Chinon Genesis

Chinon Genesis: An 80s bridge camera for effortless film photography

Launched in the late 1980s, the Chinon Genesis embodies the concept of the bridge camera, combining advanced features borrowed from SLRs with the ease of use of compacts . With its bold design and solid performance, the Genesis stands out as a trendsetter in the built-in zoom film camera category. Perfect for those who want an all-in-one camera without the complexity of an interchangeable SLR, this model allows you to capture a variety of scenes thanks to its versatile zoom and powerful autofocus.

main Features

• 📷 Camera type: 35 mm film bridge
• 🔍 Lens: Integrated zoom 35-80mm f/4.1–6.4 (8 elements in 7 groups)
• 🤖 Focus: Active infrared autofocus, with manual macro option at 80 mm (up to 0.5 m)
• 🎞️ Film used: 135 (35 mm) film with DX recognition (automatic ISO)
• ⚡ Flash: Built-in flash activated via power button
• 📏 Dimensions: Bulky but ergonomic thanks to the side handle
• 🔋 Power supply: Works with AA batteries (or specific ones depending on the model)
• ⏱️ Film transport: Motorized forward and rewind
• 💾 Other features: Optional date back (not essential to main operation)

Detailed technical specifications

The Chinon Genesis is equipped with a 35-80 mm f/4.1–6.4 zoom lens, which covers an ideal focal range for varied shots, wide landscapes with tight portraits. The macro function at the 80mm end allows close focusing up to 50cm, perfect for capturing fine details.

The infrared autofocus performs particularly well in low light conditions, providing fast and precise focusing, even in the darkest scenes. The parallax-free reflex viewfinder allows you to frame exactly what you capture, an essential asset for a device in this category.

The motorized forward and rewind simplifies use, allowing you to take photos quickly without having to manually handle the film. As for the built-in flash, it deploys automatically when the power button is activated, adding a touch of practicality to low-light situations.

Advantages and use

The main advantage of the Chinon Genesis is its ergonomics. Although its design is considered "unconventional", particularly because of its imposing volume reminiscent of boom boxes from the 80s, the side handle makes it surprisingly comfortable to hold. It excels in situations where you need a device that is simple to use but capable of delivering quality results.

The manual zoom with lever lets you easily adjust the framing, and the fast autofocus ensures you'll never miss an important shot. In addition, its reliability makes it a perfect device for long photographic walks, even in changing light conditions.

Use Cases

The Chinon Genesis is ideal for a variety of situations:

• Street Photography: Its autofocus and practical zoom allow you to capture spontaneous scenes without having to bother with complex settings.
• Travel and landscapes: With its zoom covering most daily needs, it is perfect for trips where you want to capture landscapes or urban scenes.
• Macro Photography: Thanks to its macro mode, you can get closer to subjects and capture fine details like flowers or textures.

Conclusion

The Chinon Genesis is an ideal film bridge camera for those looking for a simple yet powerful photography experience. With its versatile zoom, infrared autofocus and advanced features such as macro, it offers an excellent compromise between an SLR and a compact. Its robust and ergonomic design makes it a reliable companion for any amateur photographer or those nostalgic for the film era.