FUJICA ST605
The Fujica ST605 is a compact, entry-level 35mm film SLR that Fujifilm introduced in 1976. It was built for amateurs who wanted an affordable, reliable manual-focus SLR. It has an M42 screw mount, full mechanical operation, and a built-in TTL CdS light meter.
Overview
Fujica released the ST605 in 1976 as a way into SLR photography for people moving up from point-and-shoot rangefinders or viewfinder cameras. It followed earlier Fujica ST-series models such as the ST705 and ST801, but the design and function were simplified to cut cost for budget-conscious buyers. Even at the entry level, it kept the mechanical reliability and the widely adopted M42 lens mount. That gave users a broad pool of interchangeable lenses from Fujinon and third-party makers like Pentax, Zeiss, and Soligor.
The ST605 stayed in production until approximately 1980. That was a period when makers were shifting from screw mount to proprietary bayonet mount systems, and aperture-priority automation was on the rise. Fujifilm put its investment into more advanced models like the Fujica ST901 and later the X-series with its proprietary X-mount. The ST605 held its place in the budget mechanical SLR segment. It is compact for an M42 SLR, since many of them had bulkier bodies. Fujica got there with a simplified internal layout and a reduced viewfinder hump. It has no self-timer, no depth-of-field preview, and no multiple exposure capability. It is a no-frills camera for beginners.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | 35mm Manual Focus SLR |
| Film Format | 35mm (135) |
| Years Produced | 1976–1980 |
| Lens Mount | M42 Screw Mount (Pentax Thread Mount) |
| Shutter | Focal-plane cloth shutter, speeds 1 sec to 1/1000 sec + B |
| Metering | TTL CdS center-weighted metering |
| Exposure Modes | Manual exposure only |
| Viewfinder | Fixed pentaprism, 0.92x magnification, 94% coverage |
| Dimensions | Approx. 136 × 83 × 50 mm (w/o lens), Weight: ~540 g (body only) |
Key Features
- M42 Screw Mount Compatibility: Full support for M42 lenses with stop-down metering, enabling use of a vast range of manual prime and zoom lenses.
- TTL Center-Weighted CdS Metering: Built-in through-the-lens metering system with a match-needle display in the viewfinder for accurate exposure guidance.
- Mechanical Shutter Operation: Fully functional without batteries, with only the light meter requiring power (1× 1.35V PX625 mercury battery or modern equivalent).
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Among the smaller M42 SLRs, making it ideal for travel and casual photography.
- Cable Release Socket: Integrated 1/4"-20 thread for tripod and cable release use, supporting long exposures and reduced camera shake.
Historical Context
The Fujica ST605 arrived at a transitional moment in SLR development. By the mid-1970s, Japanese manufacturers such as Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and Minolta were rapidly advancing electronic automation, with aperture-priority and shutter-priority models. Fujifilm, primarily known for film and optical coatings, used that expertise to build competent SLRs under the Fujica brand, but it faced stiff competition in hardware innovation. The ST605 was not a technological pioneer. It was a pragmatic offering for markets that put affordability and mechanical simplicity ahead of automation.
It competed directly with models like the Pentax MX, Olympus OM-1 (though smaller and more advanced), and the Praktica LLC series. The Pentax K1000, released in 1976 and often regarded as the quintessential beginner SLR, was fully mechanical. The ST605 had a built-in meter, which gave it an edge in usability for novice photographers. Fujica had a limited global marketing presence compared to Pentax or Nikon, so the ST605 stayed relatively obscure outside Japan and select European markets. Production ended by 1980 as Fujifilm shifted focus toward the more advanced Fujica ST901 and later the X-mount system. That signaled the decline of the M42 platform across the industry.
Collectibility & Value
Today the Fujica ST605 is a niche collectible. M42 system enthusiasts want it, as do photographers after a lightweight, fully manual SLR with built-in metering. It is not rare, but it turns up less often than contemporaries like the Pentax K1000 or Praktica PLC3, which keeps demand modest and pricing stable. In working condition, the ST605 typically sells for $75 - $120 USD. Higher prices go only to mint, boxed examples with original accessories.
When buying, check the shutter at all speeds, the accuracy of the light meter, and the condition of the mirror and focusing screen. The original PX625 mercury battery is obsolete, and modern silver oxide or alkaline replacements may require voltage adapters for correct metering. Common problems are stiff shutter curtains from dried lubricant, inaccurate meter readings from aging CdS cells, and degraded light seals, which can lead to film fogging. The mechanical simplicity makes most repairs feasible for experienced technicians, though replacement parts are not widely available.
Similar Cameras
- Pentax K1000 (1976–1997) – Iconic entry-level SLR with M42 and later K-mount versions; fully mechanical, no meter in early models.
- Praktica PLC3 (1977–1980) – East German M42 SLR with TTL metering and a similar target market.
- Zenit-TTL (1977) – Soviet-built M42 SLR with through-the-lens metering, known for ruggedness but less refined mechanics.
- Yashica FX-3 (1979) – Compact M42 SLR with TTL metering, comparable size and feature set.
- Cosina CT-1 (1982) – Late-era M42 SLR with modernized ergonomics and reliable build quality.
Repair & Maintenance
The Fujica ST605 operates mechanically without batteries, but the CdS light meter requires a 1.35V PX625 mercury battery (now obsolete). Modern substitutes such as the Wein Cell (zinc-air) or alkaline SR44 with a voltage reducer can be used, though meter accuracy may vary. Calibrate the meter when possible, or use an external light meter for precision. The shutter is a vertically traveling cloth focal-plane type. It is durable but susceptible to sticky speeds if stored improperly. A CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) service every 5-10 years is recommended for consistent performance. The film advance lever is sturdy but may develop play over time. Replace the light seals during restoration to prevent light leaks. With its mechanical design and no electronic components, repair difficulty is moderate. Spare parts are not readily available from Fujifilm, so repairs mean donor bodies or third-party sourcing.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ FUJICA ST605 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $723 Latest $50 │ │ Median $57 Trend — │ │ Low $25 Volume ~8/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $800 ┤ │ │ │ . │ │ │ . │ │ $457 ┤ . .. │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ . .. . . ... . │ │ $0 ┤. ... .... ..... ... . . ... ... ....│ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▁ ▄▁▁ ▃▂▁▁▁ ▅▃▁▅▄ ▃▃█ ▃ ▂ ▁▁▄ ▃▂▁▁ ▁ ▁▁ ▁▂▁▂│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2025-11 2026-04 2026-08│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $35–$149 (median $57, based on 73 completed sales, past 12 months)
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog (1966) — archive.org