Zoomate evolution...
Dec 27, 2021 19:55:38 GMT
on Dec 27, 2021 19:55:38 GMT
Last Edit: Dec 27, 2021 19:55:59 GMT by biggles3
After snapping some shots with a couple of the Zoomates (the 70 and 70Z) I realised that they were very different beasts and thought a partial line-up might be interesting. A complete line-up is not possible as some of my cameras have been put into storage (just the Contax & Yashica cameras number over 430 and space is rather limited) but the ones shown below do present an idea as to the evolution of the series.
Zoomate development
Perhaps what is most obvious is that the two oldest cameras are on the left and quite bulky; they are also the only ones using Yashica lenses. After that, Kyocera moved towards a much more compact and coherent family design for the varying focal lengths; indeed there are only minor differences in overall size and appearance between the majority of cameras with maximum zoom focal lengths of between 115mm and 165mm.
The cameras are not aligned in strict chronological order but the two on the left and the last but one on the right pretty much represent the alpha and omega of the range. The 110W (year 2001) and 70Z (Year 2000) on the right show the cleanest lines and most compact forms, with the 110W being arguably the finest example of the Zoomate range; it has a lens with 28mm being its widest aspect while the other zooms start at 38mm. The great things is that they can all deliver great photos.
Zoomate development
Perhaps what is most obvious is that the two oldest cameras are on the left and quite bulky; they are also the only ones using Yashica lenses. After that, Kyocera moved towards a much more compact and coherent family design for the varying focal lengths; indeed there are only minor differences in overall size and appearance between the majority of cameras with maximum zoom focal lengths of between 115mm and 165mm.
The cameras are not aligned in strict chronological order but the two on the left and the last but one on the right pretty much represent the alpha and omega of the range. The 110W (year 2001) and 70Z (Year 2000) on the right show the cleanest lines and most compact forms, with the 110W being arguably the finest example of the Zoomate range; it has a lens with 28mm being its widest aspect while the other zooms start at 38mm. The great things is that they can all deliver great photos.