1970s | Fujica | ST801 | with EVC Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 Lens | vintage

Fujica ST801 with EBC Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 Lens
Functioning Shutter – Classic Japanese M42 SLR from the 1970s

Offered here is a Fujica ST801, one of the most respected Japanese M42-mount SLRs of the early 1970s. Introduced in 1972, the ST801 was a landmark model for Fuji Photo Film Co., notable for being among the very first cameras to feature LED viewfinder metering — a significant technological leap at a time when most brands were still using match-needle or CdS systems. This model became a favorite among advanced amateurs who valued Fuji’s precision mechanical shutters and the company’s reputation for strong optical engineering.

This particular example shows clear cosmetic wear from regular use. The body has paint loss, scratches, and brassing, consistent with a camera that has been carried and used rather than stored. The internal film chamber and shutter curtains appear intact, and the shutter fires crisply across settings. The shutter sound is clean and mechanically strong, which is notable for a camera of this age. Functionally, it remains a capable mechanical shooter.

Included is the EBC Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 — one of the lenses that helped establish Fujinon as a serious optical competitor to Canon, Minolta, and Pentax during the 1970s. The EBC (Electron Beam Coating) process was an advanced multi-coating method that Fuji pioneered to reduce flare and improve color transmission. Collectors today value these lenses for their sharpness, distinctive rendering, and subtle vintage contrast profile that works beautifully with modern film stocks.

Condition notes:
Visible wear, scratches, and cosmetic aging on body. The lens exterior shows wear as well, though the glass appears clear from the front with reflections typical of EBC coating. No guarantee on meter accuracy or seals. Sold as-is.

For collectors of Japanese mechanical SLRs, M42-mount cameras, or for those who appreciate historically important engineering from Fuji’s early SLR era, this ST801 represents a well-used but functioning example of a significant model. The working shutter makes it suitable for shooting, restoration, or display, depending on the buyer’s intentions.