Chinon Bellami (1980)
A compact 35mm point-and-shoot camera with a retractable 35mm f/2.8 lens and zone focusing.
Overview
The Chinon Bellami is a compact 35mm point-and-shoot film camera made by Chinon International Corp in Tokyo, Japan, starting in 1980. It features a fixed Chinonex (Tessar-type) 35mm f/2.8 lens with a retractable lens system, and uses zone focusing with preset distances of 1m, 1.5m, and 2m extending to infinity. The camera offers automatic exposure control, requiring no manual input beyond focus selection, and is powered by two LR44 or SR44 batteries for metering and low-light warnings.
Specifications
| Type | 35 mm EE Compact Camera with Retractable Lens System |
| Negative Size | 24 x 36 mm |
| Film | 35 mm Film |
| Lens | F/2.8 35 mm |
| Lens Type | Chinonex (Tessar type) |
| Apertures | auto |
| Shutter Speed | 1/8s – 1/1000s |
| Focusing System | zone focusing |
| Focus Range | 1 m to infinity (3.5 feet to infinity) |
| Dimensions | 105 (L) x 63 (H) x 33 (W) mm (4.13" x 2.48" x 1.29") — dust cover closed |
| Weight | 220 g (8.8 oz.) |
| Batteries | 2x LR44 or SR44 |
Design
The Chinon Bellami uses a retractable lens system, with focusing set manually via the lens barrel in zone increments. Exposure is fully automatic except for focus selection, making it an everything-auto camera. Power is supplied by two LR44 or SR44 batteries, which operate the metering system and low-light warning indicator.
Context
The Chinon Bellami is comparable in size to the Revue XE and Minolta TC-1, ranking among the smallest full-frame 35mm film cameras of its era.
Market
The Chinon Bellami has appeared in flea market sales for around $13.50 (1,500 dinars), and is described as an inexpensive, easy-to-use point-and-shoot film camera, often available under $50 in the current market.
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