Cosina CX7

The Cosina CX7 Auto Focus is a compact 35mm film camera designed for ease of use. It features automatic focusing (autofocus), a built-in electronic flash, and an automatic film loading system.

Introduced by Cosina in the mid-1980s, it was produced in Japan, where a functionally identical model was available under the name Petri PX7.

Lens

The Cosina CX7 is equipped with a fixed COSINON f/3.5 lens. The focal length is 33mm, which corresponds to a slight wide angle and is well suited for a variety of shooting situations such as landscape photography, group shots, and general snapshots.

The optical design consists of 4 elements in 3 groups. The lens has a fixed aperture of f/3.5.

The camera features active autofocus, which automatically adjusts focus. The focusing range extends from 1.2 meters to infinity. Manual focusing is not possible.

However, the camera offers a focus lock function: By partially pressing the shutter button, the focus is set on the subject in the focus frame and saved, allowing subsequent recomposition of the image.

Two red LEDs in the viewfinder indicate whether the camera is focused on a close (symbol: person) or distant (symbol: mountain) subject. Focusing on subjects closer than 1.2 meters is not possible.

An integrated, downward-sliding lens cover protects the lens and the viewfinder/autofocus windows. When the cover is closed, the shutter release is blocked for safety reasons.

Exposure Settings

Exposure is controlled by Programmed AE. The camera automatically selects an appropriate combination of shutter speed and aperture based on the measurement by an integrated photodiode (photosensor eye).

The light meter is permanently integrated into the camera. The AE coupling range is from EV 8.6 to EV 17 (based on ASA 100). The user has no option to manually adjust the aperture or exposure time.

The camera uses a lens shutter, which, together with the aperture, forms a programmed unit. The exact available exposure times and aperture values ​​are controlled within the program automatic mode.

If the available light is insufficient for a correctly exposed shot without a flash (corresponding to an exposure time that is too long), the camera signals this by flashing the red LED in the viewfinder when the shutter button is pressed halfway. This also prompts the user to use the flash.

Flash system

The Cosina CX7 has a built-in electronic flash. This is activated by sliding the flash-on button. The flash head then pops up and begins charging automatically.

Flash readiness is indicated by the illumination of a flash-ready lamp next to the viewfinder eyepiece. As soon as the lamp lights up, you can use the flash to photograph by pressing the shutter release button.

The flash’s guide number is 11 at ASA 100 (equivalent to ISO 100/21°). The flash range depends on the film speed setting: at ASA 100, it is 1.2 to 3 meters (4 to 9.8 ft), and at ASA 400, it extends to 1.2 to 6 meters (4 to 19.6 ft).

The approximate flash recycling time is about 7 seconds (7 seconds) with fresh batteries. If the charging time exceeds 30 seconds, it is recommended to replace the batteries. To deactivate the flash again, the flash head is manually pushed down until it clicks into place.

Additional Features

In addition to the core functions of autofocus, automatic exposure, and built-in flash, the Cosina CX7 offers several additional features. These include the aforementioned integrated lens cap, which also acts as a safety lock for the shutter release when closed.

Film advance is manual via a thumbwheel on the back of the camera; a full 360° rotation advances the film one frame. A film counter on the top of the camera displays the number of shots taken. It is progressive and automatically resets to “S” (start) when the back is opened. The numbers 12, 20, 24, and 36 are highlighted in orange to indicate the end of common film lengths.

In addition to the bright frame finder, the viewfinder also contains markings for the image section for close-ups (parallax compensation mark) and the focusing zone (aiming frame, zone mark).

This model does not have a self-timer or tripod thread.

Dimensions and Weight

The camera is designed to be compact. Its exact dimensions are 117 mm (width) x 72 mm (height) x 43.5 mm (depth). The camera weighs 280 grams without batteries and film.

Power Supply

The Cosina CX7 requires power. It is powered by two 1.5V AAA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

The batteries are inserted into a compartment on the bottom of the camera, observing the correct polarity (+) and (-).

The camera has a battery check function: By lightly pressing the shutter button, a red LED in the viewfinder lights up or flashes (in low light) when the battery charge is sufficient. If the LED does not light up or flash, the batteries are either inserted incorrectly or are exhausted and must be replaced.

It is recommended that you always replace both batteries at the same time with new ones of the same type and manufacturer. Battery life with new alkaline batteries at 20°C is estimated to be approximately 200 rolls of film with 36 exposures each without flash use, or approximately 4 rolls of film with 36 exposures each with continuous flash use.

Film Recommendations

The Cosina CX7 uses standard 35mm film (24mm x 36mm). The film speed must be set manually on the camera. A slider (film speed selector) is located on the front of the camera for this purpose. The available settings are ASA 64, 100, 200, and 400 (equivalent to ISO 64/19°, 100/21°, 200/24°, and 400/27°). Some models also offer ISO 100, 200, 400, and 1000. Automatic DX detection of the film is not available.

Films are produced by various manufacturers, including Rollei, Lomography, Fujifilm, and Foma. A good starting point is the Kodak Gold 200* for color photos.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Insert two AAA alkaline batteries into the battery compartment, observing the correct polarity.
2. Open the lens cap by sliding it down.
3. Check the battery charge by lightly tapping the shutter button (the red LED in the viewfinder should light up or flash).
4. Open the camera back by sliding the release button. The frame counter jumps to “S”.
5. Insert the 35mm film cartridge into the film chamber.
6. Pull the film leader over the film advance roller until it reaches the orange mark.
7. Close the camera back firmly until it clicks into place.
8. Advance the film by turning the film advance dial and then pressing the shutter button until the frame counter reaches “1”.
9. Set the correct film speed (ASA/ISO) using the selector switch.
10. Look through the viewfinder and select the frame. The inner frame shows the approximate image area.
11. Press the shutter button halfway. The camera will automatically focus. A red LED will glow constantly to confirm focus (near or far zone). If the LED flashes, the light is too dim and flash is recommended.
12. If the LED flashes: Activate the flash by sliding the flash switch. Wait until the flash ready light lights up.
13. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
14. Turn the film advance dial one full turn to advance to the next frame.
15. If the film is fully illuminated, the film advance will stop. Press the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera.
16. Unfold the film rewind crank and turn it in the direction of the arrow until the film is completely rewound into the cartridge (crank rotates freely).
17. Open the camera back and remove the film cartridge.