The Motormarine 35 SE is a camera from Sea & Sea. It is an underwater camera. Sea & Sea is a company from Japan. The Motormarine 35 SE was also marketed under the name “Hanimex Amphibian“. In 1989 the underwater camera was replaced by the Motormarine II.
The lens of the photo camera cannot be exchanged. The focal length of the lens is 35 mm. The maximum aperture is f/2.8. Manual focusing is required on the 35 mm camera with the help of a lever on the front.
The camera is equipped with a built-in light meter. It is designed for films with ISO 64, ISO 100 and ISO 400. Later this was changed to 100, 200 and 400. The aperture can be freely selected. The exposure time is not, it is fixed at 1/100 second. If the exposure is incorrect, the photographer is warned in the viewfinder.
The Motor Marine 35 SE has a built-in flash. The 35mm camera can be mounted on a tripod. The housing is made of plastic and is kept in bright yellow/orange. It can be used up to a water depth of 40 meters.
The power supply is provided by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Motormarine 35 SE
What films do you need for the Motormarine 35 SE? It need 35mm film. Films of this format are still easy to get today and are still being developed. Possible films for the Motormarine 35 SE are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color pictures and the Kodak TRI-X 400* for black and white photos.
The color film is designed for development in the C-41 process. This development process is offered by most laboratories. The black and white film needs to be processed in a b/w developer.
The Motormarine 35 SE exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. A standard 35mm film fits about 36 pictures in this size. The film is automatically transported by the camera.
Today you can buy the Motormarine 35 SE only in used condition. The price you pay for a used copy of the camera depends on the condition and functionality.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Underwater camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/100 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 64 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
FAQ about the Motormarine 35 SE
Is the lens on the Motormarine 35 SE removable? Can I put a different lens on it?
No, the lens on this camera is fixed, which means you can't remove it or change it for a different one. It comes with a 35mm lens that's built in and designed specifically for this model.
How deep underwater can I take this yellow/orange camera?
The camera is designed for underwater use and can be safely taken down to a depth of 40 meters (about 131 feet). It's important to make sure all seals are clean and properly closed before diving, to prevent water from entering.
What kind of film does the camera use, and is it easy to find these days?
This camera uses 35mm film, which is still readily available today. You can find various types of 35mm film, both color and black & white, in many camera stores and online retailers, so you shouldn't have trouble finding film to use.
What kind of batteries are needed for it?
The camera is powered by two standard AA batteries. You can use regular alkaline batteries, or you can also use rechargeable AA batteries, which might be more convenient in the long run and better for the environment.
I heard this camera has a light meter. How does it work?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter that helps you get properly exposed photos. It was initially designed for films with ISO 64, 100, and 400, but later adjusted to 100, 200 and 400. If the camera thinks the exposure isn't right, it'll warn you in the viewfinder.