Chinon's aperture-priority K-mount SLR — the CE-4, electronic, 1980.
The Chinon CE-4 was a 35mm film SLR introduced in 1980 as a successor within Chinon's electronic K-mount line. It continued the maker's approach of pairing the Pentax K bayonet with aperture-priority automation at a competitive price, giving buyers wide lens compatibility without paying Pentax prices.
It is a single-lens-reflex camera for 35mm film on the Pentax K mount. The CE-4 provided aperture-priority automatic exposure and manual control, TTL metering, and an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter, so it depends on battery power to fire and to meter. It is a conventional electronic SLR of its period.
It suits general and student photographers who want K-mount flexibility with automatic exposure. The body is simple to operate, and the ability to mount the large family of K-mount lenses makes it easy to build a usable outfit around it.
The CE-4 remains inexpensive on the used market and benefits from plentiful K-mount lenses. Inspect the foam seals and mirror-damper foam for decay, verify the electronic shutter and meter both work with a good battery, and remember the camera is fully battery-dependent. Check film transport and screen condition; note that dedicated Chinon repair support is now scarce.