Pax M2

This article is a stub. You can help Camera-wiki.org by expanding it.

The Pax M2 was the second in the Pax series of compact 35 mm rangefinder cameras made by Yamato in the 1950s.

Pax M2 image by Rick Oleson (Image rights)

Specifications

• Type: 35 mm fixed-lens coupled rangefinder camera.
• Format: 24x36mm on 135 cassette film.
• Manufacturer: Yamato Kōki Kōgyō
• Years of production: c1956
• Lens:Luminor Anastigmat 1:3.5 F=45 mm; a coated triplet.
• Shutter: Rim-set leaf shutter. 1/10 - 1/300 sec plus B. Cocked by film advance. Synchronised for flash with a PC socket and switch for F or X synchronisation.
• Viewfinder: Reverse-galilean viewfinder.
• Focusing:
  • Coupled rangefinder in superstructure on the top plate, giving double-image focusing in the viewfinder (cf the Pax 35 which had separate VF and RF). Rangefinder baseline approx. 40 mm.
  • Knurled thumb-knob on lens. Scale in feet, from 3 ft to infinity.
• Film advance: Knob-wind, with frame counter around base of knob. Film-type reminder dial in hub of advance knob.
• Film rewind: Rewind knob. Button to release the film for rewind is behind the shutter release.
• Other features:
  • Accepts slip-on hood. Has a filter thread.
  • 'Cold' accessory shoe on top of the RF superstructure.
  • Cable release socket in the release button (its predecessor, the Pax 35 did not have this).
  • Back does not hinge, but comes off altogether for loading (latch on the base).