Astute Propeller Skies readers will recall that way back in January, my friend The Professor was kind enough to donate a Fujica STX-1 to me. At first, I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the photographs. However, after shooting several rolls of film I realized the camera, being vintage and all, was lending some sweet old school flavor to my shots. I adjusted my subject matter accordingly and am now convinced the STX-1 is a most excellent Freegan find.
The STX-1 is over 20 years old, completely manual, and totally lacks superfluous modern gadgetry. It does feature through the lens (TTL) metering that would be convenient if the light meter was worth a damn. The Fujica STX-1 uses an averaging meter, which ensures that the exposure is always wrong. Approximately two weeks ago the meter finally broke, which is fine, since meters are for posers anyway. In contrast to the bootleg meter, the manual focus system with ground glass, microprisms, and split image is fantastic.
No review would be complete without a few sample photos. This monument in Oakland Cemetery was shot with the STX-1, a Fujinar 28mm f/2.8, and Ilford Delta 400 film. This other monument in Oakland Cemetary was shot with the STX-1, a Kominar 135mm f/2.8 and Ilford Delta 400 film.
The Fujica STX-1 is a swell camera for general shooting. I particularly enjoy the simplicity and have been using it to expose black and white film. This camera is totally bitchin’ and I highly recommend it, if you have the means.
comments on “fujica STX-1 review”
shailesh lal says:
Colin McCormick says:
I actually get on OK with the light meter for most jobs, it is better than that fitted to the later STX-1N.
I particularly like the Depth of Field Preview ability on this camera, it the shear simplicity of use (once you know how to use an SLR of course).
Downsides: Well top shutter speed could be higher. Not easy to get lenses for it, though I have a sigma zoom lense I bought when the camera was a few years old.
Now I’ve got a complicated digital SLR, sometimes I yearn for the simplicity of the Fujica….
jason patino says:
Hey, i recently purchased an stx-1 in a tag sale and got it for 35$ the camera looks awsome Ive always wanted a manuel camera and i finally got it, But what is this Depth field preview button for? I see when pressing it it focuses a bit better and it becomes darker, is that how the photo will turn out or …? if u can get back to me on that question that would be great.. “VIVA FUJICA STX-1″!!!
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Hi, i just got hold of the stx-1, which my dad had previously(!), now the thing is that I’m a totally newbie photographer. Could you please write a bit about what settings work with the camera, what it can and can’t do… any tips and tricks.
I’d be most grateful.