arhphotographic

There is a considerable amount of affection for this lesser known camera manufacturer. I can understand why. I have used a few Chinon cameras now and on each occasion had a really enjoable time out with them.( Chinon CX ; Chinon CX II ; Chinon CE II Memotron ; Chinon CP-7m )

So I was expecting no less from this feature laden iteration originating from the 1980’s.

The camera, made with a metal chassis and plastic trims, weighs just over 500 grammes. I found it very comfortable to hold during a three hour walk, even with the optional Power Winder S attached which took the weight to just over 900 grammes.

Looking at the top plate, nothing out of the ordinary for this aperture priority, auto exposure camera with additional metered manual mode. On the left you set the the film speed to the green mark. The same dial adds exposure compensation of +1 to -1 in 1/3 stop increments, by effectively changing the film speed. Its very nice to see a locking button that prevents any accidental change to this. Equally you do have to remember to reset the dial after use.

On the front right of the camera is the flash synch port. The shutter speed for flash is 1/60th, this is set automatically when a dedicated Chinon flash is used, otherwise it has to be set manually if any other brand is used. The button below is the very welcome exposure lock button, for those times when you want to lock in a certain exposure value.

On the left of the camera we have a lens release lever, depth of field lever and self timer dial. In the manual it states: Another attractive feature of your Chinon CE-4 is the built-in unlimited multiple exposure provision. The multiple exposure lever is located in front of the film advance lever.” You can just make it out in the image above. I didn’t use it on this occasion, but good to have the feature there.

When used, the self timer will flash during countdown. When using the power winder, the button is just accessible. I failed to turn the dial back to 0 when I used it, so you do have to remember to reset it. Fortunately no missed shots😥

As mentioned, even with a three hour walk the camera was very comfortable to hold with the power winder attached. It takes 4 AA batteries. It is a little noisy as the video below shows. I quite liked having it there and could see it being useful for those times when you need to quickly wind on to the next frame, as I do.

The following images come from a roll of Fomapan 400 I used during my walkabout.

The camera can use almost any K mount lens. I used the 50mm f1.7 Chinon lens for the image above. It may not be the sharpest but it has contributed to a nice dreamy image.

For most of the images I found myself using a Sunagor Super Range 28-100mm f3.5-5.5 zoom. I am pleasantly surprised at how good it handled the different situations I put it through.

The other lens I used was a Cosina 70-210mm f 4.5-5.6 zoom which produced the image above.

I cannot fault the center weighted exposure meter in the Chinon CE-4, I’m delighted with the images coming out of the CE-4. I had very little to do in post processing, always a plus in my books.☺️

I would definitely recommend you try out this camera for yourself. Now, before they all get snapped up! Yes it’s nice to have a Cannon, Nikon, Olympus in the hand. For sheer enjoyment and features the Chinon CE-4 is one of those cameras that should be on the ‘100 cameras to use’, list.

What are you waiting for???