on batteries. The MX is all manual: it does not feature autofocus or autoexposure modes such as aperture-priority, shutter-speed priority, or full program.

A number of accessories were produced, among those: Focusing Screens

SC1: ground glass, split image device, microprism ring (standard)
SA1: ground glass, microprism patch
SA3: ground glass, microprism patch, for wide aperture lenses
SB1: ground glass, split image device
SD1: ground glass, cross collimator
SD11: aerial image, cross collimator
SE: ground glass
SG: ground glass, grid
SI: ground glass, axis,
Data backs, Dial Data MX and a bulk film back. Motorized winder Winder MX (2 frame/s) or a Motor MX (5 frame/s)motor drive.

Like all post-42 mm screwmount Pentax cameras, the MX accepts all K-mount lenses (with the exception of the newer FA-J and DA lenses without aperture rings).

Due to its complete lack of automatic functions, but excellent array of manual controls, the MX is often selected as a camera for photography students to practice their technique. The depth-of-field preview and self-timer functions render the MX superior in this respect to the earlier and cheaper Pentax K1000.

Source: wikipedia


Specifications

Year introduced: 1976
Mount: K
Meter range: 1 - 19 EV
Meter pattern: c
ISO range: 25 - 1600
DX ISO range: No DX coding
Exposure modes: M, B
Exposure compensation: Not applicable
Exposure lock: Not applicable
Shutter speeds (auto): Not applicable
Shutter speeds (manual): 1 - 1/1000s, B
Shutter speeds (mechanical): 1 - 1/1000s, B
Self timer: Yes
Mirror lock-up: No
Auto bracketing: Not applicable
Multiple exposures: Yes
Winder: External winder 2 fps, motor drive 1-5 fps
Built-in flash: No
TTL flash: No
P-TTL flash: No
Sync speed: 1/60s
Flash exposure comp: Not applicable
Autofocus: No
Autofocus sensitivity: Not applicable
Power zoom: No
Viewfinder: 0.97x, 95%
Viewfinder type: Pentaprism
Diopter correction: No
Exchangeable screen: Yes
Depth of field preview: Yes
Image size: 24 x 36 mm
Panorama format: No
Battery: 2 x S76
Battery grip/pack: Yes, for the motor drive
Size (W x H x D): 136 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm
Weight: 495 g

Source: pentaxforums.com

Model

Serial number 4037308


Reference sites

pentaxforums.com

wikipedia


Manual

English manual


Batteries

2 LR44 batteries

Film


Pictures taken with this machine


Videos