GAF Memo 35 ET

image by Romuald Swieconek (Image rights)

The GAF Memo 35ET was a compact 35mm rangefinder dating from 1976. Its design is reminiscent of the classic Konica C35 and Minolta Hi-Matic series, and it may well have been built for GAF by Cosina (although it appears more likely to make been made by Chinon, because the GAF Memo 35 EE bore a "Chinon" brand in it's lens), like very similar models such as the Vivitar 35EE and Prinz-E from Dixons. It is also a close cousin of the Chinon 35EE.

Aside from minor cosmetic differences, the main difference between the GAF Memo 35 ET and the EE where the latter had a faster f/2.7 lens, and a self-timer.

Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm zone-focusing camera with EE ("electric eye" or "electronic exposure") and between-the-lens shutter
• Film Format: 24x36mm (35mm)
• Lens: GAF Xytar 38 mm, f/2.8 (4 elements, 3 groups)
• Filter diameter: 46mm
• Focusing Range: 1m to infinity.
• Automatic exposure via CdS metering cell above lens.
• Shutter Speeds: 1/30-1/650s, plus B. (B setting only works at maximum aperture).
• Film speed range: Manually set ISO 25-500.
• Viewfinder: Framelines, parallax correction mark
• Flash Synchronization: "X" sync @ 1/25 Second; contacts on hot shoe and PC socket. Uses "flashmatic" system that utilizes the Guide Number (GN) of an attached electronic flash and the focus distance (10-40m).
• Single-stroke manual frame advance with double exposure prevention.
• Power: Originally required one 1.35 volt PX625 mercury battery. A 1.4v Zinc Air "hearing aid" battery can be used.
• Dimensions: 113x77x55mm
• Weight: 420g

Links

• GAF Memo 35ET review on Dominic's Classic Cameras.

image by Caroline van Oosten de Boer (Image rights)