The Carena DF-300 is an SLR camera for 35mm film. The original model was developed by Minolta and licensed to a company in China. They produced it as Seagull DF-300 and sold it to Photo Porst. The German photo dealer offered them under the house brand “Carena”.
The Carena DF-300 comes with interchangeable lenses. Lenses with a Minolta SR bayonet are usable with the camera. The lens is focused manually. The Carena DF-300 does not have an autofocus system.
The Carena DF-300 is equipped with a built-in light meter. The light meter was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 12 to ISO 3200. The light meter is built to measure the exposure through the lens of the camera. The shutter speed and aperture can be selected by the photographer in manual mode. In this mode, the maximum exposure time is 1 second. In aperture priority mode, it is 4 seconds.
A Bulb setting for long exposures is available. An external flash can be triggered via the built-in hot shoe.
The Carena DF-300 has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a connection for a cable release and tripod. The dimensions of the 35mm camera are 13.7 x 9 x 5.1 cm. It weighs 470 grams. The required power for the camera comes from two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Carena DF-300
Cartridges with 35mm film are exposed in the Carena DF-300. 35mm films are still produced by various manufacturers. Possible films for the SLR are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*.
Color film is processed using the C-41 process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo labs. Developing a 35mm color film is possible, for example, at most drugstore chains in Germany.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta SR mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 4 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 3200 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,7 x 9 x 5,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.39 x 3.54 x 2.01 inches |
| Weight | 470 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Shanghai Camera Factory |
| Country of production | China |
FAQ about the Carena DF-300
Is this camera automatic or do I have to set everything myself?
The Carena DF-300 is mostly manual. You manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed. It does have an automatic mode for shutter speed, but exposure is fully manual otherwise.
What kind of lenses can I use with the camera?
This 35mm SLR uses Minolta SR bayonet mount lenses. Many vintage lenses are compatible, offering a wide range of photographic options.
Does this camera have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter designed for film sensitivities from ISO 12 to ISO 3200. It measures the light through the lens for accurate exposure.
How do I use a flash with the camera?
The camera has a hot shoe, allowing you to attach and trigger external flash units. This lets you add more light to your photos when needed.
What type of film does it take?
The Carena DF-300 is a 35mm film camera. It uses standard 35mm film cartridges. Many brands such as Kodak or Ilford are suitable.