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The Chinon Cameras (CM-4s and CE-4s)

This is a review of two cameras, the two Chinons CE-4s and CM-4s. I've been having the CM-4s for quite some time now and the CE-4s landed on my hands a few months ago as a donation. After having shot a couple of films with each here is what I think.


The Chinon CM-4s
 
The CM-4s is the mechanical one. Uses batteries only for the light meter which is a (typical for the early 80's) centre-weighted. Overall, judging from the pictures, it has a tendency to overexpose slightly, possibly by 1/2 to 3/4 stop. I don't know if this is typical for the CM-4s or it is my sample but with the film i shot (ILFORD HP5+ rated at 400) it resulted in nice pictures.The viewfinder is very spartan - only the split image with microprism is visible - nothing else in there. There are 3 LEDs that are outside the viewfinder - two reds and one green - which indicate correct exposure. Shutter speeds between 1sec to 1/1000 on a good quality Seiko metal focal plane shutter. ASA range is a modest 25 to 1600ASA. Basically, that's all regarding the specs of this camera.

Noise levels are just average, so are the vibrations from it. If there is something to criticize this camera for, it is the cheap feeling of the top plastic plate. The camera is nicely heavy and well built but the top plastic is rather unexciting. So is the film advance, it has a rather cheap feeling to it. Bottom plate is plastic too. This camera was a badget one and it does show.

Having said all these, I took this camera on my recent trip to Poland and photographed the 1st of November, a big catholic celebration. I got very good results from this little Chinon and I am posting a picture here to see. The lens used is a Pentax-M 35f/2.8.
Film is ilford HP5+ in HC110 rated at 800ASA


The Chinon CE-4s
 
On the other hand, the CE-4s feels very different. Top plate is still plastic but seems to be much thicker and better quality than the CM-4s. Film advance feels much more smooth too. Bottom plate on the CE-4s is metal though and it gives the overall impression of a much more thought out camera - i.e. the speed selector is more smooth and there are a few small details like an ASA selector lock.
When it comes to the specs, it is quite impressive: Shutter is a Seiko MFC metal focal plane shutter - stepless whilst on AUTO and on manual mode between 4s to 1/2000 (!), ASA range is 25-3200. Other features include: Depth of field preview, both speeds and aperture visible in the viewfinder, unlimited multiple exposures, shutter button lock (OFF position), self-timer offering 5s or 10s delay, exposure lock button (!) and exposure compensation. It also accepts a winder. Popular Photogrpahy's Lab test (Apr 1980) spoke quite highly regarding its internal construction.

Using the CE-4s has been a pleasure. Size-wise it is bigger than the contemporary Olympus OM-2n and the same weight but the OM-2n seems to be more quiet and has a bigger viewfinder and lower vibrations and noise levels - the Olympus feels far more refined when using. But of course those two cameras were not in the same league. A point of criticism is the shutter speed selector which does not rotate on a 360 degrees - if you want to switch from auto to -let's say- 1/2000sec you have to rotate the selector through all shutter speeds despite 1/2000 being next to "off" which is next to "Auto". The Chinon CE-4s is the better camera when comparing it to its sibling and the one that is more likely to stay in my collection. Following is a picture taken with it.
ilford HP5+ in HC110

Summary
Two very different cameras. The CM-2s was built with simplicity and low budget in mind. It was also marketed as an entry model so adjust expectations accordingly. It is a nice camera that still works well after all those years so this should say something about how well it is made. This is a fun camera to play with and the results I got from it are very nice indeed.
But it is the CE-4s out of the two that is here to stay. Feature-wise and in terms of construction, it is a step up compared to its stable mate CM-2s. Loads more features and it feels better in your hand. If you have the money and you are looking for a cheap and fun film camera - the CE-4s is the one for you.

Comments

  1. deafburglar1 August 2020 at 07:33

    I have two samples of the Revueflex AC2 (the German version of the CE-4) and they have both given me great results and are really full-featured. Three Pentax ME-Supers failed me after a couple of rolls each, the Chinons still go strong. Re the overexposure issue of the CM-4, I have the same issue with a CM-3 as well as a Revueflex SC-I (the German twin) so perhaps is a problem of the meters used by Chinon for their manual cameras?

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