Mamiya's bayonet SLR — the ZE-2, aperture-priority plus manual, electronic shutter, CS mount, 1981.
The Mamiya ZE-2 was an electronic 35mm film SLR made by Mamiya using the Mamiya CS bayonet mount, part of the ZE series of the early 1980s. It continued Mamiya's use of the CS electronic bayonet and added electronic control refinements over the plain ZE. It was aimed at enthusiasts wanting a compact automatic body, and its CS mount ties it to the same lens family as the NC1000.
It is a 35mm single-lens-reflex camera on the Mamiya CS bayonet mount. The focal-plane shutter is electronically timed, so the camera depends on battery power to fire. Metering is TTL centre-weighted, and exposure modes include aperture-priority automatic and manual, with electronic coupling to the lens. The viewfinder presents exposure information for setting and confirming exposure. Because the shutter is electronic, a healthy battery is needed for correct operation of the camera.
This body suits general, portrait and travel photography for users wanting a light automatic SLR on the Mamiya bayonet, and its simple automation makes it approachable for students. As with other CS-mount bodies, the lens range is narrower than the M42 system of Mamiya's earlier screw-mount cameras, which is worth weighing when building a kit.
When buying used, test the electronics thoroughly, confirming the meter and both exposure modes respond correctly, since the shutter is electronically timed. Check foam light seals and mirror-damper foam for perishing, verify shutter behaviour across the range without capping, and test film advance and rewind. Inspect the finder for prism haze, confirm the battery type and reliable power-up, and remember that this electronic body will not shoot with flat batteries. Bear in mind the CS mount has limited lens availability.