Mamiya's top ZE-series electronic SLR — the ZE-X, program AE, Mamiya CS mount, 1981.
The Mamiya ZE-X was a 35mm film SLR produced from 1981 and sat at the top of Mamiya's short-lived ZE line of electronic bodies, which used the Mamiya CS bayonet with electrical contacts between body and lens. It arrived late in Mamiya's 35mm history, as the company was better known for its medium-format cameras, and the ZE range was its final push in the interchangeable-lens 35mm SLR market.
It is a single-lens-reflex camera for 35mm film with the Mamiya CS mount, which carries electrical contacts to communicate aperture data between compatible CS lenses and the body. The ZE-X offered program, aperture-priority and shutter-priority automatic exposure as well as manual, with a vertical-travel focal-plane shutter and centre-weighted TTL metering. It is an electronically controlled body that depends on battery power to operate its shutter and exposure automation.
It suits users who want multi-mode automation in a compact early-1980s SLR and are willing to work within the smaller CS lens range. Handling is straightforward for general and travel photography, though the lens system never grew large, which limits how far the outfit can be extended compared with more common mounts.
On the used market the ZE-X is uncommon in the UK and CS-mount lenses are scarce, so factor lens availability into any purchase. Check the foam light seals and mirror-damper foam, which perish with age, and confirm the electronics fire the shutter and drive the meter, since the body is fully battery-dependent and will not operate without power. Verify the film advance, rewind and focusing screen, and be aware that parts and repair support for this niche electronic Mamiya are limited.