The Cosina Hi-Lite EC is a 35mm camera. It is part of the group of single lens reflex cameras.
The lenses of the Cosina Hi-Lite EC can be changed. For this purpose the camera is equipped with a M42 lens mount. The M42 thread is standardized and manufacturer-independent, so there are a number of lenses for this type from different producers. The M42 thread was invented by Carl Zeiss in Jena, Germany. The major producers of M42 lenses were Pentax, Zeiss, Pentacon and KMZ. You have to focus the lens by hand. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus function.
The 35mm film camera has an exposure meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 1600. The exposure meter is designed to measure exposure through the lens of the camera. The desired exposure time as well as the number of f-stops can be set by the user.
The Cosina Hi-Lite EC has a bulb mode, for example for long exposures. The shutter is open for a variable time. In addition to a PC flash port, the Cosina Hi-Lite EC can be used with hot shoe flashes.
Films for the Cosina Hi-Lite EC
Photographic films are required for the Cosina Hi-Lite EC. Films for the 35mm format are used. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most photo labs. The Fujifilm Superia 200* is a possible color film for the Cosina Hi-Lite EC. Black and white images are with the Ilford FP4 Plus* possible.
The color film is being developed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is offered by almost all photo labs. As a rule, 36 shots are possible per film (135-36) at this negative size.
The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod. In addition, there is a connector for a cable release and a self-timer. The 35mm camera measures 14,5 x 9,9 x 5,3 cm.
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 |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Size | 14,5 x 9,9 x 5,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 3.90 x 2.09 inches |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 178,33 Euro 3182911661466157315031971206 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of September 15, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 75,50 Euro (81.18 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 178,00 Euro (192.67 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Cosina Hi-Lite EC
Is the Cosina Hi-Lite EC a manual focus camera?
Yes, it is. The Cosina Hi-Lite EC doesn't have autofocus. You have to manually focus the lens using the focusing ring.
What kind of lenses can I use with this camera?
It uses M42 lenses. This is a very common mount, so you'll find many lenses from different manufacturers available.
Does this camera have a light meter?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter that measures through the lens. You can set both the shutter speed and aperture yourself.
What size film does the camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. Both color and black and white 35mm films are compatible with this camera.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, the Cosina Hi-Lite EC has both a PC sync socket and a hot shoe for connecting different types of flashes.