Mamiya Prismat CPH (1963) — Exakta bayonet mount Film Camera
**What is Mamiya Prismat CPH?**
The Mamiya Prismat CPH is a vintage film camera that was first released in 1963 by the Japanese camera manufacturer Mamiya. It features an Exakta bayonet mount, which allows photographers to interchange lenses easily. This camera was designed for analog photography enthusiasts who valued precision, quality, and versatility in their camera equipment. The Mamiya Prismat CPH became quite popular during its time and is still highly regarded among collectors and film photography enthusiasts today.
**Technical Specifications and Features**
The Mamiya Prismat CPH is equipped with a 35mm film format and uses a focal plane shutter, providing a wide range of shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second. This flexibility allows photographers to have complete control over their exposure settings, ensuring optimal results in various lighting conditions. The camera also offers both manual and automatic exposure modes, giving photographers the freedom to experiment with different shooting styles.
One notable feature of the Mamiya Prismat CPH is its interchangeable lenses. With the Exakta bayonet mount, photographers can attach a wide variety of lenses to suit their specific needs. This versatility opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing photographers to capture subjects from different perspectives and focal lengths.
The Mamiya Prismat CPH also features a built-in light meter, which provides accurate exposure readings and helps photographers achieve properly exposed images. This feature was quite advanced for its time and made the camera a reliable tool for photographers who wanted precise control over their exposures.
**Price and Availability**
Back in 1963, the Mamiya Prismat CPH was available for purchase at a price of around $200, which was considered relatively expensive compared to other cameras of its era. However, the camera’s exceptional build quality, innovative features, and excellent image quality made it a worthwhile investment for serious photographers.
Nowadays, finding an original and well-preserved Mamiya Prismat CPH can be quite challenging. Since it is a vintage camera, it is often sought after by collectors and film photography enthusiasts. Pricing can vary depending on the condition, rarity, and included accessories, but a fully functional Mamiya Prismat CPH can typically be found in the range of $500 to $800.
**Conclusion**
The Mamiya Prismat CPH remains a remarkable piece of camera equipment that has withstood the test of time. Its sturdy build, interchangeable lenses, and advanced features make it an excellent choice for film photography enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship of vintage cameras. While it may not be as widely available as modern digital cameras, the Mamiya Prismat CPH offers a unique shooting experience and the opportunity to create stunning analog images. So, if you’re a fan of film photography or enjoy collecting vintage cameras, the Mamiya Prismat CPH could be a valuable addition to your collection.
