Difference between revisions of "Cosina Hi-Lite EC"
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{{Flickr_image | {{Flickr_image | ||
− | |image_source= | + | |image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/arzitek/51050456172/in/pool-camerawiki/ |
− | |image= | + | |image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51050456172_22dfc01bfe.jpg |
|image_align= right | |image_align= right | ||
− | |image_text= | + | |image_text= Unusual: an [[M42]] camera with "auto" shutter setting |
+ | |image_by= Spot Matic | ||
+ | |image_rights= wp | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | The '''Hi-Lite EC''' is an innovative [[SLR]] from [[Cosina]] introduced in 1972.<ref>Page 229, {{McKeown12}}</ref> It is among the few models ever to offer aperture-priority autoexposure using plain-vanilla [[42mm screw lens | M42 screwmount lenses]]. |
+ | |||
+ | The shutter release plunger has a long travel, and partway through its stroke the lens stops down to shooting aperture and the metering circuit activates.<ref>This scheme returned with Cosina's later [[M42]] models the [[Cosina CSL | CSL]], [[Cosina CSR | CSR]], and [[Cosina CSM | CSM]]; but they are manual-exposure-only models unless the clunky & noisy motorized AEC adapter is attached.</ref> Fast-acting silicon blue photocells are able to read the scene illumination in the split-second before the user fully depresses the release button, and indicate the resulting shutter speed with a needle in the viewfinder. However there is no easy exposure compensation possible, aside from "lying" to the camera about the film's ASA/ISO speed. Rather the user can manually select a shutter speed different from the one indicated by the meter needle. | ||
+ | |||
+ | To return the viewfinder to its brightest image, a silver button on the front of the camera resets the lens to its widest aperture and deactivates the meter. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The autoexposure system is enabled with an electronically-timed vertically-traveling shutter which ranges steplessly from 2 to 1/2000 seconds. [[Flash sync]] is at 1/125th of a second. The shutter is dependent on power from the somewhat uncommon 6 volt silver-oxide battery, loaded through a cap on the back of the body; and there is a battery-check button to confirm the viewfinder needle reaches to or above the index mark in the center of the shutter-speed scale. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ASA or DIN are set using a collar below the shutter-speed dial. The collar around the rewind crank is simply a film-type reminder for the user, but does not connect to the meter system. There is a mechanical self-timer lever on the front of the body. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The followup [[Cosina Hi-Lite ECL]] model adds a couple of refinements. McKeown notes a '''Cosina Hi-Lite EC II''' adding a spot-metering option with AE lock in addition to the averaging pattern, but we have not seen it.<ref> Also said to be rebadged as the [[Vivitar 650/SLX]], a camera which indeed was [https://www.flickr.com/photos/vox/51160504912/in/pool-camerawiki announced] and even profiled in ''Modern Photography'' magazine's 1974 "Annual Guide to 47 Top Cameras" but may not have reached production. This shows the spot/average selector replacing the film reminder dial, and the AE hold button replacing the battery check.</ref> The original EC is also rebranded as the [[Argus/Cosina EC 2000]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Specifications== | ||
*Type: [[SLR]] body | *Type: [[SLR]] body | ||
*Manufacturer: [[Cosina]] | *Manufacturer: [[Cosina]] | ||
− | *Year of launch: | + | *Year of launch: 1972 |
*Film: [[35mm film]] with speeds 15 to 33 [[film speed|DIN]] | *Film: [[35mm film]] with speeds 15 to 33 [[film speed|DIN]] | ||
*Lens mount: [[M42|M42 screw mount]] with aperture release mechanics | *Lens mount: [[M42|M42 screw mount]] with aperture release mechanics | ||
− | *Shutter: [[Copal]] electrically controlled [[focal plane shutter]] with speeds 1 sec. to 1/2000 sec. or B, or w/o battery: single speed | + | *Shutter: [[Copal]] electrically controlled [[focal plane shutter]] with manual speeds 1 sec. to 1/2000 sec. or B, or w/o battery: single speed |
*Metering: [[TTL|TTL metering]] | *Metering: [[TTL|TTL metering]] | ||
*Exposure: shutter speed selected manually or controlled by meter | *Exposure: shutter speed selected manually or controlled by meter | ||
Line 21: | Line 31: | ||
*Film advance: lever with analog exposure counter, rewind unlock button and rewind crank | *Film advance: lever with analog exposure counter, rewind unlock button and rewind crank | ||
*Dimensions: 145×99×53mm | *Dimensions: 145×99×53mm | ||
− | *Power: Type 544 6V battery, battery | + | *Power: Type 544 6V battery, battery check button, on/off-switch |
*Connectors: hot shoe and two other flash connectors | *Connectors: hot shoe and two other flash connectors | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Notes== | ||
+ | <references/> | ||
==Links== | ==Links== | ||
− | *[http://www.kameramuseum. | + | *[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/cosina/cosina_hi-lite_ec/cosina_hi-lite_ec-splash.htm User's manual] at Michael Butkus Jr.'s [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/index.html Orphan Cameras] |
− | + | * [https://www.flickr.com/photos/arzitek/with/51050456172/ Several views] of the Hi-Lite EC from [https://www.flickr.com/photos/arzitek/ 'Spot Matic' on Flickr] | |
+ | *[http://www.kameramuseum.net/0-fotokameras/cosina/hi-lite-ec.html Hi-Lite EC] at [http://www.kameramuseum.net/titelseite.htm Kurt Tauber's] (in German) | ||
+ | {{Flickr_image | ||
+ | |image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/89864432@N00/309796958/in/pool-camerawiki/ | ||
+ | |image= http://static.flickr.com/117/309796958_3fea9183c1.jpg | ||
+ | |image_align= left | ||
+ | |image_text= The Cosina Hi-Lite EC gains nothing<br/>from this Zeiss lens's electric function | ||
+ | |image_by= Uwe Kulick | ||
+ | |image_rights= with permission | ||
+ | }} | ||
[[Category:Cosina|Hi-Lite EC]] | [[Category:Cosina|Hi-Lite EC]] | ||
[[Category:Japanese 35mm SLR]] | [[Category:Japanese 35mm SLR]] | ||
[[Category:42mm screw mount]] | [[Category:42mm screw mount]] | ||
− | [[Category:H|Hi-Lite EC]] | + | [[Category:H|Hi-Lite EC Cosina]] |
[[Category:C]] | [[Category:C]] |
Latest revision as of 05:36, 15 February 2023
Unusual: an M42 camera with "auto" shutter setting image by Spot Matic (Image rights) |
The Hi-Lite EC is an innovative SLR from Cosina introduced in 1972.[1] It is among the few models ever to offer aperture-priority autoexposure using plain-vanilla M42 screwmount lenses.
The shutter release plunger has a long travel, and partway through its stroke the lens stops down to shooting aperture and the metering circuit activates.[2] Fast-acting silicon blue photocells are able to read the scene illumination in the split-second before the user fully depresses the release button, and indicate the resulting shutter speed with a needle in the viewfinder. However there is no easy exposure compensation possible, aside from "lying" to the camera about the film's ASA/ISO speed. Rather the user can manually select a shutter speed different from the one indicated by the meter needle.
To return the viewfinder to its brightest image, a silver button on the front of the camera resets the lens to its widest aperture and deactivates the meter.
The autoexposure system is enabled with an electronically-timed vertically-traveling shutter which ranges steplessly from 2 to 1/2000 seconds. Flash sync is at 1/125th of a second. The shutter is dependent on power from the somewhat uncommon 6 volt silver-oxide battery, loaded through a cap on the back of the body; and there is a battery-check button to confirm the viewfinder needle reaches to or above the index mark in the center of the shutter-speed scale.
ASA or DIN are set using a collar below the shutter-speed dial. The collar around the rewind crank is simply a film-type reminder for the user, but does not connect to the meter system. There is a mechanical self-timer lever on the front of the body.
The followup Cosina Hi-Lite ECL model adds a couple of refinements. McKeown notes a Cosina Hi-Lite EC II adding a spot-metering option with AE lock in addition to the averaging pattern, but we have not seen it.[3] The original EC is also rebranded as the Argus/Cosina EC 2000.
Specifications
- Type: SLR body
- Manufacturer: Cosina
- Year of launch: 1972
- Film: 35mm film with speeds 15 to 33 DIN
- Lens mount: M42 screw mount with aperture release mechanics
- Shutter: Copal electrically controlled focal plane shutter with manual speeds 1 sec. to 1/2000 sec. or B, or w/o battery: single speed
- Metering: TTL metering
- Exposure: shutter speed selected manually or controlled by meter
- Viewfinder: pentaprism finder, focusing aid on screen, ocular with frame for finder accessories
- Film advance: lever with analog exposure counter, rewind unlock button and rewind crank
- Dimensions: 145×99×53mm
- Power: Type 544 6V battery, battery check button, on/off-switch
- Connectors: hot shoe and two other flash connectors
Notes
- ↑ Page 229, McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover).
- ↑ This scheme returned with Cosina's later M42 models the CSL, CSR, and CSM; but they are manual-exposure-only models unless the clunky & noisy motorized AEC adapter is attached.
- ↑ Also said to be rebadged as the Vivitar 650/SLX, a camera which indeed was announced and even profiled in Modern Photography magazine's 1974 "Annual Guide to 47 Top Cameras" but may not have reached production. This shows the spot/average selector replacing the film reminder dial, and the AE hold button replacing the battery check.
Links
- User's manual at Michael Butkus Jr.'s Orphan Cameras
- Several views of the Hi-Lite EC from 'Spot Matic' on Flickr
- Hi-Lite EC at Kurt Tauber's (in German)
The Cosina Hi-Lite EC gains nothing from this Zeiss lens's electric function image by Uwe Kulick (Image rights) |