New Member Registered: June, 2017 Posts: 15 | | Review Date: May 31, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $7.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | available at lower prices than most Pentax Bodies; bright viewfinder, accurate meter | | Cons: | no DoF preview; Shutter "Clunk" | |
The Chinon CM and CE series are more versions made from the 1980s Cosina body plan that ended up to include the Miranda MS1, Nikon FM10 and the Viogtlander Bessa !!
- NB - The CM and CE models are PK mount, while CS models are M42 screw mount versions
It is certainly as well made as the Pentax P30, from the same era.
It has a bright, large pentaprism viewfinder. The only thing missing are shutter speed values in the viewfinder and aperture values and a DOF button.
The meter works to low light exposure values. The CM and CMs have 3 LEDs to set the exposure - so you either have to count lens clicks or take your eye from the viewfinder to check aperture settings.
Power is from 2 LR/SR44 batteries - which are easy to get and cheap.
The seiko shutter is metal and all mine have lasted well to >35 years without sticking.
Many Chinons were bought by real amateurs and a lot seem to have been used very lightly - I don't see the brassing and wear typical of a Pentax Photography Enthusiast's cherished cameras on the eBay adverts !
The kit 50 or 55mm "standard lenses" and even the 30-70mm zoom were often plastic (yet very good) - and with this and the "no-name branding" these cameras are often neglected by buyers today. That can make them great buys today if you just want an all-manual SLR thet gets you entry to the world of PK mount lenses. I just got another CM for £5 GBP / $7 USD with a standard lens and there were only 2 bidders in May 2023. Try finding that for a P30 with a Pentax standard lens.
Only downside in use is the famous Cosina "Clunk" as the shutter fires, so expect "shutter shock" at low speeds when handheld. Also, infrequent use meant that some users left alkaline cells in the battery bay that leaked out - so watch that area for corrosion.
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