The Chinon Auto GX Date is a 35mm film camera. It is a variant of the Chinon Auto GX. However, this model comes with the ability to imprint the shooting date (Date Back).
A fixed built-in lens is present on this camera model. The optics feature a fixed focal length of 35mm and are constructed from three elements arranged in three groups.
The largest possible aperture is f/4.5. Manual adjustments to the focus settings are not intended on this camera. Therefore, precise manual focusing on the subject is not feasible. The minimum subject distance that the lens can focus sharply at is 1.3 meters.
A CdS light meter was incorporated into this 35mm film camera to determine the correct exposure values. The light meter supports ISO 100/200 and ISO 400/1000 sensitivities.
The exposure parameters are automatically set by the camera’s electronics, with the shutter speed fixed at 1/125 second. Regarding the aperture, the camera’s electronics can select from f/4.5, f/8, and f/16.
An integrated flash is present in the camera. The effective range of the flash unit is rated at 1.6 to 3.1 meters at a sensitivity of ISO 100. The recharge time for the flash is approximately 5 seconds.
According to the manufacturer’s specifications in the manual, the Chinon Auto GX Date has dimensions of 129 x 70 x 45 mm. Its weight is 250 grams. The necessary electrical power is supplied by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Chinon Auto GX Date
According to the instruction manual, the Chinon Auto GX Date camera model is designed for 35mm film format. Since the 35mm format is one of the most widely used film types, various manufacturers still produce products for this size.
The Ilford XP2 Super* is one of the most esteemed 35mm films for black and white photography. For color film needs for this camera, the Kodak Ultramax 400* could be considered a suitable alternative.
Color films are processed using the C-41 process. Processing for films that meet the C-41 standard is offered by a majority of photo labs. Furthermore, numerous drugstores also offer color film development services.
The exposed image area of the Chinon Auto GX Date measures 24 mm by 36 mm. Film loading, advancement, and rewinding are motorized and automatic.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4.5 |
| Smallest aperture | f/16 |
| Minimum focus distance | 130 cm / 4.264 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Lens design | 3 elements in 3 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/125 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 1000 |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | Yes |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 1,6 to 3,1 Meter / 5.25 to 10.17 Feet |
| Flash recycle time | circa 5 seconds |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |