New film SLR with F mount

Mark Antony · Apr 16, 2009

I had never heard of Phenix but apparently they are the biggest manufacturer of mechanical cameras in the far east.
They have just released a camera called the DN60 which seems to be pretty good.

http://photo-utopia.blogspot.com/2009/04/phenix-dn60.html

IloveTLRs · Apr 16, 2009

It looks somewhat like the F-mount Kenko SLRs that were released a little while back.

Aurum · Apr 16, 2009

They also do versions with PK mounts as well on the First call site, for considerably less wonga.
All comes down to how robust they are, and the quality of the glass hanging off the front

Mark Antony · Apr 17, 2009

They also make a Minolta MD mount one too... I think this latest one looks pretty good especially robust compared to the others and with a mechanical shutter will make good purchase for collages who might balk at spending £250 on second hand Nikon FM2's
Here is some info on the company:
http://www.phenixgd.com/en/corp/profile.htm

Ian Grant · Apr 17, 2009

They made the Jessops K mount SLR's the build quality isn't too hot. Their camera's have been rebadged under a variety of names.

Ian

AgX · Apr 17, 2009

Mark,

If that camera really comes from that company it is at least not mentioned at their website. What of course is not a neccessity in case they don't market it themselves. But the same time there is no indication that it is still produced.
Well, even that doesn't mean a lot in case a wharehouse is still filled...

Mark Antony · Apr 17, 2009

AGX
here is a list of their products:
http://www.chine-taiwan.com/phenixoptics.htm
I think it is the same company, as it has the same name and the picture of the factory is the same. It is certainly still produced, as it is a new product just released (source this weeks BJP) I think this is a new product.
It looks to me as if they are a Chinese company that has been making optics for a few years I certainly don't think their stock is just warehouse stuff a la Agfa Vista/APX.
Mark

Mark Antony · Apr 17, 2009

Ian Grant said:
They made the Jessops K mount SLR's the build quality isn't too hot. Their camera's have been rebadged under a variety of names.

Ian

Ian that may be the case, but just a cursory glance at the specs I can see a metal lens mount, mechanical shutter made by Copal, metal top and bottom plate etc. This seems a very different product from their cheaper offerings, and dare I say it a better buy for the F mount user than the Cosina/Nikon FM10 with its plastic body/mount and battery reliant? shutter.
I may give first call a ring and see if they'll let me review it- doubt it but it's worth a try.
I think this product will be good for someone wanting a new film SLR rather than S/H I know some colleges don't like buying used.
It's not every day a new film camera is released.
Mark

Jeff Kubach · Apr 17, 2009

I notice they make Widepan T140 II. A panoramic camera that uses 120 film. I wonder if anyone had used this camera? How good is it?

Jeff

Aurum · Apr 17, 2009

Mark Antony said:
....
I may give first call a ring and see if they'll let me review it- doubt it but it's worth a try.

Worth being cheeky I'd say

AgX · Apr 17, 2009

Some time ago I posted this link in a thread on currently manufactured cameras:

Dead Link Removed

Seemingly the same swing lens camera as from Phenix. This all is a bit confusing.

Prest_400 · Apr 17, 2009

I found this on the site AgX has given.
"Nanchang Pheonix-Panflex Technical Camera Co. Ltd. is a joint-venture company found by Pheonix Optical Co. Ltd. (China) and Panflex Camera LLC (USA)"
May explain why the phenix site lists the widepan... But it says pheonix not phenix, perhaps it's a typo?

I have done a quick search about the widepan 617 and a site says "producer, nanchang phenix" so It must be

New film SLR with F mount

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