The Porst KB 200 is a viewfinder camera. This model was sold by Photo Porst to photographers in the 70s. They had to put around 150 D-Mark on the counter for one copy. The company King from the Black Forest in southern Germany was probably responsible for building the private label model.
The lens of the Porst KB 200 is fixed. The lens is called “Color Rexar 1:2,8/45”. The focal length is 45 mm and the maximum aperture is f/2.8. You have to focus the lens manually on the desired subject.
The Porst KB 200 has a built-in selenium light meter. It has a bulb mode, for example for long exposures. An external flash can be connected via Hot Shoe.
If you want, you can have the Porst KB 200 released by a built-in self-timer or by a cable release. The possibility of using a tripod provides the necessary stability. According to the instructions, the camera weighs 310 grams and measures 12.5 x 9 x 7 cm.
Films for the Porst KB 200
The Porst KB 200 must be equipped with 35mm films. 35mm films are still offered by various manufacturers. A great film choice for color photos is the Kodak Gold 200* and for black and white pictures the Ilford Delta 100*.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/300 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Size | 12,5 x 9 x 7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.92 x 3.54 x 2.76 inches |
| Weight | 310 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | Photo Porst |
| Manufacturer | King |
FAQ about the Porst KB 200
Is the Porst KB 200 a rangefinder camera or a viewfinder camera?
The Porst KB 200 is a viewfinder camera, meaning you look through the viewfinder to compose your shot. It's a simple, direct type of camera, popular in its time.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Porst KB 200 has manual focus. You need to turn the lens ring until the subject is sharp in the viewfinder. This requires some practice to get used to.
Does the camera have a light meter, and does it need batteries?
Yes, it has a built-in selenium light meter. This means it doesn't require batteries to function, but its accuracy might decrease over time.
What kind of film does this old camera use?
The Porst KB 200 uses standard 35mm film. You can still find 35mm film from various manufacturers today, both color and black and white.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, the camera has a hot shoe for connecting an external flash. This allows you to take pictures in low-light conditions.