Mansfield Skylark
From Camerapedia.org
The Mansfield Skylark is an automatic-exposure, point-and-shoot, fixed-focus, 35mm recreational camera from the early 1960s. It takes 35mm film and has a built-in flash.
The camera was distributed by Mansfield Holiday,[1] perhaps a division of Argus. It was manufactured in Japan by Yamato Camera Industry, whose logo appears on base of camera. It is very similar to Yamato Palmat camera of 1960.[2]
The camera takes 35mm film. Its fixed, 40mm lens is either a Mantar (with a serial number) or a Luminor. One source says that it has a rangefinder, but this perhaps only applies to the Skylark V. Its shutter is automatic except for flash.
The camera was introduced in 1962, and is called the Skylark or Skylark V. The user can select the film speed in either ASA or DIN.[3] It does not take a battery.
The camera has masculine styling. It is easy-to-use, quick film loading, no focusing or other settings, and is well made.
Contents |
User notes
The best little camera that no one's heard of! It is pretty easy to use, but I haven't been able to develop a complete roll yet as the winding mechanism tends to tear the film! (writes Camerapedia editor Dhoulihan)
Pictures
 Mansfield Skylark 35mm in leather case |
Photo credit: : Diana Houlihan, Some Rights Reserved [1]
 Mansfield Skylark 35mm, showing film guide and internal workings |
Photo credit: : Diana Houlihan, Some Rights Reserved [2]
 Mansfield Skylark 35mm, fixed lens; film guide determines lens setting |
Photo credit: : Diana Houlihan, Some Rights Reserved [3]
 Mansfield Skylark 35mm, flash settings guide |
Photo credit: : Diana Houlihan, Some Rights Reserved [4]
 Mansfield Skylark 35mm, underside of camera showing Yamato logo |
Photo credit: : Diana Houlihan, Some Rights Reserved [5]
Notes
- ↑ Sources say they only made two cameras, Skylark & Skylark V, but this is unverified.
- ↑ Palmat.
- ↑ ASA: 10, 25/32, 40/50, 80/100, 160/200; DIN: 11, 15/16, 17/18, 20/21, 23/24.
Sources
- La collection d'appareils photo anciens
- Tanya Clark Photography
- [Views of the camera and sample shots http://westfordcomp.com/classics/mansfieldskylark/index.htm] at Westfordcom.com
- Greenspun.com thread
- Photo.net thread
External Links
General links
Craig Camera (manuals and other literature)[6]
Sample Image Galleries
PBase sample photos[7]
Categories: 35mm film | Japanese 35mm | M | Cameras
