Fujifilm's Fujica SLR — the ST801, LED metering, 1/2000 mechanical shutter, M42 mount, 1972.
The Fujica ST801 is a 35mm film SLR made by Fuji Photo Film under the Fujica name, introduced in 1972 as a development of the ST701. It was notable for its LED viewfinder metering display, an early use of light-emitting diodes rather than a moving needle. It uses the M42 screw lens mount for compatibility with universal screw-thread lenses.
In specification terms, the ST801 is a single-lens reflex for 35mm film using the M42 42mm screw mount. It has a mechanical horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with a top speed of 1/2000, high for its time. Metering is through-the-lens using silicon photodiodes, and the reading is displayed by a row of LEDs in the viewfinder for manual exposure setting. The shutter is mechanical and fires without a battery, while the battery powers the LED meter.
The ST801 suits users who want a compact mechanical M42 SLR with a fast 1/2000 shutter and a clear LED meter readout, useful for students, travel and general work. Its mechanical shutter keeps working if the battery is flat, and the LED display is easy to read in varied light. It gives access to the large and affordable pool of M42 screw-mount lenses.
On the used market, expect perished foam light seals and mirror-damper foam and budget accordingly. The meter was designed for a mercury cell, so confirm the LED display responds and check exposure accuracy with any modern battery replacement. Test the mechanical shutter across its range including the 1/2000 top speed for capping, inspect the prism for haze or desilvering, and check the film advance, rewind and focusing screen. The M42 mount broadens lens choice for buyers.