Introduced in 1974.

Technical info

Lens mount: M42
Shutter: 1/2000s to 1s + B (Auto 1/2000 to about 17s)
Light meter: Through the lens, center weighted (ISO 25 - 3200)
Battery: One 4SR44 (6v silver oxide)
Flash: Flash hot shoe + PC sync connection (sync 1/90 sec)
Weight: 760g

Self-timer
Auto shutter
Double exposure

Takes standard 135 film
24×36 mm negative size.


Viewfinder:

Great size and good brightness for a 1970s standard.
The light meter info in the viewfinder is very easy to read and works very well.

Info:
Left side has all the shutter speeds between 1/2000s to 2s and a needle shows the light meter info.

Focus aid:
Microprism


Shutter type:

Focal plane
Vertical metal blade.

Electronically controlled.


Build quality:

Very good plus all metal body so it's nice and solid.

Look, feel and sound:
I like this clean and simple look.
The feel of the camera is also good.
And the levers and buttons has a nice feel to them.
Shutter and mirror nois are okay for this typ of SLR but would not call it quiet.



Usability:

One of the more modern cameras I have tested which are from the mid 70s.
And this has a auto shutter setting which was a luxury at the moment.
It also has a button that locks the shutter speed which is very useful.
The light meter can however only give a reading after you cock the shutter which is not always ideal.

It don't have a mirror lock but the mirror goes up first when you use the self-timer which is the next best thing.
A working battery is needed for the shutter but it do take a modern silver battery which is easily found today.

This camera also feel very good in your hands and it is logical how you operate it.


Conclusion:

A really great camera and one of the best M42 SLR's for practical use.
It's fast and easy to operate and has a very useful auto shutter.
Very reliable metal shutter which also has a little extra plus with the 1/2000s.

These are however usually more expensive than most M42 cameras.
But can be very worth the extra money for someone that enjoys to use this old system and still wants something a bit more modern.

Have also tested the Chinon CEII which is more or less the same camera with some small improvements.


Thumbs up:
Great build quality and feel
Auto shutter option + you can lock the shutter
Reliable
Viewfinder

Thumbs down:
Can be a little expensive
Must cock the shutter before you can get a light reading