Chinon DP-5

A compact 35mm SLR film camera with programmed autoexposure and manual mode override

Overview

The Chinon DP-5 is a 35mm film SLR made in Japan. It was sold as a compact, lightweight camera with advanced exposure controls for its time. It has TTL full-aperture programmed autoexposure with instant stop-down re-metering. Set the dial to 'M' and a dedicated shutter speed button gives you manual control. The manufacturer called it "the most sophisticated 35mm SLR available from CHINON." It shares its design with the Chinon CP-5 and counts as a variant in that product line. It was sold under several names, including "Chinon DP-5 Double Program," and sometimes came bundled with a Five Star MC 35-75mm lens and ProSpec 2X accessory.

Specifications

Product type	35mm automatic compact SLR camera with TTL full aperture programmed AE, Aperture
Weight	520g
Dimensions	136x88x51mm
Dimensions	5.35" (W) x 3.46" (H) x 2.01" (D)
Country of Origin	Japan
Manual control	Available in 'M' mode with dedicated Manual Shutter Speed Select Button
Built-in light meter	Yes

Design

The DP-5 is a compact, lightweight variant of the Chinon CP-5. It has a chrome top finish and a built-in light meter. It is classed as a double program SLR, meaning it has two kinds of exposure automation. It supports both programmed autoexposure and manual shutter speed selection.

Product Family

The Chinon DP-5 is closely related to the CP-5 and CP-6. The main difference is the chrome top. The internal design is shared with those models, so it sits in the same family as a variant. The Sears KSX-P is a rebadged clone of the Chinon DP-5, CP-5, or CP-6. Some units came with a Five Star MC 35-75mm lens and ProSpec 2X accessory, though the lens mount details are not confirmed.

Reception & Use

One user noted, "I must admit I was kind of impressed" after using the DP-5. At least one unit has a quirk in its date back. It cycles from '97 to '27 and then resets, which suggests a limit in the internal date mechanism.