arhphotographic

In an effort to reduce the number of cameras in my ‘collection’, I have seriously started to look at possible casualties, cameras that I can move on and sell. With this in mind my attention turned to the Chinon CM4S.

I have a number of Chinon cameras all of which I have thouroughly enjoyed using. The CM 4s is definitely similar to the CE 4, review here, but decidely less endowed with features. The camera is manual in operation, both shutter speeds and aperture values being selected by the user in response, or not, to the built in meter. The light meter requires two LR44’s or equivalent batteries. Mechanical shutter speeds range from B through 1/1000th with a 1/60th being reserved for use with a flash. The shutter speed selector dial doubles up as film speed selector to calibrate the light meter.

The bright, large viewfinder is a joy to look through, a plus in the cameras favour! The only thing missing are shutter speed values and/or aperture values. A big minus in my mind. I mentioned in my previous review of the Fujica STX 1 how much I prefer having some information in the viewfinder. So how do you determine what the right exposure is? A ‘traffic’ light system of LED’s if fitted into the left hand side of the eye piece. The top red LED informs you that the exposure is over, the bottom – underexposed and the middle green LED for correct exposure. By clicking on the image below you can see this in operation along with the sound of the shutter.

Aside from the inclusion of a self timer lever, apparently missing in the CM 4, that is about it. Not very inspiring. 😕 Perhaps you can see why I was considering selling the camera. I say was because I may have had a change of heart.

You see the camera is light, weighing just a little over 1lbs or 500grams and that includes the 50mm f1.7 Auto Chinon lens. This is due to its plastic construction. The camera has a K mount, opening up an array of really nice lenses. The cameras size is almost identical to an Olympus OM 10, a camera I really like. However, the Olympus OM 10 needs an adaptor to access manual mode. It is naitively available in the Chinon CM 4s. In addition the film wind on for the CM 4s is way better than that on the OM 10! Suddenly things start to take on a new light. 🤔

What about the results. Because I had almost written off the camera before I had started, I loaded a small amount of film and took photos close to home. I didn’t think it was worth the effort to go further afield.😒

To get a little closer, I used a closeup lens for many of the photos.

Despite using a closeup lens, the 50mm Auto Chinon lens is nice and sharp.

When I tested the light meter for accuracy, before trying it out, it appeared to be overexposing by one stop. The photos above have been treated for dust spots and a small amount of contrast and sharpening have been applied.

The light meter is not perfect though, as the next image shows.

So in summary then. An unremarkable camera coupled to an average lens produces very pleasing images , in the hands of an indolent photographer. What’s not to like?

Wait a minute! Am I forgetting the fact that I already own the Chinon CE 4, a much better camera? True. The CE 4 has a power winder though, which the CM 4 s does not. So couldn’t I keep them both in that configuration??😯