Cosina CSR

The Cosina CSR is an SLR camera. The 35mm camera was built by Cosina and was also sold under the name “Vivitar XC-2”.

The lenses of the Cosina CSR can be changed. Lenses for the M42 thread can be used. There are many interchangeable lenses for the M42 mount. The M42 thread was developed as a successor to the M39 thread. Major producers of M42 lenses were Pentax, Zeiss, Pentacon and KMZ. You have to focus the lens by hand. The 35 mm camera does not have an autofocus function.

The Cosina CSR has a built-in light meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The correct exposure is metered through the lens. There is an aperture priority mode. However, the exposure time and aperture can also be freely selected by the photographer.

For long exposures, there is a Bulb mode. In this mode, the film is exposed as long as the shutter button is pressed.

An external flash unit can be connected via hot shoe. A tripod can be connected to the Cosina CSR. A cable release can also be used with the camera. In addition, the self-timer can be used to take pictures.

Films for the Cosina CSR

The Cosina CSR takes its pictures on 35mm film. 35mm film is still readily available today and is developed by most photo labs. A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Kodak Portra 400*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford HP5*.

The development of color film is the C-41 process. The C-41 process is offered by almost every photo lab. The black and white film goes into a matching B&W developer.

The camera negatives have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. At this size, 36 pictures fit on a normal roll of film.

The dimensions of the 35 mm camera are 136.5 x 83.2 x 51 mm. The camera body weighs 540 grams. The power supply of the 35mm camera is provided by two S-76 1.5V batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

The 35mm camera can be bought only in used condition. The prices for the Cosina CSR differ depending on the condition.