The Cosina Hi-Lite is a SLR camera. It was produced by Cosina and presented in the 60s. For the German Universa Fototechnik GmbH, the company from Nagano in Japan also produced the camera as “Universa Interflex TL”.
The lenses of the Cosina Hi-Lite can be exchanged. This is possible trough the M42 lens mount. The M42 thread is standardized and manufacturer-independent, so there is a large range of lenses. The first M42 optics was developed by Zeiss. Some major suppliers of M42 lenses were Zeiss, Pentax, Pentacon and Zenit/KMZ. The lens is focused manually. The Cosina Hi-Lite does not have an autofocus system.
The 35mm camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 1600. The exposure measurement is performed through the lens. The shutter speed and aperture can be freely selected.
The camera comes with a bulb mode. The shutter can remain open for a variable time. An external flash unit can be connected to the PC flash socket.
Films for the Cosina Hi-Lite
The Cosina Hi-Lite takes pictures on 35mm film. This type of film is still being produced and can be processed by most photo laboratories without any problems. Beautiful 35mm films for color or black-and-white shots are the Agfaphoto Vista 200* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*.
The colour film is a colour negative film and must be developed in the C-41 process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab.
The Cosina Hi-Lite has a built-in self-timer and an option to connect a cable release. There is also a thread for a tripod. The camera needs a SP 675 mercury battery.
The Cosina Hi-Lite is no longer produced. Depending on the state of the camera, the price for a used copy vary.
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 |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x SP675 battery |
| Estimated value / Used price | 73,93 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 24 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 79,89 Euro (85.51 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 65,50 Euro (70.36 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 79,60 Euro (85.51 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Cosina Hi-Lite
Is the Cosina Hi-Lite a digital camera or a film camera?
The Cosina Hi-Lite is a film camera, specifically a 35mm or Kleinbild camera. It uses interchangeable lenses and requires film to capture images. These films are still readily available.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Cosina Hi-Lite has manual focus. You adjust the focus ring on the lens itself, there's no autofocus feature. It uses the standard M42 lens mount.
What kind of lenses can I use with the camera?
The camera uses the M42 screw mount, a very common standard. This means you can use a wide variety of lenses from different manufacturers like Zeiss, Pentax, and others. Lots of options!
Does this camera have a light meter?
Yes, the Cosina Hi-Lite has a built-in light meter for exposure settings. It works with ISO 25 to 1600 film, helping you get the right exposure through-the-lens.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, you can use an external flash. The camera has a PC flash sync socket for connecting an external flash unit. This allows more creative lighting possibilities.