Fuji ST 705

In the mechanical SLR golden era, Fuji, AKA Fuji Film or Fujica, made a series of number-name models that enjoyed high esteem, and most still survived as able shooters, available at modest prices. The ST 801, a groundbreaker at the time, fetches prices higher than the rest, at either chrome or black bodies.

The first of the Fuji ST series was the 701, introduced in 1971, a manual, meter assisted with match needle TTL CdS metering. It was followed by the ST801 of 1973, with a top speed of 2000 and an in-viewer LED instead of a needle. 1974 saw the ST 901, with the speed down to 1000, and two metering cells for backlight compensation. The 1977 ST 605 / 605 were back to the 701 specs, with a top speed of 700. The same year saw the ST 705, similar to the 701 and the 605, with a top speed of 1500. A variation modified for power winder was offered as the ST 707W.

The camera is a cookie-cutter model, indistinguishable from the other models made in the 1970s. Straight forward to use. At the viewer’s right side, position the meter needle between the brackets, and you are good to go.

Good to know:

• Press the tiny button that hides under the arm to activate the timer.
• For the depth of field view, press the knurled button by the self-timer arm.
• Although it is a thread mount, to unthread it, press the arrowhead marked catch by the timer arm.