Cosina Hi-Lite DLR

The Cosina Hi-Lite DLR is an analog SLR camera. It was produced in Japan in the 1970s. It could be described as the successor to the Cosina Hi-Lite DL. Both cameras are similar in terms of functionality. The biggest difference is the positioning of the eyelets for a camera strap. The typography for the model name and the company logo has also been slightly changed.

Lens

The Cosina Hi-Lite DLR was often shipped with a standard Cosinon Auto lens. A common variant is the Cosinon Auto 50mm f/1.8, a lens consisting of 6 elements in 4 groups. It weighs 215 grams and has a screw-in filter thread of type M49mm (49mm diameter).

Alternatively, a slightly faster version, the Cosinon Auto 50mm f/1.7 (also 6 elements in 4 groups, M49mm thread, 215 grams), was available.

The camera’s lens mount is an M42 screw thread. This allows access to a very wide range of interchangeable lenses from Cosinon and numerous third-party manufacturers.

Focusing is achieved manually by turning the focusing ring on the lens. A Fresnel-lensed ground glass and a central microprism split-image indicator serve as focusing aids in the viewfinder.

A depth-of-field scale on the lens barrel indicates the range of acceptable sharpness in front of and behind the focused point, depending on the set aperture and distance. Depth of field can also be checked visually in the viewfinder by setting the aperture control lever on the lens to the manual position (‘M’).

Exposure Settings

The Cosina Hi-Lite DLR features a built-in TTL-CdS exposure metering system. This measures the light entering the lens and determines the average brightness of the subject using two independently operating photoresistors. The system is directly linked to the shutter speed and aperture settings.

The exposure meter is activated by pressing and holding the exposure meter button, which also serves as the stop-down lever. A needle indicator appears in the viewfinder. For correct exposure, the aperture and/or shutter speed must be set so that the needle is centered between two markings (+ and -).

If the needle is in the upper range (+), overexposure is likely; a faster shutter speed or a smaller aperture is required. If the needle is in the lower range (-), underexposure is likely; a slower shutter speed or a larger aperture is required.

The exposure meter’s measuring range covers a film speed range from ASA 25 to 1600 (corresponding to DIN 15 to 33). The film speed is set by lifting and turning the outer ring on the shutter speed dial.

The camera is equipped with a mechanical Copal Square metal focal plane shutter, offering shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second, as well as a B setting for long exposures.

TTL metering automatically accounts for light loss through filters or other accessories, eliminating the need for manual correction factors.

Flash System

The Cosina Hi-Lite DLR is prepared for the use of flash units and features M and X flash synchronization. Two separate PC sync ports are provided on the front of the camera body: an M port and an X port.

The X port is designed for the use of electronic flash units. The fastest sync speed is 1/125 of a second. This speed is marked on the shutter speed dial (125x), and sync is guaranteed at this and all slower shutter speeds.

The M-mount is used for syncing with class M and F flash bulbs and, according to the German instructions, works at shutter speeds up to 1/30 of a second. Since there are no automatic functions such as TTL flash metering, the correct exposure for flash photography must be calculated manually, usually by dividing the flash unit’s guide number by the distance to the subject.

Additional Features

Beyond its basic functions, the Cosina Hi-Lite DLR offers several useful additional features. A mechanical self-timer is activated via the lever on the front of the camera and releases the shutter with a delay of approximately 8 to 10 seconds.

The viewfinder is a pentaprism reflex viewfinder that displays an upright and correct image and, in addition to the focusing aids, also displays the light meter needle.

The film is advanced manually using a quick-release lever that advances the film, cocks the shutter, and advances the exposure counter with a single movement. A lock prevents accidental double exposures. The exposure counter automatically resets to ‘S’ (Start) when the camera back is opened.

The film is rewound manually using the rewind crank after pressing the rewind button on the bottom of the camera. To indicate the film type loaded, there is a film indicator disc around the rewind button.

A standard tripod thread is located on the bottom. The shutter release button has an internal thread for a mechanical cable release, which is recommended for long exposure times to prevent camera shake.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Cosina Hi-Lite DLR, equipped with the standard Cosinon Auto 50mm f/1.8 lens, are 145 mm wide, 96 mm high, and 92 mm deep. The camera weighs 725 grams with this lens.

Power Supply

The Cosina Hi-Lite DLR requires a single 1.35 volt mercuric oxide battery, such as the Mallory RM-675, for the built-in CdS light meter to function. The battery is inserted into the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera, with the positive (+) terminal facing out.

It’s important to note that the battery only powers the light meter. All other camera functions, including the mechanical shutter and film advance, operate purely mechanically and do not require battery power. The camera is therefore fully functional even without a battery or when the battery is empty.

Film Recommendations

The Cosina Hi-Lite DLR uses standard 35mm film (Type 135). Thanks to the light meter, which covers a range of ISO 25 to ISO 1600, a wide range of films can be used. Since the camera lacks DX contacts, the film speed must always be set manually using the ASA/ISO dial.

Two classics are excellent starting points: The Kodak TRI-X 400* is a legend among black-and-white films, known for its beautiful contrast, exposure flexibility, and timeless aesthetics.

For color photography, the Kodak Portra 400* is an excellent choice. It is famous for its beautiful, natural skin tones and fine grain, making it a favorite for portraits and everyday photography.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Insert the battery for the light meter, if necessary.
2. To load the film, open the back cover by pulling the locking lever.
3. Insert the film cartridge into the left chamber, pull the film leader over the film guide, and insert it into the take-up spool slot. Ensure that the teeth of the advance wheel engage the perforations in the film.
4. After closing the back cover, advance the film using the quick-release lever and shutter button until the frame counter reads ‘1’.
5. Set the correct film speed using the ASA/ISO dial.
6. Select the subject in the viewfinder and adjust the focus using the lens focus ring and the microprism focusing aid.
7. To set the exposure, press and hold the light meter button. By adjusting the aperture ring on the lens and/or the shutter speed dial, bring the metering needle in the viewfinder to the center position.
8. Take the picture by pressing the shutter button. To take the next picture, press the quick-release lever.
9. When the film is full, press the rewind button on the bottom of the camera.
10. Then rewind the film completely clockwise into the cartridge using the retractable crank.
11. As soon as the resistance decreases, the camera back can be opened and the film removed.