Cameras - Page 32 of 34 - Facts, notes and thoughts about vintage cameras and other trifle matters

August 11, 2019

Kowaflex E

Kowaflex E 1961 saw the first man in space, Yury Gagarin, who had the merit to have a Zorki 4 special edition name after him. Another first happened that year, the first instant-return mirror in an SLR camera. It didn’t go as far as having a focal plane shutter but was an interesting combination of a leaf shutter in an...

35 mm/Japan/Kowa/SLR Comment: 1

August 9, 2019

Argus / Cosina STL 1000

Argus / Cosina STL 1000 If you ever plan to brave the wilderness and take a camera with you, the best bet is the Argus / Cosina STL 1000. Same as the hyphenated Brits were destined to become army officers, this long-named monster has been created to become a warrior. Ever threatened by a black bear or irate hippo –...

35 mm/Argus/Cosina/Japan/SLR Comments: 2

August 9, 2019

Cosina CT-10

Cosina CT-10 Perhaps envious of the 1976 ME and 1979 Nikon EM, in 1980 Cosina presented the CT-10. A stripped-down of this camera type. Shutter priority automatic, with a traffic light, mounted in the viewer left. You may select from Auto, X flash synch or B, Not much to consider. Body identical to the CT-1 save for speed selector. Vertical...

35 mm/Cosina/Japan/SLR Comments: 2

August 5, 2019

Olympus Trip 35

Olympus Trip 35 Lovely little camera, cute to Olympus design tradition. fits well into small and large hands, is lightweight, and simple to use. Little wonder that they are plenty of them out there. Almost a point-and-shoot camera. Settings are scant, the distance by estimate, ASA setup, and recommended aperture. By the light meter, the camera decides what shutter speed...

Compact/Japan/Olympus/Viewfinder Comments: 0

August 5, 2019

Olympus 35 RC

Olympus 35 RC There are petty cameras, there are not so. It would be an endless discussion about which is which. Within the scale of the pretty camera, the Olympus 35RC has a seat at the very top. Be it within the entire camera universe, for sure amongst the rangefinders. Toy companies have the ability to simplify the design of...

35 mm/Compact/Japan/Olympus/Rangefinder Comments: 0

August 2, 2019

Ricoh KR-10

Ricoh KR-10 Another well-built, no-nonsense, and under-estimated camera. Solid and heavy body, good speeds selection: B to 1000 to auto, metal curtain, and K-mount, ready for a power winder. Nothing more to ask for an entry-level camera. It seems to share the body with the KR-5. Similar to the KR-5 it takes to pull the winding handle past the red...

35 mm/Japan/Ricoh/SLR Comments: 2

August 2, 2019

Cosina CT-1

Cosina CT-1 Cosina CT-1 current value Cosina CT-1 User manual Cosina is the Forest Gamp of cameras. cameras made under their own brand were never at the popularity forefront, but their cameras are found under most other brands. Foto Quelle and Porst who sold clouds full of East German junk also sold Cosina products under their own banner. Cosina made...

35 mm/Cosina/Japan/SLR Comment: 1

August 1, 2019

Ricoh KR-5 Super

Ricoh KR-5 Super Ricoh KR-5 Super user manual Some cameras do not get the respect they deserve. The Ricoh KR-5 Super is an example of that. As a beginner’s camera, it is a perfect tool. It does not offer many specs, but the same as a fresh golfer could do with half a set, this camera offers enough to any...

35 mm/Japan/Ricoh/SLR Comments: 6

July 31, 2019

Chinon CE-4

Chinon CE-4 Chinon CE-4 manual Chinon C-4 current value Got the camera in a thrift store for $15. Looks all black and impressive, ready for a haka. Regrettably, it would not get anywhere close to Championship. After the first look, I liked it less and less. Not sure why, but it looks and feels sloppy. To begin with, the leatherette...

35 mm/Chinon/Japan/SLR Comments: 2

July 28, 2019

Pentax Super Program / Super A

Pentax Super Program / Super A Not to be left behind in the electronic cameras race, in 1983 Pentax introduced the Super Program, also sold as Super A. A neat camera, but one needs to speak Pentaxian or read the manual which is rarely done. It carried over the ME Super control panel, rather than using civilized selector dials. New...

35 mm/Japan/Pentax/SLR Comments: 0