Chinon CE-4 (c. 1980)

Name: Chinon CE-4
Brand: Chinon

A 35mm SLR that marked Chinon's shift to the Pentax K-mount, with both automatic and manual exposure modes.

Overview

The Chinon CE-4 is a 35mm single-lens reflex made by Chinon Industries Inc., first introduced around 1980. It was one of the company's early SLRs to use the Pentax K-mount. Earlier models like the CE-3 used the older M42 screw mount. The camera does automatic and manual exposure. The shutter is an electronically controlled metal focal plane unit, stepless from 8 seconds to 1/1000 second when set to AUTO. It has a film advance lever, a frame counter, and a two-stage electronic self-timer.

Specifications

Type	35mm automatic SLR
Lens Mount	Pentax K-mount
Shutter	Electronically Controlled Metal Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter speeds	Stepless speeds from 8 to 1/1000 sec
Synch Speed	1/60s
ISO Range	25 - 3200
Viewing magnification	0.87X, 92% Fov
Focus	1.47 feet to Infinity
Body Dimensions	135.5 x 85 x 50.5mm
Body Weight	485g
Standard Lens	Chinon 50mm F/1.4
Flash compatibility	Two dedicated CHINON electronic flashes

Design

The CE-4 is an electronic design with automatic and manual exposure, built around the widely supported Pentax K-mount. The shutter and self-timer are electronically controlled, and there is a film advance lever. It was Chinon's first SLR with the K-mount, and it replaced the M42 screw mount of the earlier models.

Context

The CE-4 was introduced around 1979 and reached the market in 1980. It belonged to a new generation of Chinon SLRs that followed the growing popularity of the Pentax K-mount standard. It came before the CE-4S and CE-5, and the CE-4S offered updated shutter control. Chinon positioned it as a midrange camera for both novice and experienced photographers.

Market

Recent finds include working units bought for $15 at thrift stores and £14 in secondhand markets. Some listings include bonus lenses and original paperwork.