Cosina CT-2

The Cosina CT-2 is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera for the 35mm film format (24x36mm), characterized by its compact design and low weight. It belongs to the class of cameras with aperture priority AE, in which the photographer manually selects the aperture on the lens, and the camera automatically determines the appropriate shutter speed for correct exposure.

This model was sold in the 1980s. Production took place in Japan. A successor, the Cosina CT-3, followed later. A functionally identical model of the CT-2 was offered as the Vivitar XV-20 and Vivitar XV-2.

Lens

The Cosina CT-2 uses a K bayonet mount (Pentax K) with a flange focal distance of 45.44 mm. This allows the use of a wide variety of lenses compatible with this popular mount. The camera was often offered as a kit with a standard lens such as the MC Cosinon-S 50mm f/1.4, but other focal lengths are also available.

Focusing is performed manually using the focusing ring on the lens. The viewfinder serves as a focusing aid. It features a horizontal split-image indicator in the center, surrounded by a microprism ring.

When the image in the split-image indicator converges exactly or the flickering in the microprism ring disappears, the subject is in focus. In addition, the surrounding area of ​​the Fresnel lens serves as a focusing screen, which can also be used to assess sharpness.

The lenses feature a distance scale and a depth-of-field scale, which allows the depth of field to be estimated at a specific aperture. A special infrared marking (a short red line next to the depth of field scale) is used to correct the focus when using infrared film, as infrared light has a different wavelength and therefore requires a slightly shifted focus point.

The aperture is adjusted using the aperture ring directly on the lens. A filter thread on the lens allows the attachment of filters and other accessories, the size of which depends on the lens.

Exposure Settings

The Cosina CT-2’s exposure system uses TTL (through-the-lens) metering. Center-weighted average metering is used, with greater emphasis on the center of the image field. Two silicon photodiodes (SPC/SB cells) are responsible for light metering. The exposure metering range is from -2 to 19 EV (based on an ASA of 100 and a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 to f/22).

The primary exposure mode is Aperture Priority AE, which is activated by setting the dial on the top of the camera to “AUTO.” The photographer selects the desired aperture on the lens, and the camera electronics automatically control the shutter to achieve the correct exposure.

The shutter speed is continuously adjusted within a range of 8 seconds to 1/1000 of a second. The shutter speed selected by the system is displayed in the viewfinder by 16 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) next to a scale.

The numbers on the scale represent the denominators of the shutter speed (e.g., “125” represents a shutter speed of 1/125 of a second). Longer times such as 8 seconds, 4 seconds, and 2 seconds are marked at the lower end of the scale.

Separate LEDs warn of overexposure (“OVER”) or underexposure (“UNDER”) when the lighting conditions are outside the metering range or the selected aperture is too extreme. Overexposure requires a smaller aperture (higher f-number); underexposure requires a larger aperture (smaller f-number).

The shutter is an electromagnetically controlled, vertically operating, fabric focal plane shutter. In addition to the “AUTO” function, the selector dial offers a “B” (Bulb) setting for long exposures, where the shutter remains open as long as the shutter button is pressed, and an “X” setting for flash synchronization at a fixed shutter speed of 1/85 second. An “OFF” position turns off the camera’s electronics and locks the shutter release.

The exposure meter is activated by lightly pressing the shutter button (two-step release). The metered value is recorded at this moment and used for the shot when the shutter button is fully pressed. Exposure compensation is possible by deliberately adjusting the ASA/ISO setting. For example, if ASA 100 film is used and the ASA setting ring is set to 25, this corresponds to an exposure compensation of +2 f-stops.

Flash System

The Cosina CT-2 supports flash photography with a flash sync speed of 1/85 second. For this, the dial must be set to the “X” position. The Cosina CT-2 has a standard PC sync terminal (sync terminal) on the front of the body. External flash units can be connected here using a sync cable. The accessory shoe on the CT-2’s pentaprism provides another option for connecting a flash.

When using flash units, the dial is set to “X” (1/85 second). The correct aperture must then be set manually on the lens, based on the flash unit’s specifications (e.g., using the guide number calculation: aperture = guide number / distance) or its own automatic setting.

Additional Features

The Cosina CT-2 features an electronic self-timer with a 10-second delay. After activating the self-timer lever and pressing the shutter button, an indicator lamp on the front of the camera begins to flash. Approximately 2.5 seconds before the shutter is released, the flashing frequency increases. The self-timer can be canceled by returning the lever. After the shot, the lever must be manually returned, otherwise the self-timer will be reactivated with the next shot. It is recommended not to stand directly in front of the lens while the self-timer is running, as the exposure is measured at the moment the shutter is released.

A standard 1/4-inch tripod mount is located on the bottom of the camera. The use of a tripod is recommended for long exposures (bulb setting or exposures longer than 1/30 of a second) and when using telephoto lenses to avoid camera shake. The manual recommends tripod screws with a maximum length of 5.7 mm (JIS standard 5.5 mm).

The viewfinder is a permanently installed pentaprism system with an eye-level view. It offers a magnification of 0.9x (with a 50 mm lens) and displays 93% of the final image field both horizontally and vertically. In addition to the focusing aids (split image, microprisms) and the ground glass, the shutter speed LEDs are displayed in the viewfinder.

The film is advanced manually via the quick-action lever. This requires a movement of 135 degrees and has a standby position of 30 degrees. The frame counter counts up and automatically resets to “S” (start) when the camera back is opened. Film rewinding is also done manually via the fold-out rewind crank after the rewind button on the bottom of the camera has been pressed.

On the back of the camera is a memo holder into which a tear-off sheet from the film wrapper can be inserted to indicate the film type and speed.

Other features include a lens release button and a small finger button next to the bayonet mount, which is designed to facilitate lens attachment, especially in the dark.

Dimensions and Weight

The Cosina CT-2 camera body measures 133 mm (width) x 85 mm (height) x 48 mm (depth). The body alone, without lens and batteries, weighs approximately 450 grams.

Power Supply

The Cosina CT-2’s electronic functions, particularly the exposure metering, electronic shutter control, and the LED indicators in the viewfinder, are powered by two 1.5-volt silver oxide batteries.

Compatible battery types are S-76, MS-76, G-13, or equivalent types from other manufacturers (eBay / Amazon*). The batteries are inserted into a compartment on the bottom of the camera, which is closed with a lid that can be opened with a coin. Observe the correct polarity when inserting the batteries.

A battery test can be performed using the LEDs in the viewfinder: If the film advance lever is cocked and the shutter release button is lightly pressed, at least one of the 16 LEDs in the viewfinder will light up if the battery power is sufficient. If no LED lights up, the batteries must be replaced. Battery life is stated to be approximately one year with normal use. It is recommended to remove the batteries if the camera is not to be used for an extended period.

Film Recommendations

The Cosina CT-2 uses standard 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*). Both color and black-and-white films can be used.

The camera allows manual adjustment of the film speed in the range of ASA 25 to 1600 using the ASA dial, which is arranged concentrically around the rewind crank. Automatic DX code recognition is not available; The film sensitivity must always be set manually according to the film inserted.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Check/Insert Batteries: Ensure that two charged 1.5V silver oxide batteries (type S-76 or similar) are correctly inserted. Test the battery by gently pressing the shutter button (the LEDs in the viewfinder must light up).
2. Loading Film: Open the camera back by pulling up the rewind crank. Insert the film cartridge into the cartridge compartment. Pull the film tab over the film guide and insert the end into the slot on the take-up spool. Ensure that the perforation engages the teeth of the advance wheel. Operate the film advance lever and press the shutter button until the film is securely gripped. Close the back. Advance the film (operate the lever, release) until the frame counter reaches “1.” Check that the rewind crank rotates during film advance (to check for correct advance).
3. Set film speed: Set the ASA dial to the ASA/ISO value of the loaded film.
4. Select exposure mode: Set the dial to “AUTO” for shutter priority.
5. Select aperture: Set the desired aperture using the lens aperture ring.
6. Focus: Look through the viewfinder and focus on the subject using the lens focus ring (use the split image or microprism ring as a guide).
7. Check exposure and release: Lightly press the shutter button. The shutter speed selected by the camera is indicated by an LED in the viewfinder. If the time is too long (risk of camera shake below 1/30s), open the aperture wider (smaller f-number) or use a tripod. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
8. Advancing the film: After each shot, press the film advance lever to advance to the next frame.
9. Rewinding the film: When the film is full, press the rewind button on the bottom of the camera (it clicks into place). Extend the rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow until the film is completely rewound into the cartridge (resistance should decrease). Open the camera back and remove the film cartridge.