MIRANDA SENSOREX II

Name: Miranda Sensorex II
Brand: Miranda

The Sensorex II was a refinement of the original Sensorex. It kept the advanced metering system and the mechanical reliability, and Miranda aimed it at serious amateur and professional photographers as a high-end manual focus SLR.

Overview

Miranda introduced the Sensorex II in 1971. It followed the original Sensorex (1966), one of the first SLRs with through-the-lens (TTL) open-aperture metering using a selenium cell. The Sensorex II swapped that for a more sensitive and durable CdS (cadmium sulfide) photoresistor. That gave center-weighted metering, better low-light performance and consistent battery-powered operation. Nikon and Pentax were also adopting CdS cells in this period.

Miranda marketed the Sensorex II to advanced photographers who wanted accurate exposure control, solid build quality and compatibility with a wide array of lenses. It had a vertically traveling cloth focal-plane shutter, a fixed pentaprism viewfinder with a split-image rangefinder focus aid, and a self-timer lever. The chassis is die-cast aluminum, with metal top and bottom plates. It came out in the early 1970s, when fully automatic exposure systems were gaining traction, and it stayed fully manual anyway.

Within Miranda's lineup, the Sensorex II sat at the top, above models like the D, DX, and Auto Sensorex. The line began with the original Miranda T of 1955, among Japan's early 35mm SLRs. By the time the Sensorex II appeared, Miranda had a reputation for good engineering. It still struggled to hold market share against larger competitors with broader marketing reach and faster innovation cycles. The Sensorex II was produced in relatively limited numbers and discontinued by 1975, which ended Miranda's high-end mechanical SLR era.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1971–1975
Lens Mount	Miranda bayonet mount (incompatible with M42 or Nikon F)
Shutter	Vertically traveling cloth focal-plane; speeds 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B
Metering	TTL CdS meter with match-needle display; center-weighting is not documented in official specifications
Exposure Modes	Manual exposure only
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with split-image rangefinder and microprism collar; ~94% coverage
Dimensions	Approx. 148 × 95 × 55 mm; Weight: ~740 g (body only, with battery)

Key Features

TTL Center-Weighted CdS Metering: Utilized a cadmium sulfide cell for accurate through-the-lens exposure readings, displayed via a match-needle system in the viewfinder and on the top-plate meter window.
Miranda Bayonet Mount: A proprietary lens mount supporting automatic diaphragm and open-aperture metering, offering excellent lens-to-body communication but limiting third-party lens compatibility.
Mechanical Shutter with Flash sync at 1/60 sec (X-sync); no provision for flash sync at all speeds: The vertical cloth shutter allowed flash synchronization at all speeds (X-sync at 1/60 sec), a feature valued by studio and press photographers.
Split-Image Focusing Screen: Integrated split-image rangefinder with microprism collar for precise manual focusing, typical of professional SLRs of the era.
Self-Timer and Depth-of-Field Preview: Included mechanical self-timer lever and dedicated depth-of-field preview button for critical focusing and aperture control.

Historical Context

The Sensorex II arrived while 35mm SLR design was changing fast. By the early 1970s, Japanese manufacturers such as Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and Minolta were rapidly adding electronics, introducing aperture-priority automation and eventually full program modes. The Nikon F (1959) and its successors had already set the standard for professional SLRs, and Pentax's Spotmatic series (introduced 1964) brought TTL metering to a mass-market format. Against that, the Sensorex II had refined mechanics and a high-quality metering system, but it lacked the automation photographers increasingly expected.

Miranda, while respected for its build quality and optical innovations, operated on a smaller scale than its competitors and failed to invest heavily in electronic automation or global marketing. The Sensorex II’s reliance on a proprietary lens mount further limited its appeal, as photographers increasingly favored systems with broad lens ecosystems. Despite favorable reviews for its metering accuracy and tactile controls, the camera did not achieve widespread commercial success. Production ceased around 1975, and Miranda effectively withdrew from the SLR market shortly thereafter, marking the Sensorex II as one of the brand’s final significant contributions to 35mm photography.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Sensorex II is sought after by collectors of vintage mechanical SLRs, particularly those interested in niche Japanese engineering or the evolution of TTL metering. Limited production and high build quality make it relatively rare, especially in fully functional condition.

When buying a Sensorex II, check the shutter at all speeds, the accuracy of the CdS meter, and the light seals, which often degrade and cause light leaks. The meter needs a PX625 1.35V mercury battery, which is obsolete, or a modern voltage adapter. That battery dependency is a common problem. Substitutes like the Wein Cell MRB625 or adapters for 1.5V zinc-air batteries work but may need meter recalibration. Miranda bayonet mount lenses are rare and expensive, so consider availability and cost of compatible optics. The camera is mechanically complex and needs skilled servicing. Parts are scarce, but specialized vintage camera technicians can often restore function.

Similar Cameras

Pentax Spotmatic F (1973–1976): Shared TTL CdS metering and manual focus, but used the universal M42 screw mount.
Nikon F Photomic T (1965–1971): Professional-grade SLR with interchangeable finders and TTL metering, though earlier than the Sensorex II.
Canon FTb (1971–1978): Featured TTL metering, robust build, and the FD lens mount, offering strong competition in the pro-am market.
Yashica TL Electro-X (1973): Combined manual controls with electronic shutter and CdS metering, representing a more automated direction.
Topcon RE Super (1963–1971): High-end Japanese SLR with excellent optics and TTL metering, though slightly earlier and with a different market focus.

Repair & Maintenance

The Sensorex II needs a 1.35V mercury PX625 battery for the meter to work. Modern equivalents like the Wein Cell MRB625 (1.35V) or zinc-air replacements (1.5V) can be used, with possible meter calibration offsets. Age-related cloth deterioration and lubricant hardening make shutter maintenance critical. A full CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) by a technician experienced with vintage Japanese SLRs is recommended for non-functional units. Common issues are sticky shutter curtains, inaccurate meter readings from aging CdS cells, and light leaks from degraded foam seals. The mechanical shutter runs without batteries, but the meter is essential for intended use. Because parts and specialized knowledge are scarce, repair should go to experts familiar with Miranda's mechanics. Regular use, proper storage, and periodic servicing can keep the camera working.