Traduction de Manuel M

The Explorer(it was its “marketing” name) is a complex camera.

Naked, it resembles Snappy. Thus, it behaves as a normal compact camera (a little more since it can even go under water). Its lens compound of five elements, without focusing, with its focal distance of 35 mm is of an easy use. As it has an integrated flash, it is deprived of accessory shoe. A cursor (the preceding owner engarved a F) locks the shutter release. A lever engages the flash.

To really use it under water, it is another history! It should be equipped with an orange facial mask which is retained by a big elastic strap, of which the setup does not have anything obvious. The target of this addition is to make it possible the camera to have a claw and a base plate threaded for foot. In the claw, a subaquatic sporting viewfinder can fit. Without him, it is impossible to centring under water.
Under water, the focal distance corresponds to 33.6 mm. The depth of field is then very low.
The adjustments of the camera being at least reduced, its underwater use does not offer difficulties, but it is advisable to be vigilant on some points. Thus, the exposure counter graduated of 4 in 4 sights is unreadable under water. As the camera rewinds film at the end of this one automatically, it is to better have in memory the remaining number of exposures. The S which appears at the end of the rewinding is unreadable.

It is possible to adapt a macro kit on this camera. This option brings the price of the unit to 1800 francs, that is to say 300 francs more than the price of the camera in basic configuration. A add lens can fit in the facial mask, in front of the lens. Also in this kit, there are two arches, whose point of fixing is also the claw. They position in front of the camera and delimit the field of centring. There is also an arm which is screwed in the nut of foot. Its utility is that of a measuring rod which corresponds to the ideal distance for macro.

It is a very adequate camera for the diving in apnea (tested up to 15 meters). It has a positive floating, which avoids losing it at the bottom.
It has a big defect however. The film change turns quickly to the galley when the facial mask is in place.