The GAF L-CX is an SLR camera from the American brand GAF. GAF was the camera brand of Ansco and is the abbreviation for General Aniline & Film. This model is an externally produced specimen. The 35mm camera was built by Chinon in Japan. Its functions are based on the Chinon CX.
The lenses of the 35mm photo camera can be exchanged. For this purpose, an M42 thread was installed. M42 lenses are attached to the camera by a screw thread and are very common. The first M42 lens was developed by Zeiss. Some big producers of M42 lenses were Zeiss, Pentax, Pentacon and Zenit/KMZ. The lens is focused manually. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus.
For taking pictures, the GAF L-CX has a light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 3200. The SLR determines the exposure by measuring through the lens (TTL). Exposure time and aperture can be freely selected. There is no automatic exposure control that sets both values automatically.
The camera offers shutter speeds from 1/1000 second to 1 second and has a bulb mode for long exposures. An external flash can be connected to the PC flash port or Hot Shoe for pictures. The 35 mm camera has a thread for a tripod and a connection for a cable release. In addition, there is a self-timer with a lead time of ten seconds.
The camera weighs 770 grams and measures 14.8 x 9.5 x 5.3 cm. These values refer only to the housing without film and lens. The camera requires a PX625 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the GAF L-CX
The GAF L-CX is loaded with 35mm film. 35mm film is still made today and is quite easy to get. A 35mm film for colour photography is the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible black and white film is the Kodak T-Max 400*.
Colour film is developed using the C-41 process. This process is offered by most professional photo labs. The black and white film must be processed in a black and white developer.
The GAF L-CX exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. A standard 35 mm film takes about 36 photos. The film must be rewound manually by the photographer.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| 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 |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x PX625 battery |
| Size | 14,8 x 9,5 x 5,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.74 x 2.09 inches |
| Weight | 770 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Chinon |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the GAF L-CX
What type of lens mount does the GAF L-CX utilize, and what are some of its advantages?
It uses an M42 screw mount, a very common and widely available standard. This allows for a large selection of affordable and high-quality lenses from various manufacturers.
How does the camera handle focusing and exposure?
The GAF L-CX is a manual-focus camera with a through-the-lens (TTL) metering system. You manually set the aperture and shutter speed; there's no automatic mode.
Does this 35mm camera offer any features for creative photography beyond basic exposure control?
Yes, it features a bulb mode for long exposures, a self-timer, and connections for external flash and a cable release, providing flexibility for various photographic techniques.
What kind of film does the GAF L-CX use, and what are the film dimensions?
It uses standard 35mm film, exposing a 24x36mm image area. This is a widely available film format.
What are the physical dimensions and weight of the GAF L-CX body?
The camera body measures 14.8 x 9.5 x 5.3 cm and weighs 770 grams without film or lens.