Bencini Comet NK 135 Electronic

Photos by Sylvain Halgand text by Sylvain Halgand. From the collection of Sylvain Halgand. Last update 2024-01-27 par Jacques Bratieres.

Manufactured or assembled in Italy from 1975 to 1985.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 762

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Bencini

In the early 1970s, Bencini introduced a new series of cameras in the 135 format. They retained the name Comet, which had been highly regarded by the manufacturer since the late 1940s, and typically had a model number ending in 35. These cameras had a serious appearance, bearing similarities to single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, and were well-crafted.

The range of models was quite comprehensive for budget-friendly cameras:

Model	Misc.	Light meter	Shutter	Years

Comet NK 135	Color Bluestar 2.8/50 mm. 7 apertures Black or silver	-	1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, B	1972-85
Comet K35	Achromatique 8/55 mm 4 apertures	-	1/30, 1/60, 1/125, B	1973-85
Comet NK 135 Automatic	Color Bluestar 2.8/50 mm 7 apertures	CdS coupled with diaphragm	Auto, Flash, B	1973-76
Comet NK 135 Electronic	Color Bluestar 2.8/50 mm 7 apertures	CdS coupled with diaphragm Red / Green LED in viewfinder	Auto, Flash, B	1975-85
Comet 235	Achromatique 8/55 mm. 4 apertures Silver icons	-	1/30, 1/60, 1/125, B	1978-89
Comet 335	Color Bluestar 2.8/50 mm 7 apertures Black plastic	-	1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, B	1979-89
Comet 435 Electronic	Color Bluestar 2.8/50 mm 7 apertures. Hot shoe	CdS coupled with diaphragm	Auto, Flash, B	1980-89
Comet 36	8/55 mm focusing with icons 4 apertures Hot shoe		Symbols, B	1981-86

From 1978 onward, a new design accompanied the release of the Comet 535 and Comet 635 Electronic, establishing these two cameras as part of a new series.

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The NK 135 Electronic is a semi-automatic camera. You need to set the aperture, and a green signal appears in the viewfinder under the correct conditions. The shutter release is the large button on the front. There is no accessory contact in the shoe (in 1978!). The instruction manual, despite being translated into five languages, is lacking. The aperture selection ring seems to have been manufactured by Tupperware.

This particular unit was purchased at Cunow in Clichy on December 23, 1978. The Santa Claus must have been quite generous.

Interesting links or bibliography :

Sur Camera-wiki.org, suggested by Sylvain Halgand

Sur mes-appareils-photos.fr, suggested by Eric Carlhan

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