Fuji ST701 SLR

I picked up the Fuji ST701 because it was slightly smaller than the Pentax Spotmatic but it has more than that going for it. Size wise it is narrower than the Pentax but slightly taller. It makes a surprising difference in feel and I think I would be more likely to find the room for it in a camera bag.

Another thing that elevates this camera above others from its time is its bright viewfinder. I have no way of measuring how much more light it is transmitting but comparing it to the Spotmatic it is ‘clear’ that it is brighter.

The focus screen of this camera is a split image surrounded by a circular microprism screen on a matte field, It works very well and it is very easy to confirm focus.

The depth of field preview is the best of any camera I’ve ever used. It is a large well place button beside the lens that operates smoothly and quickly.

The lens that came with the camera is the Fujica 55 f1.8. The build of this lens is superb and it has the smoothest focus of any lens I have. Better than the best Takumars, which are also excellent but this lens has absolutely no discernible looseness or play at any location. The Fuji ST701 is an absolute gem.