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 is compact and light, with a black metal body built to last. The shutter is a vertically traveling metal focal-plane type designed by Seiko. Speeds run from 1 second to 1/1000 second, plus Bulb. It was the first Chinon camera to use the Pentax K mount, so a wide range of lenses fit it. Metering is center-weighted and full-aperture, read by a silicon blue cell. Three LEDs in the viewfinder give exposure feedback - green means 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 is compact and light, with solid construction built around a black metal body.
Context
The Chinon CM-4 came out in 1979/80 and was the first Chinon camera to use the Pentax K mount. It was sold under several other brand names, including Agfa Selectronic 1 and Revueflex SC2. A nearly identical model, the CS-4, existed alongside it.
Market
The Chinon CM-4 sold for less than most Pentax bodies. It was recommended for its bright viewfinder and accurate meter. One review rated it 8 out of 10 and listed a price of $7.00 at the time of review.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.