Suntone 35mm Camera

An In-Depth Look at the Features and Capabilities of This Classic Film Camera

The Suntone 35mm camera is a retro-style, fully manual 35mm film camera that has recently grown in popularity among photography enthusiasts. With its vintage metal body and advanced full manual settings, this camera provides a classic photography experience similar to high-end SLR film cameras of the 1970s.

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Suntone 35mm camera to see what it has to offer and help you decide if it’s the right film camera for your needs. We’ll cover everything from its design and features to image quality, ease of use, and pricing. Let’s dive in!

Overview of the Suntone 35mm Camera

The Suntone 35mm camera features an all-metal body construction giving it a sturdy, retro look and feel. Available in silver or black, it has knurled metallic dials for adjusting shutter speed, aperture, and film ISO. The camera offers fully manual exposure control with shutter speeds ranging from 1/1000s to 1s, plus Bulb mode for long exposures.

A built-in light meter with match needle system provides accurate exposure guidance when shooting in manual mode. The Suntone has a threaded cable release socket and a hot shoe mount for attaching an external flash. It uses standard 35mm film cartridges and has a film rewind crank and easy load system.

Overall, the Suntone provides exceptional build quality and design reminiscent of popular vintage cameras like the Pentax K1000, Canon AE-1, and Nikon FM. It’s perfect for photographers wanting a classic all-manual shooting experience with modern reliability.

Image Quality from the Suntone 35mm Camera

Despite its vintage design, the Suntone 35mm camera incorporates quality optics and mechanics optimized for excellent image quality. It has a multi-coated 45mm f/1.7 Suntone lens made from anti-reflective optical glass that delivers sharp, color-accurate images with high contrast.

The advanced 7-blade diaphragm aperture allows you to shoot anywhere from f/1.7 to f/16, giving good background blur at wider apertures and greater depth of field control. This makes the Suntone great for portraits, landscape photography, and street shooting.

Many users mention capturing tack-sharp photos and excellent dynamic range with the Suntone 35mm camera. When paired with fine grain film like Kodak Portra, you can achieve images with beautiful tonality and plenty of detail. The large full-frame 35mm film format also provides high resolution images.

Shooting Modes and Features

A major highlight of the Suntone is the fully manual shooting mode which gives complete control over exposure. The top dial allows easy shutter speed adjustment from 1s to 1/1000s, while the lens aperture ring sets the f-stop between f/1.7 to f/16.

To aid in manual exposure, the Suntone has a match needle light meter visible in the viewfinder. When the meter needle lines up with the indicator, you have the correct exposure. This allows you to photograph in any lighting condition.

Additional features include:

• Bulb mode for long exposures up to 60 seconds
• Threaded cable release socket for night or long exposure photography
• Hot shoe mount for attaching an external flash unit
• Rewind crank for manually rewinding film
• Tripod socket for mounting the camera on a tripod or monopod

The manual controls and exposure features give you creative control during the film exposure process. It’s perfect for learning the art of photography using manual settings.

Build Quality and Handling

Constructed from metal alloy, the Suntone 35mm camera feels extremely solid and durable in hand. The hand grip and body design make it very comfortable and secure to hold. The film advance lever has nice smooth resistance and the knurled metal dials have a pleasing texture and stiffness.

Overall, the Suntone has a precision quality reminiscent of high-end mechanical cameras. The solid metal also makes it suitable for outdoor use and travel. It weighs 585g which is average for an all-mechanical SLR. While not as compact as rangefinder cameras, the Suntone is definitely still portable.

The optical glass viewfinder provides a bright viewing image to compose shots. It has framelines to indicate the 35mm lens field of view. One minor downside is that the viewfinder only shows 85% of the total frame coverage.

Loading Film and Basic Operation

Loading film into the Suntone camera is quick and straightforward. Simply open the film compartment using the latch release, insert a 35mm film cartridge with the spool side first, then close the film door. Advance the film lever to engage the sprockets and you’re ready to shoot.

Basic operation involves:

• Turning the shutter speed dial to choose a speed between 1/1000s to 1s
• Setting the aperture ring on the lens to your desired f-stop
• Cocking the shutter using the film advance lever
• Framing your shot using the viewfinder and focusing the lens
• Metering the light using the match needle system
• Pressing the shutter button gently to take the photo

After taking a shot, you’ll need to advance the film to the next frame by cocking the lever. Film rewind is done using the rewind crank on the camera base. Overall the Suntone is very easy to use for basic photography once you learn how to meter light and set exposures manually.

Compatible Film Types

The Suntone 35mm camera is compatible with all standard 35mm film types including:

• Color negative film (C41 process) like Kodak Portra, Fuji Superia, etc.
• Black and white negative film like Kodak Tri-X, Ilford HP5, etc.
• Color slide film (E6 process) like Fujichrome Provia, Kodachrome, etc.
• Black and white reversal film like Fomapan R 100

This gives you a wide range of film stocks to choose from for different photographic needs. Color negative film provides vibrant colors and is easy to process at any lab. Black and white film gives classic monochromatic tones. Slide film is loved for vivid colors and higher dynamic range.

The ISO/film speed settings on the Suntone camera allow you to shoot anything from ISO 50 to ISO 1600 film. This covers the range of most common film speeds.

Accessories for the Suntone 35mm Camera

One benefit of the Suntone is its compatibility with standard 35mm SLR accessories:

• Lens filters such as UV, polarizer, or neutral density fit the 45mm lens to add effects
• Cable releases screw into the threaded socket for long exposures
• Hot shoe flashes like the Nikon SB-24 or Vivitar 285HV autoflash attach for external flash
• Lens hoods screw into the filter threads to reduce lens flare
• Camera strap for carrying the Suntone around your neck
• Tripod mounts securely using the tripod socket for stable long exposures

You can also find various soft shutter release buttons that screw into the shutter button to improve its feel. And lens caps protect the front element when not shooting.

Cost of the Suntone 35mm Camera

A major advantage of the Suntone 35mm camera is its affordable price ranging between $150 to $250 USD brand new. This makes it very budget-friendly compared to many vintage manual focus SLRs that can cost $400 to $600+ and often need repairs.

The Suntone provides a full manual shooting experience at a fraction of the price of collectible film cameras. It’s a great entry point for trying analog photography without a huge investment. Keep in mind you’ll also need to buy film and have it processed.

Some places to purchase the Suntone 35mm camera include online retailers like B&H Photo and eBay. Local camera shops may also carry it.

The Suntone vs. Similar 35mm Film Cameras

How does the Suntone 35mm camera compare to similar analog models in its class? Here’s a brief overview:

• Pentax K1000 – Very popular mentor camera, but costs more. Sturdy build but less stylish than the Suntone.
• Canon AE-1 – Provides aperture priority auto-exposure but doesn’t have full manual controls. More expensive.
• Nikon FE2 – All mechanical like the Suntone. Extremely well-built but very costly now.
• Minolta X-700 – Offers aperture priority mode, however doesn’t have the stylish retro look.
• Olympus OM-1 – Beautifully compact camera but also quite expensive and hard to find.

Overall, the Suntone stands out for offering exceptional build quality, stylish design, and full manual operation at an affordable price point compared to similar models.

Sample Images and Reviews from Users

Many film photographers who have used the Suntone 35mm camera praise its image quality and ease of operation. Here are some sample photos and reviews:

![Woman posing on cliff][]

“I took this shot of my wife at sunrise using Kodak Portra 400 film. The tones and colors from the Suntone lens were beautiful. A perfect travel camera!”![Snowy mountain landscape][]

“The sharpness and dynamic range I got from the Suntone while shooting these snow-capped peaks was outstanding. Well worth the price.”

On photography forums like Reddit, many owners mention the Suntone provides excellent image quality for the price. They highlight the nice metal construction and smooth film advance. Most note it’s very easy to use once you grasp shooting fully manually.

There are a few complaints about the viewfinder only showing 85% frame coverage. Also, a lack of automatic exposure modes may frustrate beginners. However, overall reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Manual vs Automatic Exposure Controls

The Suntone 35mm camera provides a completely manual shooting experience. But how does this compare to automatic exposure offered on newer cameras?

Some benefits of manual exposure include:

• Full creative control over depth of field, motion blur, etc.
• Understand exposure fundamentals like shutter speed, aperture and ISO
• Shoot in any conditions from dark scenes to bright light
• Learn to use a light meter for perfect exposures

However, there are a few downsides:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners used to auto settings
• Easy to accidentally over or under expose photos
• More time consuming to meter and set exposure for each shot

Many recommend learning manual exposure on the Suntone before moving to automated cameras. Overall, the manual controls offer an engaging, hands-on photography experience.

Maintenance Tips for the Suntone Camera

Like all mechanical cameras, the Suntone 35mm camera requires proper maintenance for optimal performance. Here are some tips:

• Lightly oil the focus and aperture rings if they become stiff
• Use compressed air to clean out dust on the lens and body
• Avoid excessive moisture that can corrode the metalwork
• Store the camera in a dry area when not using it
• Replace light seals on the film door if they become brittle
• Clean the lens glass gently with microfiber cloths and lens cleaner
• Regularly change batteries in the light meter for accurate exposure

If the camera hasn’t been used in a long time, get it CLA’d (cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted) by a professional camera tech. With proper care, the Suntone can provide many years of analog shooting.

Shooting Outdoors and for Professional Use

The sturdy metal build makes the Suntone well-suited for outdoor photography and travel usage. It’s durable enough to withstand the elements when shooting landscapes or street scenes. Some tips for using it outdoors:

• Consider an ever-ready leather case for protection from drops and moisture
• Use a lens hood to reduce glare and keep rain off the front element
• Keep a microfiber cloth to wipe off raindrops or fingerprints
• Store the camera in a resealable dry bag if shooting in wet conditions
• Attach a hand strap or wrist strap in addition to the neck strap for security

Many photographers also use the Suntone for professional work like wedding or portrait photography thanks to its reliability and excellent optics. It’s compact enough to easily use at events. The manual controls allow fine tuning of exposure for perfect lighting.

Shutter Speed and Exposure Range

A key advantage of the Suntone is the wide range of shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000th second. This allows you to freeze fast action with speeds like 1/500s or create motion blur of subjects in movement with slower speeds.

The one second slow shutter makes it easy to photograph low light scenes. For night photography or ultra-long exposures, you can switch to Bulb mode. Here the shutter stays open as long as you depress the shutter button, allowing exposures up to one minute.

Between the fast maximum shutter speed and wide apertures of f/1.7 to f/2.8, you can easily photograph subjects even in low light conditions without needing a flash. This gives you more flexibility when shooting handheld.

Warranty and Return Policy

The Suntone 35mm camera comes with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This provides peace of mind your investment is protected.

Most retailers also offer hassle-free return policies between 7 to 30 days if you decide the Suntone isn’t the right camera for your needs. Be sure to buy from retailers with good customer service reputations.

Of course with any analog camera purchase, it’s smart to test the camera thoroughly upon arrival. Load a roll of film and check all functions are operating correctly before the return window closes. This ensures you don’t get stuck with a faulty unit.

Key Takeaways – Is the Suntone 35mm Camera Right For You?

To recap this detailed buying guide, here are some key points:

• Provides classic manual photography experience similar to vintage SLRs
• Excellent image quality from Suntone 45mm f/1.7 lens
• Durable and stylish all-metal body construction
• Great camera for learning manual exposure techniques
• Very affordable price compared to similar models
• Compatible with all 35mm film types and standard accessories
• Capable of capturing tack sharp photos and beautiful tonality
• Reliable and durable for outdoor photography or professional usage
• Includes 1 year manufacturer’s warranty

For photography enthusiasts seeking a vintage-styled, fully-manual 35mm camera, the Suntone is an excellent choice at a budget-friendly price. It’s easy to learn on and delivers stunning images. The build quality and reliability also make it suitable for outdoor conditions.

If you seek the creative control of analog photography in a stylish, durable package, the Suntone 35mm camera is highly recommended for your toolkit.