Cosina's zone-focus compact — the CX-2, fixed 35mm f/2.8, program AE, ancestor of the Lomo LC-A.
The Cosina CX-2 is a fixed-lens 35mm compact from 1981, a small viewfinder camera with a quarter-turn twist lens cover. It was also sold under other names such as the Porst CM auto 135, and its design was later reverse-engineered as the basis of the Lomo LC-A, the cult zone-focus compact associated with the Lomography movement. It was aimed at users wanting a pocketable automatic compact.
Made for 35mm film, the CX-2 has a fixed Cosinon 35mm f/2.8 lens. Focusing is by manual zone with a minimum distance of about 0.9m rather than by autofocus or rangefinder. It uses a CdS meter for programmed automatic exposure and reads film speeds across a range that includes ISO 25 to 400. There is no built-in flash; a hot shoe is provided for an external unit. It runs on button cells.
The fast 35mm lens, zone focusing and twist-cover body make the CX-2 suited to street, travel and general everyday shooting for photographers comfortable estimating distance. Its handling and layout are the direct ancestor of the Lomo LC-A, which gives it interest to users of that camera. It is a simple automatic-exposure compact aimed at quick, casual use.
On the used market, check that the twist lens cover operates cleanly and that the lens is clear of haze, fungus and separation. Confirm the zone-focus setting moves and test the CdS meter and programmed exposure, since the electronics govern the shutter. Inspect the button-cell battery compartment for corrosion, check the hot-shoe contacts, and verify smooth film advance and rewind and intact film-door light seals.