pat@pyuxqq.UUCP (Pat M. Iurilli) (02/17/84)
I would like to report my opinion of the Mamiya 35mm camera with
automatic focus, loading, advancing and rewinding, as well as built in
electronic flash. Now I know that all you high-browed photographers
who swear that you must be able to set the shutter speed, aperture, and focus
will skoff at this camera or go on to the next article, but this is
worth reading.
The camera takes b/w or color, print or slide film up to ASA 1000 and has
end of film and flash required warning lights and comes standard with a
38 mm lens. It is not an SLR (keep reading anyway) but the surprising
thing is the quality of the pictures. At close range 3 ft, med range
4-10 ft, as well as long scenic shots it is superb. Quality and clarity are
as good as (yes I didn't say almost) most manual cameras costing much
more. The automatic focusing is brilliant, and i like not having to fuss
with film loading/winding/rewinding. The builtin flash is elevated from
the camera body to alleviate "red-eye". One disappointment is that it does
not have any provisions to use an external strobe, but the flash is adequate.
A surprising feature is that it has an add-on lens kit that contains a 90 mm
telephoto & 28 mm wide angle. Although an adapter does not exist yet to allow
use of the Cokin filter system, many filters are available. It also has
a built in electronic timer (10 seconds I believe) to allow the photographer
to jump into the picture!
Now comes the good part, the price. The undiscounted camera cost is under
$150.00, and the lens kit is under $50.00. In this world of "you get what
you pay for", I think this is an outstanding bargain for what it does.
Pat Iurilli Bell Communications Research Piscataway, NJ
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