The Revue 400 SE is a compact rangefinder camera with a fixed lens. It was sold under Foto-Quelle’s house brand “Revue” in Germany. It is not entirely clear who the “real” manufacturer was; there are various conjectures. Chinon and Cosina are floating in the air. But also Minolta and Konica, who produced similar cameras at that time, like the Konica Auto S3.
A special feature of the camera from the 70s is its lens. Namely, the model has a 40 mm fixed focal length with a maximum aperture of f/1.7. Nevertheless, the black full-frame camera and the Revuenon 1:1.7 40 mm lens is quite compact and handy.
The exposure meter supports 35 mm film with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 800. It works on the principle of shutter priority, which means that the photographer selects an exposure time (1/500 s, 1/250 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, 1/15 s, 1/8 s) and the camera selects the appropriate aperture.
When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the selected exposure is locked (AF lock). The Revue 400 SE does not have a completely manual mode, but there are four settings for a hot shoe flash (guide number 7, 14, 28, 56).
The flash can be used with all exposure times thanks to the Copal central shutter. There is a Bulb mode for long exposures. A tripod and cable release thread and a self-timer complete the picture.
The Revue 400 SE or exposure meter requires a PX 675 1.35V mercury battery. This type of battery is no longer allowed to be manufactured in the EU. A possible alternative for the 35mm camera is a 1.4V hearing aid battery, but this will not last as long as the original battery.
The Vivitar 35ES is very similar to the Revue 400 SE. There was also a rarer version of the 400 SE with a body in chrome.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/1.7 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1/8 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 800 |
| Exposure modes | Shutter priority |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/500 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x PX675 1.35V mercury battery |
| Company name of the brand | Foto Quelle |
| Estimated value / Used price | 95,57 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 31 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 125,56 Euro (135.30 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 108,06 Euro (116.90 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 98,31 Euro (106.08 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Revue 400 SE
Is this camera good for beginners?
Its compact size and automatic exposure modes make it relatively easy to use, even for beginners. However, lacking fully manual control might limit creative options for experienced photographers. The fixed lens also restricts versatility.
What kind of film does the Revue 400 SE use?
It uses standard 35mm film. The light meter works with ISO sensitivities ranging from 25 to 800, providing flexibility in film choices.
How does the focusing work on this camera?
The Revue 400 SE is a rangefinder camera, meaning you use the viewfinder to manually focus the subject. The viewfinder shows the subject and a separate rangefinder patch for precise focus.
Can I use a flash with the device?
Yes, it has a hot shoe for flash units. Four different guide number settings (7, 14, 28, 56) are available to adjust the flash output based on film speed.
What type of battery does this compact camera need?
It originally used a PX 675 1.35V mercury battery, now obsolete. A 1.4V hearing aid battery can be used as a substitute, although its lifespan will be shorter.
Der Verschlusszeit Nadel im Sucher bleibt immer auf f:5.6 aber beim knipsen habe ich immer f:16. Habe ich die falsche Batterie (LR44), in meiner 400SE? Ist die Automatik kaputt?
Danke.