Chinon CM-4 (1980)
A fully manual 35mm SLR film camera introduced in 1980 with center-weighted metering and a Seiko-designed shutter.
Overview
The Chinon CM-4 is a fully manual 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) film camera introduced in 1980. It features a compact and lightweight design with a black metal body, built for durability. The camera uses a vertically traveling metal focal-plane shutter designed by Seiko, offering speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second, plus Bulb mode. It was the first Chinon camera to use the Pentax K mount, allowing compatibility with a wide range of lenses. The CM-4 employs a center-weighted full-aperture metering system using a silicon blue cell, with exposure feedback provided by three LEDs in the viewfinder—green indicating correct exposure.
Specifications
| Lens Mount | Accepts lenses with universal bayonet mount and thread mount lenses with optional adapter |
| Shutter | Vertical, metal, focal plane, 1s - 1/1000 + B |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1 sec – 1/1000 sec |
| Shutter Designer | Seiko designed shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 |
| ISO Range | 25 ISO – 1600 ISO |
| Metering | Silicon blue cell employed in the center weighted full aperture metering system |
| Metering Display | 3 LED's: a green one for correct |
Design
The Chinon CM-4 features a compact and lightweight design with solid and durable construction, built around a black metal body.
Context
The Chinon CM-4, released in 1979/80, was the first Chinon camera to use the Pentax K mount. It was sold under multiple brand names, including Agfa Selectronic 1 and Revueflex SC2. A nearly identical model, the CS-4, existed alongside it.
Market
The Chinon CM-4 was available at lower prices than most Pentax bodies and was recommended for its bright viewfinder and accurate meter. One review rated it an 8 out of 10 and listed a price of $7.00 at the time of review.
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