The Cosina CT-9 is a reflex camera. It was produced by Cosina and presented in the 80s. It was also sold under the name “Petri GX-5”.
The Cosina CT-9 offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. Lenses can be used with a Pentax K bayonet. The Cosina CT-9 has no autofocus. The lens is focused manually.
The camera has a built-in light meter. This is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 1600. The exposure is measured by the lens. The aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer. There is also an aperture preselection mode.
The camera has bulb mode. The shutter can remain open for a variable time and expose the film. A more external flash can be used at the PC flash port or Hot Shoe for pictures.
Films for the Cosina CT-9
Without photo films, nothing works with the Cosina CT-9. The camera needs 35mm films more precisely. For this film format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. For black-and-white shots, you can go to with the Ilford FP4 Plus*. For color images, the Kodak Portra 160* is a possibility.
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo laboratories.
In the Cosina CT-9 is a thread for a tripod built-in. In addition, there is a connector for a cable release and a self-timer. The camera has a weight of 410 g. The dimensions are 13,6 x 8,5 x 5 cm. The power supply is provided by two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
The price for a used copy depends on the condition.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Pentax K lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 8 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,6 x 8,5 x 5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.35 x 3.35 x 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 410 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 96,63 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of October 11, 2023 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 97,10 Euro (104.99 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Cosina CT-9
What kind of camera is the Cosina CT-9? Is it difficult to use for someone who's just starting out with film photography?
The Cosina CT-9 is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It requires manual focusing, which might be a bit challenging for complete beginners. However, it offers a good introduction to understanding aperture and shutter speed, which are fundamental to photography.
Can I change the lenses on this camera? Are there many different types of lenses available for it?
Yes, you can definitely change lenses on the Cosina CT-9. It uses the Pentax K mount, which is a very popular and widely supported lens mount. This means there's a vast selection of lenses available, both new and used, from various manufacturers.
Does it have a built-in light meter to help me with the exposure? Do I need to measure light separately?
Yes, it does have a built-in light meter. It helps you determine the correct exposure settings. The light meter measures the light coming through the lens, and it works for films with ISO speeds from 25 to 1600, so you don't need a separate light meter unless you want more control.
What kind of film does this camera use? Can I still buy the right kind of film for this old device?
The Cosina CT-9 uses 35mm film, which is also known as small format film. Luckily, you can still easily buy 35mm film. There is a wide selection of color and black and white film available for the Cosina CT-9.
Does the Cosina CT-9 need batteries? If so, what kind does it take?
Yes, the Cosina CT-9, which is the same camera, uses batteries. Specifically, it needs two LR44 batteries to power the light meter. These batteries are small and commonly available in most stores that sell batteries.