Chinon Genesis: A bridge camera from the 80s 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 pioneer in the category of film cameras with integrated zoom. 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 : 35mm film bridge
- 🔍 Lens : 35-80mm f/4.1–6.4 built-in zoom (8 elements in 7 groups)
- 🤖 Focus : Active infrared autofocus, with manual macro option at 80mm (up to 0.5m)
- 🎞️ Film used : 135 film (35 mm) with DX recognition (automatic ISO)
- ⚡ Flash : Built-in flash activated via the 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 advance and rewind
- 💾 Other features : Optional date back (not essential for main operation)
Detailed technical specifications
The Chinon Genesis features a 35-80mm f/4.1–6.4 zoom lens, which covers a focal range ideal for a variety of shots, from wide landscapes to tight portraits. The macro function at the 80mm end allows for close focusing down to 50cm, perfect for capturing fine details.
Infrared autofocus performs particularly well in low light conditions, delivering fast and accurate focusing even in the darkest scenes. The parallax-free SLR viewfinder ensures you can frame exactly what you’re shooting, a key feature for a camera in this class.
Motorized advance and rewind simplify operation, allowing you to take photos quickly without having to manually handle the film. Meanwhile, the built-in flash automatically deploys when the power button is pressed, adding a touch of convenience in low-light situations.
Benefits and Uses
The main advantage of the Chinon Genesis is its ergonomics . Although its design is considered "unconventional", especially 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 never miss an important shot. Plus, its reliability makes it perfect for long photo walks, even in changing light conditions.
Usage Scenarios
The Chinon Genesis is ideal for a variety of situations:
-
Street Photography : Its autofocus and convenient zoom allow you to capture spontaneous scenes without having to deal 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 : With its macro mode, you can get close 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 but 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 nostalgic for the film era.
