Mansfield Skylark Analoge camera

Mansfield Skylark - Retro 1960s "Electric Eye" Rangefinder
Step into the space-age design of the early 1960s with the Mansfield Skylark. Produced by Yamato in Japan and rebranded for the Mansfield Holiday line, this camera is a classic example of the transition toward user-friendly automation. Known for its distinctive "honeycomb" selenium meter window (the "Electric Eye"), the Skylark was designed to make high-quality 35mm photography accessible by assisting with exposure settings. It is a stylish, tactile piece of mid-century Japanese engineering.

Key Benefits
Vintage "Electric Eye" Technology: Features a prominent selenium light meter that powers the exposure system without the need for batteries.

Japanese Optical Quality: Equipped with a 40mm Luminor lens, offering a slightly wide-angle perspective that is perfect for street and travel photography.

Space-Age Aesthetic: A stunning combination of satin chrome, black leatherette, and unique geometric metering windows that make it a standout display piece.

Features
Camera Type: 35mm Viewfinder Camera

Lens: Luminor 40mm f/2.8 (Serial: No. 225755)

Metering: Built-in Selenium cell meter (honeycomb style)

Flash Sync: Integrated cold shoe with PC-sync terminal on the front

Focusing: Manual scale focusing with settings for "B" (Bulb) and automatic flash modes

Film Guide: Convenient ASA/DIN film speed guide printed on the rear of the camera

Condition
Rated: 3/5

Cosmetic: The camera is in good aesthetic condition for its age. The satin chrome top plate has a nice luster, though there are minor surface marks. The black leatherette is fully intact.

Optics: The 40mm Luminor lens is visually clear. As with most vintage cameras, a small amount of internal dust may be present. The viewfinder is bright.

Mechanical: The shutter fires, and the film advance dial on the bottom operates.

Note: The selenium meter reacts to light; however, due to the natural degradation of selenium cells over six decades, its accuracy for precise exposure is not guaranteed.

Backplate: The rear "Film Guide" sticker is remarkably well-preserved and fully legible (as seen in photo 13117_3.jpg).

What's Included
Mansfield Skylark 35mm Camera

Why This Product?
The Mansfield Skylark is more than just a camera; it is a time capsule of 1960s optimistic design. Whether you are a collector of "Electric Eye" cameras or a decorator looking for a unique piece of vintage technology, the Skylark offers a perfect blend of Japanese precision and mid-century style. Its compact size and distinctive face make it a conversation starter in any collection.

Keywords: Mansfield Skylark, Yamato, Vintage 35mm Camera, Japanese Camera, Electric Eye, Selenium Meter, 1960s Photography, Analog, Luminor Lens.