The Cosina Hi-Lite DL is a SLR camera. It was built by Cosina in Japan.
The lens of the Cosina Hi-Lite DL is interchangeable. For this purpose, an M42 thread was used. The 35 mm camera is often used with the Auto Cosinon 50 mm (1.4 or 1.8). The M42 thread is standardized and manufacturer-independent, so a large number of lenses have been manufactured.
The first M42 optics was developed by Zeiss. KMZ/Zenit, Pentax, Beyer-Optik, Zeiss and Pentacon built lenses for the M42 thread. The Cosina Hi-Lite DL has no autofocus. It is manually focused.
The aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer. When the needle is centered in the viewfinder, the setting matches the measured exposure. The exposure meter supports films with a speed of ISO 25 to ISO 1600.
The camera has a bulb setting. The shutter can remain open for a variable time and expose the film. An external flash unit can be connected to the PC flash socket.
Films for the Cosina Hi-Lite DL
The Cosina Hi-Lite DL exposes cartridges with 35mm film. 35mm films are still being produced and are developed by most photo laboratories without any problems. One option for b/w images is the Ilford HP5*. A possible film for color pictures is the Kodak Gold 200*.
The colour film is a colour negative film and must be developed in the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab.
The Cosina Hi-Lite DL can be triggered by a self-timer or an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available. The Cosina Hi-Lite DL brings 725 g on the scales. The power source of the 35mm camera is a 1.35 V mercury battery.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M42 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 1.35 V mercury battery |
| Weight | 725 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Cosina Hi-Lite DL
Is the Cosina Hi-Lite DL a digital camera or a film camera?
It's a film camera, specifically a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It uses film cartridges, and you'll need to get the film developed at a photo lab.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Cosina Hi-Lite DL doesn't have autofocus. You need to manually focus the lens by turning the focusing ring until the image is sharp in the viewfinder.
Can I use different lenses with the camera?
Yes, it uses an M42 screw mount, a standard that allows for a wide variety of interchangeable lenses from many different manufacturers.
What kind of batteries does the device use?
The camera uses a 1.35V mercury battery. However, these are becoming difficult to find, so you might need an adapter for modern batteries.
How do I take a long exposure photograph with the camera?
The Cosina Hi-Lite DL has a bulb setting. This allows you to keep the shutter open for as long as you hold the shutter release down, perfect for night photography or light trails.