Fujica Pocket Macro Z


The Fujica Pocket Macro Z was designed at the same time the Minolta 110 Zoom SLR hit the streets.  In fact, the Fujica Pocket Macro Z bore a strong physical resemblance to Minolta camera and had similar, if not more advanced, features.  It had the same folded SLR design, like the Minolta, and sported a faster 28-56mm f3.3 zoom lens that focused down to 12 inches.  The exposure was determined, also like the Minolta, through a non-TTL, CDS meter on the front of the camera -- off to the side.  But unlike the Minolta, the exposure was set in a programmed, auto-exposure fashion.  Apertures and shutter speeds were automatically set according to the film speed and lighting conditions -- from 4 seconds to 1/500.  The reflex focusing screen features a split-wedge focusing aid in the center.  A two-stroke, thumb-operated slide-lever advances the film and cocked the shutter.  Other features include a built-in self-timer, tripod socket, cable release connection, +/- 1 EV exposure-compensation adjuster, and hot shoe.  It was designed to use two A76 batteries, just like the Minolta.  But the Fujica Pocket Macro Z never made it to production.  I guess Fuji thought that the market was too small to support two, expensive, 110 SLR cameras.

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