Cosina CT-3

The Cosina CT-3, an analog SLR camera for 35mm film, was introduced by Cosina around 1980. It was launched as the successor to the Cosina CT-2 and the predecessor to the Cosina CT-4.

Camera Features

A key feature of the Cosina CT-3 is its Pentax K-mount interchangeable lens mount, which makes a wide range of lenses available for this 35mm camera. Focusing is always manual.

Photography is facilitated by a built-in TTL (Through The Lens) exposure meter. This is designed for film with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 1600.

Exposure metering is center-weighted integral using two silicon cells.

The camera features aperture priority, with which the camera continuously selects the appropriate shutter speed. The CT-3 offers no manual shutter speed settings other than the X-sync position (at a rather unusual 1/85th of a second) and the “B” (Bulb) mode. A 16-LED display in the viewfinder shows the shutter speed selected by the camera.

The camera is equipped with an electronically controlled Copal focal plane shutter that travels vertically and offers speeds from 1/1000th of a second up to 8 seconds. The aforementioned Bulb mode allows the shutter to be held open for a variable, longer time.

For flash photography, the Cosina CT-3 features a hot shoe and a contact that automatically switches the camera to X-sync speed when a flash is attached, even when the camera is in automatic mode.

A tripod socket for stabilizing the camera is also provided, as is a connection for a cable release and an electronic self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds and an indicator light.

The Cosina CT-3 measures 13.3 x 8.5 x 4.8 cm and weighs approximately 450 grams. It requires two 1.5-volt silver oxide batteries, type S76 (or equivalents such as LR44) (eBay / Amazon*). An optional Power Winder can be attached to the camera’s base plate.

Films for the Cosina CT-3

The Cosina CT-3 only exposes 24 x 36 mm film. A good selection of color and black-and-white films is still available for this widely used format. The Kodak Ultramax 400* is recommended for color images and is considered a versatile film for everyday shots with natural colors and good contrast, even in difficult lighting conditions. Ilford XP2 Super is recommended for black-and-white shots. This film is characterized by fine grain, good contrast, and a wide exposure tolerance; a special feature is that it is developed using the C-41 color negative process.

The C-41 process is the standard development process for color negative films and is offered by most photo labs. Many drugstores also offer C-41 film development. The Ilford XP2 Super* can also be developed using this process, making it easier to find a lab. Conventional black-and-white films, on the other hand, require specific black-and-white developers and their own development process, which typically includes the steps of developing, stop bath, fixing, and washing. Instructions for the appropriate steps and chemicals can usually be found with the respective films or developers.

A standard 35mm film with a 24 x 36 mm format allows for approximately 36 exposures. After each exposure, the film must be manually rewound using a quick-release lever.

The Cosina CT-3 can now only be found on the used market. Prices vary depending on condition, included accessories (such as lenses or flash units), and general demand.

Differences from the Cosina CT-2

The Cosina CT-3 represents a further development of the CT-2. The most significant difference is that the CT-3 is equipped with a base plate that allows the attachment of a suitable motor drive.

Furthermore, the CT-3 features an additional contact in the hot shoe that automatically sets the camera to the X-sync speed in “Auto” mode. Another improvement is the addition of a backlight correction button near the lens mount.

In return, however, the CT-3 loses the PC sync port, which is located in this position on the CT-2.

Cosina also offered an even more comprehensive model, the CT-4, which offered either automatic exposure or a full range of manual shutter speeds. Thus, the CT-3 aims for faster workflow and simplified flash use in automatic mode, while the CT-2 offers an advantage in terms of compatibility with older flash units via a PC connection.