Chinon CE-3 Memotron

[Digital+Film=Me]

Hello all,
I have recently heard good things about this camera and thought it would be a nice addition in terms of using a growing collection of M42 lenses with aperture priority auto-exposure operation. The one I purchased is very clean and could just about pass for new. I'm impressed with its solidity and quality build, as well as the fact it can "memorize" a setting when recomposing in difficult lighting situations.
My question - preferably for those who either own or have owned this model:
Is the camera capable of stopped down depth of field preview while a lens is in AUTO setting - i.e, should pressing the shutter button halfway actuate the stop-down mechanism of lens?
As far as I can tell from initial handling of the camera, the aperture MUST be in manual setting and stopped down to the intended f/stop in order for proper metering to be done. However, there is a passage in owner's manual referring to checking depth of field, which seems a bit vague.
From handling the camera it would appear there is no way to preview depth of field, short of setting a chosen aperture - i.e. one can't focus at full aperture and press a button to sample d-o-f. (The button one might expect does this is actually for "memorizing" a setting). Thus, if I'm using an f/1.8 lens, set to auto, where lens stays fully open until instructed by camera to close down, the camera is going to insist on metering for f/1.8 unless I shift lens to Manual and stop down to my chosen aperture.
Is this indeed how the camera is designed to work, or does mine need to be repaired?
My expectation was that, like my Pentax ES of bygone days, the lens would stay at full aperture for ease of focusing and only close down to, say, f/11, when making the exposure, BUT also allow me to momentarily check d-o-f before shooting.
Any clarification from readers entirely familiar with this camera would be most appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Paul Howell]

Here is the manual, mine shows the depth of field when I hold press the shutter down part way.

https://www.butkus.org/chinon/chinon/ce-3-illus/chinon_ce-3.pdf

 

[Digital+Film=Me]

Here is the manual, mine shows the depth of field when I hold press the shutter down part way.

https://www.butkus.org/chinon/chinon/ce-3-illus/chinon_ce-3.pdf

Thanks so much, Paul. Relieved to know my understanding of the camera's design and, thus, my expectations were correct. Since posting, I have taken a look at the camera's lens mount and do in fact see that, while depressing shutter button, a bar at the bottom does move outward to press the stop-down pin on auto lenses.
What was flummoxing me was that I'd initially checked the camera with my Pentacon Auto 50mm f/1.8 lens and found no stop down action, as well as rather stiff movement of shutter release. I did check the operation of stop-down pin on the Pentacon and found that it moved freely and did stop down the lens, all the way to its minimum aperture of f/16.
Turns out I should have tried some other lenses before being concerned the camera was malfunctioning. The stop-down action worked fine with some Takumars and other M42s.
It seems now that the only remaining concern is that sometimes the meter needle will not budge from the bottom striped underexposure area even with the stop-down operation working as it should. Intermittently it will respond but at risk of pressing so far down that it trips the shutter, even though green metering light is on. So I'm guessing a servicing is probably in order in terms of getting the shutter stroke linkage to more consistently communicate with the meter. Or maybe the camera, probably unused for some time by previous owner, just needs some exercise to limber up.
Wondering if you have had occasion to get your CE-3 serviced in recent past, and if so, if you might be able to recommend a tech familiar with these cameras. I have a trusted tech, who has done good work on a Nikon and a Pentax for me, but just in case he should shy away from this model, it would help to have a back-up recommendation.
BTW, is it your experience that the Exp Comp dial is free to turn well beyond the range of 1/2X to 2X and that the Memory button must be held - while continuing to maintain partial pressure on shutter release (otherwise, memorized setting goes away). I presume the latter is normal but good to have it confirmed by someone familiar with the camera's traits..
Thanks again!
Steve

 

[Paul Howell]

I had my CE serviced maybe 15 years ago, the shop that did the work is no longer in business. Cant answer your question, never occurred to me to turn the comp dial beyond 2X range. Need to pull mine out of storage for a walk around, been well over year. Another M42 body worth having is the CE 3 companion the CM 3, no frills, stopped down metering, all mechanical shutter, didoes for over and under exposure. There is also a motor winder, not very good, somewhat loud, maybe 1.2 to 2 FPS, and an interval timer that fits both bodies.

 

[Digital+Film=Me]

Hello, Paul, or anyone else familiar with the Chinon CE-3 Memotron - especially if you use a dioptric correction lens with yours.
I know that Chinon did offer such lenses. Their term, as stated in manual, was "Eyepiece Adapter" and it came in (-3, +1, +3) strengths. I need to add dioptric correction to mine. I came up empty on ebay and other searches. I also tried the Pentax diopter lens I use on my ME-Super, but it is not wide enough. Ditto a rectangular one for Nikon cameras, which fits several of my Contax bodies just fine. Also too narrow to slip over the Chinon's V/F window and snap in place.
So, my question is, does anyone know, from first hand experience of OTHER manufacturers' diopter lens attachments that WOULD fit the CE-3's V/F window. I need +1 correction. +2 would work for me as well. I realize I could glue one of those I mentioned to the window and still be able to see the green light, but obviously hoping to find either the genuine article from Chinon - or one that would just happen to fit!
Thanks for any leads!

 

[Paul Howell]

Good question, no idea, I'm nearsighted so I generally shoot with my glasses off.