Mamiya EE Super Merit (Mamiya Vulcan, Honeywell Electric Eye 35R, Mansfield Eye-Tronic R) (1962) Film Camera
What is the Mamiya EE Super Merit?
The Mamiya EE Super Merit, also known as the Mamiya Vulcan, Honeywell Electric Eye 35R, or Mansfield Eye-Tronic R, is a film camera that was released in 1962. It is a fully automatic rangefinder camera that is renowned for its advanced exposure control system.
This camera was a significant advancement in photography technology during its time. It featured an electric eye, or exposure meter, which measured the light entering the camera and automatically adjusted the shutter speed and aperture settings to achieve the optimal exposure. This made it easier for photographers to capture well-exposed images without having to manually adjust the settings.
The Mamiya EE Super Merit was also equipped with a coupled rangefinder, allowing photographers to accurately focus on their subjects. This feature was particularly useful in situations where precise focusing was necessary, such as portrait or street photography.
Technical Specifications and Features
– Film Format: 35mm
– Lens Mount: Mamiya Sekor 45mm f/1.8
– Shutter Speeds: 1/30 to 1/500 seconds
– Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
– Exposure Control: Automatic with an electric eye
– Focusing: Coupled rangefinder
– Viewfinder: Bright and clear with frame lines for composition
– Film Advance: Manual lever winding
– Flash Sync: PC socket for external flash synchronization
The Mamiya EE Super Merit was powered by a mercury battery, which was common for cameras of that era. It had a sleek design with a sturdy metal body, making it a durable and reliable choice for photographers.
This camera was highly regarded for its exceptional image quality and precise exposure control. It provided photographers with a versatile tool for capturing various types of images, from portraits to landscapes. The automatic exposure system allowed photographers to focus more on the composition and creative aspects of their shots, rather than worrying about technical settings.
Price and Availability
During its release in 1962, the Mamiya EE Super Merit was priced at around $150. Today, it is considered a vintage camera and can be found on the market through second-hand retailers or online platforms specializing in vintage photography equipment.
In Summary
The Mamiya EE Super Merit (Mamiya Vulcan, Honeywell Electric Eye 35R, Mansfield Eye-Tronic R) film camera was a groundbreaking product in its time, featuring automatic exposure control and a coupled rangefinder for precise focusing. It provided photographers with an efficient tool for capturing well-exposed and visually stunning images. Despite being a vintage camera, it still holds value for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to explore the rich history of film photography.
