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Sears MW35E 35mm film camera w/ original case

Sears MW35E 35mm film camera w/ original case

Regular price $27.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $27.00 USD
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This is a fun little camera from the late 1970s made by Halina for Sears (the same camera was sold under various brand names, the Argus C4 Electro and Halina MW35E being most common). It features zone focus (meaning you set focus by distance or pictogram), auto exposure, three film speeds (ISO 64, 100, and 400), a built-in lens cap, a built flash, a low-light warning LED in the viewfinder, and built-in motor drive and rewind. The camera is powered by two normal alkaline AA batteries (not included).

*The camera has no ISO 200 setting; if you using 200 speed negative film like Kodak Gold 200, set the camera to ISO 100 and you'll get very acceptably exposed images. This Youtube video demonstrates the effect of over and under exposure on ColorPlus 200 (very similar to Gold 200): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWv6UV_rN0E

Example photos
Here are some photos that other people have taken using the same model of camera:
https://www.lomography.com/cameras/3349556-halina-mw-35e/photos

Condition notes
The camera is is in good condition with some cosmetic wear (see photos). We verified the lens' infinity focus accuracy on an autocollimator. The included case is in somewhat worn condition.

Specifications (source: https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Halina_MW_35E)

  • Lens : Halinar 38mm, maximum aperture f/4.
  • Automatic exposure using a CdS cell above the lens. Shutter speed according to manual is fixed at 1/125s, and aperture ranges from f/4 to f/16 Exposure lock (for close-up spot metering, for example) is possible by half-pressing the shutter release button before re-framing.
  • Focusing: Zone focus with four zones marked with symbols and distances: 1m, 1.5m, 3m, infinity.
  • Filter thread: 46mm. Due to CdS cell positioning the CdS system will adapt to filter.
  • Viewfinder: Frame lines, parallax correction marks, so-called "Judas window" for seeing zone symbols on lens barrel, low-light warning LED (to remind user to remove lens cap and/or use flash).
  • Integrated pop-up flash activated by switch on front. Will only fire when manually switched on. Ready-light next to viewfinder. The manual lists the guide number (GN) as 35 at ASA 100.
  • Recommended distance settings for flash photography from the manual
    • ASA 64 (DIN 19) distance to be 1-2.2m (3-7ft)
    • ASA 100 (DIN 21) distance to be 1-3m (3-10ft)
    • ASA 400 (DIN 27) distance to be 1-5m (3-17ft)
  • Film speeds: ASA or DIN set manually by turning a toothed dial around the front element. Only ASA 64, 100 or 400 and DIN equivalent settings available
  • Film advance: Motorwind and automatic rewind. A kind of "stealth mode" is possible. The motor only engages when the shutter button is fully released. This allows the candid photographer to take a virtually silent photo, then walk to a safe distance before allowing the motorwind to occur. The front aperture blades also remain open until the motor winds, allowing the user to note the size of aperture chosen by the auto-exposure system.
  • Shutter release button threaded for cable, has a lock to prevent accidental firing.
  • Tripod socket.
  • Power: 2 AA alkaline batteries required.

 

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