Mansfield Skylark

Mansfield Skylark camera

This is an automatic, point-and-shoot, fixed lens, 35mm recreational camera from the early 1960s.

Camera Specifications

• distributed by Mansfield Holiday (sources say they only made two cameras, Skylark & Skylark V, unverified), division of Argus?
• manufactured in Japan by Yamato Camera Industry (logo appears on base of camera)
• very similar to Yamato Palmat camera (1960) [1]
• takes 35mm film
• fixed lens, Mantar F=40mm (includes serial number)
• sometimes found with Luminor 40mm lens
• one source said rangefinder, but I believe that only applies to the Skylark V?
• auto shutter except for flash
• introduced 1962
• Skylark, Sylark V
• ASA: 10, 25/32, 40/50, 80/100, 160/200
• DIN: 11, 15/16, 17/18, 20/21, 23/24
• film format 135
• no focus, fixed lens
• built-in flash
• no battery
• recreational weight

Pictures

Mansfield Skylark 35mm in leather case

Mansfield Skylark 35mm, showing film guide and internal workings

Mansfield Skylark 35mm, fixed lens; film guide determines lens setting

Mansfield Skylark 35mm, flash settings guide

Mansfield Skylark 35mm, underside of camera showing Yamato logo

Description

Masculine styling, easy-to-use, quick film loading, no focusing or other settings, well-made.

Handling notes

It is pretty easy to use, but I haven't been able to develop a complete roll yet as the winding mechanism tends to tear the film!

Sources

La collection d'appareils photo anciens [2]; Tanya Clark Photography[3]; Westfordcom.com (views of the camera and sample shots) [4]; Greenspun.com [5]; Photo.net [6]

External Links

General links

Craig Camera (manuals and other literature)[7]

Sample Image Galleries

PBase sample photos[8]