The Porst EL 300 is a rangefinder camera. It was built in the late 60’s by the company Dacora for the house brand of the German photo dealer Photo Porst from Nuremberg.
The lens of the Porst EL 300 cannot be changed. The name of the manufacturer for the lens is “Color Isconar 1:2.8/45”. The focal length is 45 mm and the largest aperture of the lens is f/2.8. The focus of the lens must be adjusted manually. There is no autofocus system. The rangefinder supports the photographer when focusing.
The camera comes with an exposure meter. The aperture and the exposure time are freely adjustable. The Porst EL 300 has a bulb setting.
The use of an external flash unit is possible via the Hot Shoe. Flash cubes can also be used with the compact camera.
A tripod can be connected to the Porst EL 300. A cable trigger can also be used with the camera. In addition, the self-timer can be used for taking pictures.
According to the operating instructions, the 35mm camera measures 13 x 9 x 6.5 cm. It weighs 530 grams.
Films for the Porst EL 300
35mm films are still easy to get today and are developed by most photo laboratories. A color film for 35mm camera is the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible film for black-and-white images is the Ilford FP4 Plus*.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/300 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, Connection for flash cubes |
| Flash sync speed | 1/500 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Size | 13 x 9 x 6,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.12 x 3.54 x 2.56 inches |
| Weight | 530 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | Photo Porst |
| Manufacturer | Dacora |
FAQ about the Porst EL 300
Is the lens on this rangefinder camera interchangeable?
No, the Porst EL 300 has a fixed lens. The lens is a Color Isconar 1:2.8/45, with a 45mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. It's a manual focus lens, so there's no autofocus.
How do I control the exposure?
The camera has a built-in light meter, but you manually set the aperture and shutter speed. You have full control over exposure settings, including a bulb setting for long exposures.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, the Porst EL 300 has a hot shoe for external flash units. You can also use flash cubes with it.
What kind of film does the device use?
The camera uses standard 35mm film. Both color and black and white 35mm films are readily available.
What are the dimensions and weight of the device?
The camera measures 13 x 9 x 6.5 cm and weighs 530 grams without film. It's a compact and relatively lightweight camera.