Chinon Genesis

The Genesis series from Chinon helped define the the late 1980s and early 1990s category of 35mm "bridge" cameras. These were models offering more advanced features associated with SLRs (accurate framing and a well-specified zoom lens), but with "point & shoot" ease of use (autofocus, DX-code film-speed setting; motorized film transport). In attempting to launch a distinct market niche, the styling of the Genesis series might charitably be called "non-traditional"—an aspect shared by many of its peers such as the Yashica Samurai, the Ricoh Mirai, Canon Photura, etc.

The Genesis series went through four model revisions during its production history, beginning in 1988 and extending through the early 1990s.

Chinon Genesis (GS-7)

image by Susan Malmrose (Image rights)

The original Genesis introduced the concept of the "zoom-lens reflex," a camera with true SLR viewing but a non-removable zoom lens covering most typical situations. In Chinon's case, this was a 35-80mm (f/4.1–6.4) lens of 8 elements in 7 groups, with a manual zoom lever. The lens uses active infrared autofocus (helpful in dim light) and has a modest manual-focus "macro" range down to 0.5 m (20").

Chinon Genesis III

With this model Changed to a less boxy, more smoothed-out body style; also the zoom lens range was extended slightly towards the telephoto end, now 38-110mm (f/4.4–5.6) and zooming by motor rather than manual lever. Focus was upgraded too, with the addition of passive autofocus to the active infrared-beam focus system.

Chinon Genesis IV

The Genesis IV further extended the range of the built-in zoom, to 38–135mm (f/4.0–5.6), which had grown to 13 elements in 10 groups.

Links

• Original Chinon Genesis reviewed by Andy Gundberg, August 21, 1988 New York Times
• Manuals for Genesis, Genesis II, Genesis III, and Genesis IV from Mike Butkus' OrphanCameras.com
• Chinon Genesis IV promotional brochure (PDF) from Mike Butkus' cameramanuals.org