Fujica Pocket Macro Z
The Fujica Pocket Macro Z was designed at the same time the Minolta 110 Zoom
SLR hit the streets. In fact, the Fujica Pocket Macro Z bore a strong
physical resemblance to Minolta camera and had similar, if not more advanced,
features. It had the same folded SLR design, like the Minolta, and
sported a faster 28-56mm f3.3 zoom lens that focused down to 12 inches.
The exposure was determined, also like the Minolta, through a non-TTL,
CDS meter on the front of the camera -- off to the side. But unlike
the Minolta, the exposure was set in a programmed, auto-exposure fashion.
Apertures and shutter speeds were automatically set according to the
film speed and lighting conditions -- from 4 seconds to 1/500. The
reflex focusing screen features a split-wedge focusing aid in the center.
A two-stroke, thumb-operated slide-lever advances the film and cocked
the shutter. Other features include a built-in self-timer, tripod socket,
cable release connection, +/- 1 EV exposure-compensation adjuster, and hot
shoe. It was designed to use two A76 batteries, just like the Minolta.
But the Fujica Pocket Macro Z never made it to production. I
guess Fuji thought that the market was too small to support two, expensive,
110 SLR cameras.
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