Cosina Hi-Lite 202

The Cosina Hi-Lite 202 is an analog 35mm film single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, distinguished by its robust construction and core features.

This model was produced in the 1970s by the Japanese company Cosina. A model with identical features was sold as the Vivitar 220/SL.

Lens

The Cosina Hi-Lite 202 typically ships with a standard lens such as the Cosinon Auto 50mm f/1.8, which consists of 6 elements in 4 groups and weighs 215g. This lens has an M49mm filter thread.

An alternative standard lens is the Cosinon Auto 50mm f/1.7, which has the same lens construction and filter thread.

Thanks to the universal M42 screw mount, the camera is compatible with a wide range of interchangeable lenses from a variety of manufacturers and with a wide range of focal lengths.

There are other compatible Cosinon Auto lenses, including wide-angle lenses such as the 28mm f/2.8 (8 elements / 6 groups, M58mm filter) and telephoto lenses such as the 135mm f/2.8 (4 elements / 4 groups, M55mm filter) and the 200mm f/3.5 (5 elements / 5 groups, M62mm filter), as well as faster options such as the 55mm f/1.4 (7 elements / 5 groups, M55mm filter).

Focusing is purely manual by turning the focus ring on the lens. Autofocus is not available.

The bright reflex viewfinder, equipped with a Fresnel disk and a central micro-split-image focusing spot (microprism ring with split-image indicator), serves as a focusing aid. When the subject is in focus, the two halves of the split image appear congruent, and the image in the microprism ring is clear.

A diaphragm control lever on the lens mount allows switching between automatic diaphragm (‘A’ position for open aperture metering and working aperture metering) and manual diaphragm control (‘M’ position), with the ‘A’ position being used for normal use.

Exposure Settings

The Cosina Hi-Lite 202’s exposure metering is TTL (through-the-lens) using a CdS (cadmium sulfide) exposure meter. This measures the light entering the lens, taking into account the average brightness of the subject. The measurement is taken at the working aperture.

The system is designed to deliver correct exposure values ​​even when using filters, close-up lenses, or extension rings, without the need to apply manual correction factors (exposure factor).

The light meter is activated by pressing the combined light meter and depth of field button. A needle indicator appears in the viewfinder.

The photographer selects either the desired shutter speed using the shutter speed dial or the aperture using the lens aperture ring. Then, while holding the button down, adjust the other value (aperture or shutter speed) until the needle in the viewfinder is exactly centered between the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ markings. This indicates the correct exposure.

If the needle is in the ‘+’ range, overexposure is imminent (a faster shutter speed or smaller aperture is required); if it is in the ‘-‘ range, underexposure is imminent (a slower shutter speed or larger aperture is required).

After releasing the button, the aperture opens fully again (when the lens is set to ‘A’) to ensure a bright viewfinder image for composing.

The camera features a mechanical Copal Square metal focal plane shutter.

This offers shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second, as well as a ‘B’ (Bulb) setting for long exposures, where the shutter remains open as long as the shutter button is pressed.

The adjustable film speed ranges from ASA 25 to 1600 (equivalent to DIN 15 to 33) and is set by lifting and turning the outer ring on the shutter speed dial.

Flash System

The Cosina Hi-Lite 202 is prepared for the use of flash units. It features a central accessory shoe (hot shoe) on the pentaprism, which provides direct connection for wireless electronic flash units.

In addition, the camera has two separate PC sync sockets on the front: an X sync socket and an M sync socket.

X sync is designed for electronic flash units and allows flash photography with shutter speeds up to 1/125 second. This sync speed is marked in red on the shutter speed dial and corresponds to the ‘X’ marking on the hot shoe.

The X socket can also be used with certain flash bulbs (M-Class, FP-Class) at slower shutter speeds.
The M-sync socket is specifically designed for use with M-type (magnesium) flash bulbs and enables synchronization over a wider range of shutter speeds, typically up to approximately 1/60s or 1/125s, depending on the bulb type.

Additional Features of the Cosina Hi-Lite 202

In addition to its core functions, the Cosina Hi-Lite 202 offers several useful additional features.

A built-in mechanical self-timer allows for a delayed release of approximately 8 seconds (approximately 10 seconds in some manual versions). It is cocked by pressing the lever on the front of the camera and activated by pressing the shutter button normally.

For long exposures and to avoid camera shake at slow shutter speeds, a standard cable release can be screwed into the shutter button thread.

A standard tripod thread is located on the bottom of the camera.

The film is advanced via a single-stroke quick-release lever. This advances the film, cocks the shutter, and counts the frame counter. At the same time, it reliably prevents double exposures on the same frame.

The frame counter automatically resets to ‘S’ (Start) when the back is opened.

A film-in-chamber indicator shows, with a red mark, whether film is loaded in the camera, preventing accidental opening of the back.

A film-plan mark on the top of the camera indicates the exact position of the film plane, which can be important for precise close-ups.

For infrared film photography, a separate red index mark is provided next to the normal focus mark, to which the focus setting must be adjusted after focusing.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Cosina Hi-Lite 202, equipped with the standard Cosina Auto 50mm f/1.8 lens, are: Width 145 mm, Height 96 mm, and Depth 92 mm.

The weight of the camera with this lens is 725 grams.

Power Supply

The integrated CdS light meter is powered by a single 1.35-volt mercury oxide battery.

The manual lists several compatible types, including the Mallory RM-675, UCAR Epx-675, Burgess Hg-675, Ray-O-Vac T675M, and Toshiba H-C (TH-KC).

The battery is inserted into the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera, with the negative (-) terminal facing inward (positive (+) terminal visible). The battery compartment cover can be opened and closed with a coin.

It is important to note that the camera’s shutter is purely mechanical and therefore fully functional even without a battery inserted or when the battery is empty; only the light meter requires power.

To conserve battery power when the camera is not in use, we recommend setting the shutter speed ring to ‘B’ and using a lens cap.

Film Recommendations

The Cosina Hi-Lite 202 uses standard 35mm film (Type 135) in commercially available cartridges with 20 or 36 exposures. Both color and black-and-white films can be used.

The films are still produced by various manufacturers. Examples include Kodak, Fujifilm, Rollei, Adox, Foma, and Lomography. The Ilford HP5* is an example of a versatile black-and-white film. The Kodak Ektar 100* is a top film for color photos. Both films are easily developed by many photo labs.

Quick Operation Guide

The basic operation of the Cosina Hi-Lite 202 is as follows:

• First, insert the appropriate battery (1.35V mercury oxide, type RM-675 or equivalent) into the battery compartment, observing the correct polarity.
• Then, open the back (using the back lock), insert a 35mm film cartridge into the film compartment, and thread the film leader onto the take-up spool, ensuring that the perforation is engaged by the advance gears.
• After closing the back, advance the film using the quick-release lever and shutter release until the frame counter displays ‘1’.
• Now, set the correct ASA/DIN film speed using the shutter speed dial.
• Before taking the picture, select the desired film speed. Aperture on the lens ring or shutter speed on the dial.
• Turning the focus ring brings the subject in the viewfinder into focus, assisted by the split-image indicator and microprism ring.
• To meter the exposure, hold down the button and adjust the second exposure parameter (shutter speed or aperture) so that the needle in the viewfinder is centered.
• Then select the image composition and gently press the shutter button.
• After the shot, the film is advanced to the next frame using the quick-release lever.
• When the film is full (counter at 20 or 36), press the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera.
• Then unfold the film rewind button crank and turn it clockwise until the film is completely rewound into the cartridge (resistance will decrease).
• The back can now be opened and the film removed. become.