Written by Katya Rowny
Do you remember browsing a toy store as a kid? The feeling of excitement and anticipation of what you would find?
Capturing that feeling as an adult can be difficult unless you’re a film photographer who attends the local largest one-day camera sale, swap, and show in your state. The Puget Sound Photographic Collectors Society hosts two annual events a year, and people from across the state attend, me being one of them.
This past year, I was able to drag a photographer friend with me, and we arrived before the doors opened for early admission. I absolutely loved browsing all the different tables and talking to the vendors. I’ve come across some unique and quirky cameras attending these shows. One of my favorite finds was the Chinon Bellami camera.
The size and style of the camera caught my eye when I was browsing, and I ended up buying it for a steal! I haggled the price from $20 to $10!
I’d never heard of this camera before or seen the barn door lens cover mechanism. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the lens was a Chinonex 2.8. After figuring out how to operate the barn doors that open via the film advance lever, I was intrigued and excited to try the camera.
Find the Chinon Bellami 35mm film camera on eBay.
History of the Chinon Bellami
The Chinon Bellami, introduced in 1980 by Chinon International Corp in Tokyo, Japan, is a compact 35mm point-and-shoot camera.
Chinon was founded by Chino Hiroshi in September 1948 as Sanshin Seisakusho in Tokyo, Japan. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the company initially focused on manufacturing parts for other optics companies, such as camera lens frames and barrels.
It wasn’t until 1958 that Chinon released its first optical product: an 8mm motion picture camera lens. In 1962, the company rebranded as Sanshin Optics Industrial Co. Ltd, and again in 1973 to Chinon Industries Inc. Their first 35mm camera, likely the Chinon M-1, was produced around 1971 or 1972.
In 1980, Chinon introduced the Bellami at the Chicago PMA show, offering a compact 35mm full-frame point-and-shoot camera that directly competed with the Olympus XA2.
Both cameras shared similar features, including a 4-element 35mm lens, automatic exposure, manual focus, and a clamshell design.
The Bellami’s f/2.8 lens and 1/1000 shutter speed slightly outpaced the XA2’s f/3.5 lens and 1/750 shutter speed. However, the XA2 offered a self-timer, which the Bellami lacked. Despite these differences, both cameras were designed to deliver great portability and photo quality.
It was also marketed as the Revue 35 CC overseas. The Revue 35 CC camera was sold by Foto-Quelle out of Nuremberg, Germany, who were one of the largest photographic retailers of the 1960’s. They sold cameras made by other manufacturers, such as Chinon and Consina, which is what this little Revue 35 CC camera is.
Specifications
Film Type: 135 (35mm)
Lens: 35mm f/2.8 Chinonex Color Lens coated 4-elements in 3-groups
Focus: 3.5 feet / 1 meter to Infinity with Green Click Stops at 10 feet / 3 meters
Viewfinder: Scale Focus with 35mm Albada Type Frame Lines, 0.5x Magnification
Shutter: Seiko Program EE Shutter
Speeds: 1/8 – 1/1000 seconds
Exposure Meter: Coupled CdS Cell w/ Red LED Slow Shutter Speed Warning and Programmed AE
Battery: (2x) 1.5v SR44 Silver Oxide Battery, 1.5v AA Alkaline Battery for Flash
Flash Mount: Removable Chinon Auto S-120 Electronic Flash, Flash fixed to f/4 at all speeds
Other Features: Power Switch and Front Barn Doors Close with Film Advance Lever
Weight: 228 grams, 316 grams w/ Flash
Link to manual
Features of the Chinon Bellami
Among the smallest full-frame 35mm cameras, the Chinon Bellami (find on eBay) rivals the Olympus XA2 in design and features.
Its standout feature is the barn door mechanism that protects the lens, operated by the film advance lever. This is reminiscent of the Voigtländer Vitessa (find on eBay).
The Bellami has fully programmed automatic exposure, offering no manual control.
The 4-element Chinonex 35mm f/2.8 lens produces sharp images with excellent contrast and accurate colors. The 4-element 3-group design lens produces vignetting and some corner softness, however, these characteristics do not detract from the overall image quality.
Using the Chinon Bellami
Operating the Bellami is straightforward. The camera employs zone focusing with distance settings clearly marked on the lens barrel, allowing for quick adjustments. Some of the images below are not in focus, but I blame that on my eyesight rather than the camera.
Its auto-exposure system manages shutter speeds from 1/8 to 1/1000 seconds, accommodating film speeds from ISO 25 to 400.
A red indicator in the viewfinder alerts users to low-light conditions, suggesting the need for flash or a tripod. The shutter operates quietly, and the film advance lever is smooth, enhancing the overall shooting experience.
Looking at the camera straight on, you see the Chinon Bellami logo on the front right barn door with a strap placement on the left of the camera.
At the top, the camera features controls typical of manual focus cameras from its era. On the left, a rewind knob with a fold-out handle unlocks the rear film door when raised.
In the center, you’ll find a green battery check light and a small window displaying the selected ASA film speed. With the doors open and half pressing the shutter button you can perform the battery check. A tiny wheel to the right of the window adjusts the ASA setting, with speeds ranging from ASA 25 to 400.
To the right (again looking top down) you’ll find the automatic resetting exposure counter and a threaded shutter release.
On the far right is a short film advance lever that also serves as a mechanical release to open the front of the camera. Pushing it forward retracts the lens and shutter, closing the barn doors, while pulling it back opens them. The lever requires moderate pressure, preventing accidental openings and providing a satisfying action that adds to the camera’s charm.
When firing the shutter, only even numbers are shown in white, while odd numbers are represented by white dots. Frames 24 and 36 are highlighted in red, marking the typical film lengths for 35mm film.
The base of the camera features a rewind release button, a sliding door for the battery compartment, and a 1/4″ tripod socket. While the tripod socket on such a compact camera may not be frequently used, it could come in handy for long exposures or low light conditions where external stabilization is needed, especially since the camera offers a minimum shutter speed of 1/8 second but lacks a self-timer.
The sides of the camera are quite simple. On the left, you’ll find the connection point for the optional Bellami flash. This is done through a threaded hole and four round electrical contacts that facilitate communication between the camera body and the flash unit. Chinon provided a dedicated flashgun for this camera, designed to mount securely on the left side. To attach it, simply align the contacts, then twist the thumb wheel on the flash to tighten it. The flash features three settings: off, 400 ASA (ISO) with a flash range of 2.5m to 6m, and 100 ASA (ISO) with a range of 1m to 3m. It operates on a single AA battery.
On the back of the camera, you’ll find the rectangular viewfinder eyepiece, accompanied by a small red LED that activates for shutter speeds slower than 1/60 seconds. For such a compact camera, the viewfinder is fairly large and easy to use with clear frame lines. There’s also a metal plate displaying the “Made in Japan” label and the camera’s unique serial number. Overall this camera is simple and straightforward, easy to operate and handle.
Final Thoughts
The Chinon Bellami/Revue 35CC (find on eBay) is a compact film camera with a unique design and solid performance. Its combination of ease of use, functional features, and aesthetic appeal makes it a worthwhile choice for film photography enthusiasts.
The Bellami offers an enjoyable shooting experience whether you’re a beginner or professional, this camera is for you!
Thank you so much, Katya! Katya is a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film, and you can check out her other articles here, such as the 5 Inspiring Books for Photographers and Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Vintage Camera Review.
You can also find more of Katya’s work on her website and Instagram.
Leave your questions about the Chinon Bellami film camera below in the comments, and you can pick one up for yourself on eBay.
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