Auto diaphragm
Instant return mirror
Identical with the Miranda Sensomat RE bar the M42 lens mount.
Interchangeable viewfinders, P-prism, WL-finder, 15x-5x critical finder and some other special finder inserts.
Auto diaphragm
Instant return mirror
Difference to TM: Cold shoe on prism, cosmetical changes
Auto diaphragm?
Instant return mirror?
Self timer
Auto diaphragm
Instant return mirror
Self timer
Auto diaphragm
Instant return mirror
Self timer
Auto diaphragm
Instant return mirror
Self timer ?
Auto diaphragm
Instant return mirror
Self timer
Mirror lock-up when self-timer is activated
Comment: I've got that camera from my mother, who bought it in the mid70's.
It's got a central microprism spot on the screen for focussing,
surrounded by a split-image-ring. It's been in use for nearly 30
years, especially in the 90's on extensive field trips by me, and
it still works well. Well, it's one of these old full-metal bodies,
which are not that easy to break.
John Shaeffer About Hanimex 35 SL
I have been very pleasantly suprised with this camera. It has a bright,
large viewfinder and is relatively easy to focus. I usually open the
apeture fully on the lens to focus, since that's the way you get the
most light, and then stop down to the apeture setting that the needle
meter suggests at whatever speed I have already set.
When you press the shutter button, the meter is deactivated,
a very nice feature, that is not present
in some other screw mounts like my Ricoh TLS Singlex.
Picture quality has been great with the Chinon 55/1.7 lens.
I've tested against my wife's Olympus IS 20, my Leica Z2X
point and shoot model and the Singlex, and it may is one of
the tops in its class of 4.
One thing about this camera - it is extremely heavy compared
to the others mentioned (the Singlex is also heavy,
but smaller). My wife can't believe it's weight and doesn't like it,
but I actually feel that the weight is an advantage
because I tend to hold a heavier camera more steadily - at
least you know you are holding a camera. If it ever
stops working guess I'll never be without a boat anchor.
Tim Hicks Soligor TM
I have used 3 Soligor TM cameras, and I like them.
The first has a focussing inaccuracy which I thing is
caused by the lens which has a sloppy focussing movement
The second - my dad uses and it works well apart from one
time the shutter stuck open (I think he keeps it in a damp
room sometimes). The third I use for general photography
and with a microscope. It is great for microscope use as
I got a replacement finder that allows it to be used for
right-angle viewing and the metering works well through a microscope.
The Soligor TM is the cheapest way to get interchangeable
viewfinders combined with TTL metering
I (aab) can only add here that I was looking for a waist level view finder (and magnifying viewfinder) for Soligor TM for about two years and can't find it for a reasonable price (not ready to pay $40 for it yet). It looks like Praktica's with interchangeable viewfinders (as VLC2) are may be easier to locate.
From B J G Peeren
I had been using Miranda Sensomat RE cameras (4 of them) almost daily
for about 10 years when I first met (and bought) my TM.
All 5 needed regular servicing (CLA about every 3 years) for meter and shutter
accuracy but served me very well.
About 4 years ago I bought a Chinon CE-3 for its M42 mount, to be independent of
the mercury batteries which were to be phased out. As I liked the camera (and
the 2nd-hand prices asked for them) I also replaced the three Miranda RE's by
Chinon CE-4,5 and CG-5 K-mount cameras.
Because of its finder interchangeability I still use the Miranda TM for extreme
telephoto purposes (up to 600 mm with the 5-15X finder). Although I was able to
secure a source for "fresh" mercury cells, I do not any more use the Miranda
bayonet cameras, but the TM, with 600mm and tripod is in my car wherever I go. I
do not agree with aab's "It looks like Praktica's with interchangeable
viewfinders (as VLC2) are may be easier to locate", because he may find them,
but not as easily and they want mercury batteries as well.