Lecture Notes on Mamiya M 35mm Point and Shoot Camera

Introduction

• Host: Chris from the Mr 50mm YouTube Channel
• Focus of the video: Review of Mamiya M 35mm point and shoot camera

Background on Mamiya

• Chris has a preference for Mamiya cameras, owning several models:
  • Mamiya 645 Pro TL
  • Mamiya Press Super
  • Phase One 645 DF and DF Plus
  • Mamiya C220
• Recently acquired the Mamiya M 35mm camera at a local market for 20 CAD.

Overview of Mamiya M

• Released in 1982
• Features:
  • Autofocus
  • Auto exposure
  • Pop-up flash
  • Lens: Mamiya C 38mm f/2.8 (4 elements, 3 groups)
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8 to 1/500 seconds
  • ISO range: 25 to 800
• Dimensions: 132mm x 75mm x 55mm; weight: 430g (without batteries)
• Uses two DAA batteries
• Note on battery door: prone to breaking, should check condition when buying.

Design and Build Quality

• Design inspired by boxy shapes but comfortable to hold
• Film door covered in leather-like material - check condition on used models
• Controls are minimal due to point-and-shoot nature:
  • Two-stage shutter (half press to focus, full press to shoot)
  • Film rewinder and flash activation sliders
  • Self-timer lever

Viewfinder Features

• 45x magnification, covers 83% of the frame
• Parallax correction lines included
• Zone Focus scale indicator with LED for camera shake warning when exposure is slow
• Indicates focus point before shooting, helping to avoid missed shots

Autofocus and Shooting Experience

• Autofocus system shows focus point visually in the viewfinder
• Potential anti-shake feature: camera may not fire if user presses shutter too quickly
• Manual ISO adjustment works well for shooting expired films
• Autofocus lamp can be distracting; no option to turn off
• Power switch is linked to the lens barrel; can be confused without the front cap.

Image Quality and Performance

• Optics deliver sharp images
• Lens speed (f/2.8) is advantageous for point-and-shoot
• May require stopping down on sunny days to avoid overexposure
• Color rendering is solid but dependent on film quality
• Autofocus speed is responsive, making it pleasant to use.

Recommendations and Conclusion

• Pricing ranges from 60 to 150 USD; good deal at 20 CAD
• Rarity may make finding the Mamiya M difficult
• Strong recommendation for those looking for a unique point-and-shoot experience
• Advantages:
  • Manual ISO control for expired film
  • Effective autofocus visual indicator
• Alternative recommendation: Menola Hatic AF2 for a simpler autofocus system
• Overall impression: Excellent for a point-and-shoot camera despite its size

Closing Thoughts

• Encouragement for viewer interaction:
  • Ask for comments from those who own or have used the camera
  • Request for viewer's favorite point-and-shoot cameras
• Reminder to like, comment, subscribe, and consider support options.