C41
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Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profile35mm Rangefinder
Mamiya 528AL Black
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- fixed
- Shutter
- 1s – 1/500s
- Meter
- selenium-coupled-ae
The Mamiya/Sekor 528AL Black is a black-painted variant of the standard chrome Mamiya/Sekor 528AL, a fixed-lens 35mm coupled-rangefinder camera featuring a selenium-cell automatic exposure system requiring no battery. The specification is identical to the chrome 528AL: a leaf shutter spanning 1 second to 1/500s with full flash synchronisation at all speeds, a coupled rangefinder for focus, and selenium-driven AE with manual override. The black finish was offered as an alternative to the standard chrome version and was typically produced in smaller quantities, which accounts for the relative scarcity of black-finished examples on the current used market.
Reference
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Before you buy used
Black examples command a modest premium over chrome. Realistic working-condition prices are in the $40-130 range depending on cell function, paint condition, and shutter accuracy. A full CLA may approach or exceed the camera's market value; prioritise buying already-serviced or demonstrably working examples.
- **Selenium cell condition** - the primary evaluation criterion. Black-paint cameras of this era were sometimes used harder than chrome examples (associated with professional or press use); the selenium cell may have been exposed to more variable lighting environments. Test output against a known reference in daylight.
- **Black paint condition** - original black paint on aluminum bodies from the 1960s wears to bright brass at corners and edges. Heavy brassing indicates heavy use; assess whether the condition reflects the asking price. Repainted examples exist and reduce collector value.
- **Leaf shutter** - test all speeds, especially slow speeds (1s, 1/2s, 1/4s) for oil-induced sluggishness. A CLA from a technician comfortable with leaf shutters addresses this.
- **Rangefinder alignment** - verify the RF patch at ~1m and ~5m. Cam wear can cause consistent focus offset; compare against a known distance and confirm.
- **Lens condition** - inspect under oblique light for haze, fungus, and coating damage. The fixed lens cannot be substituted; significant fungus renders the camera unusable as a shooter.
About this camera
Black-finished variant of the 1969 selenium AE rangefinder - the 528AL in less common factory black paint.
Key Specs
Frequently asked questions
- What film does the Mamiya 528AL Black use?
- The Mamiya 528AL Black shoots 35mm film.
- What lens mount does the Mamiya 528AL Black have?
- The Mamiya 528AL Black uses the fixed mount.
- What shutter speeds does the Mamiya 528AL Black offer?
- The Mamiya 528AL Black's shutter speeds range from 1s to 1/500s.
- What light meter does the Mamiya 528AL Black use?
- The Mamiya 528AL Black meters with selenium-coupled-ae.