Capturing Film Tech History: Chinon Genesis

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Anyway, back to the camera at hand:

Sticking to bridge cameras, we will be looking at another powerhouse point-and-shoot camera, this is the Chinon Genesis.

I already went through the history of Chinon in my Chinon Pocket-8 post. With that I will jump into the camera at hand.

The Chinon Genesis was part of the first release of bridge cameras, alongside the Yashica Samurai, the Ricoh Miria (Camera-wiki 2025) and the Olympus Infinity Super Zoom 300 (Grundberg 1988).

Yashica Samurai. Image Source:
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSz4KkOnSlB5R7XNiQVjDC_QKwUHNI2kj5DfIZfYru6J56T2BG6

Ricoh Miria. Image Source:
https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4766316315_48242afc03.jpg

Olympus Infinity Super Zoom 300. Image Source:
https://www.newwavepool.shop/cdn/shop/products/olympus_infinity_superzoom_300_serial_1005433_202205211175.jpg?v=1653186090&width=1946

Bridge cameras are cameras that combined easy point-and-shoot cameras and professional SLR cameras, to learn more please see my Canon Epoca post.

The Chinon Genesis was released in 1988 (Junktion 2026), and went on to release four more different versions of this camera (Camera-wiki 2025).

The camera was part of the attempt to make cameras that not only looked futuristic, but also were part of the “…Future of photography…” movement (Zhang 2015). The Genesis seems to be the first Bridge camera, as Halgand (2024), states that the term “bridge” cameras was created by Chinon.

The Genesis’ design was thought up by the “…veteran video-camera designer…” Yasuhiko Nakayama, who want to create a “…unique design concept to match the new type of camera...” as the line between professional and amateur photographer were being blurred, due to the “…advanced features drifted down to the low- priced cameras and automatic functions moved up to make the high-priced models increasingly easy to use. But in recent years the pace of change in camera technology has accelerated to the point where the old categories no longer apply. Today even the most casual shutterbugs can have at their fingertips all the photographic tools the pros use — as well as a few gimmicks that have yet to appear on professional units…” (Halgand 2024).

Now to look at the different versions. The first is the Genesis, the camera that this blog is about and will be looked at later.

Second is the Genesis GS-7 (Camera-wiki 2025), which appears to be the exact same camera as the Genesis, just sold under a different name. Possibly due to it being sold on an international level.

Genesis GS-7. Image Source:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6821530244_3db7fa9876.jpg

The third was the Genesis II or GS-8, which has a flash set to a higher position and the power button was moved (Camera-wiki 2025).

Genesis II. Image Source:
https://cdn.assets.lomography.com/e1/7baaea0799f831229209a64670a7859e5dd96d/2390x1600x1.jpg?auth=952620e7e8ae40372d6c1dec65dde55b0ac364d1fdb19cc6bfb3db25212c4358

Then there was the Genesis III or GS-9 which was “…less boxy, more smoothed-out body style; also the zoom lens range was extended slightly towards the telephoto end, now 38-110mm (f/4.4–5.6) and zooming by motor rather than manual lever. Focus was upgraded too, with the addition of passive autofocus to the active infrared-beam focus system. Standard mode of this camera is the 'standard zoom composition'. This feature means that the focal length is chosen automatically by the camera…” (Camera-Wiki 2025).

Genesis III. Image Source:
https://perfectimagecamera.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_9877-1.jpg

Then lastly, there was the Genesis IV, “…which further extended the range of the built-in zoom, to 38–135mm (f/4.0–5.6), which had grown to 13 elements in 10 groups…” (Camera-wiki 2025).

Genesis IV. Image Source:
https://assets.bluemooncamera.com/products/production/1200/12.35.16-325f73b9c7012788bfb9002bf43a7a59.jpg

Now let’s have a closer look at the camera of the hour, the Chinon Genesis. It weighs around 750g (Margetts 2021) and its size is 5 x 4.5 x 3.1 inches. It is smaller than the Epoca 135 but has a similar design and feel.

Released in 1988 and part of the big four cameras, this camera is a great example of the first generation of bridged cameras.

First four Bridged cameras. Image Source:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsbInpab9D9eF2_7O1BfpXAI_60GYnO4bnZA&s

Now let’s break down the camera. Starting with the front.

First I want to point out that this camera is missing the front plate.

Missing front plate example. Image Source:
https://bromurefilm.com/cdn/shop/files/Chinon-Genesis.jpg?v=1729071373

Here is also the lens cap, which is broken and doesn’t stay on properly.

This lens cap is attached to the camera with a string and attaches to the lens by twisting it to lock it into place, as there are arrows that point to which way it should be twisted to open it.

Now the missing plate and broken cap doesn’t seem to be an isolated incident, as many images I saw is missing the plate. These two accessories were poorly implemented as the reviewer Peggy (2015), ran into the same problems: a missing front and a broken lens cap.

But this doesn’t affect the camera’s ability to work, as unlike the Epoca 135, the cap isn’t part of the camera’s design.

Now let’s look at the lens-

It is a Chinon Zoom Macro lens with a f/4.1 (Margetts 2021), with a focal length of 35-80mm.

According to BromureFilm (2026), the lens is 8 elements in 7 groups, which according to the research in my Halina 35X super post, this means that the lens has eight pieces of glass, but two are cemented together, meaning that there are technically seven pieces of glass.

This lens is also fixed and the barrel doesn’t extend outwards like the Epoca 135.

The lens can also use adaptors.

Example of a Genesis lens adapter. Image Source:
https://oldcamera.blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1020347.jpeg?w=768

Next to the lens are the autofocus windows, which are infra-red autofocus AF light projector and receptor. Which is which, is unclear.

But if we use the layout from the Epoca 135, the bottom one is the projector and the top the receptor. To learn how infra-red autofocus works, please see my Minolta AF-Big Finder post.

The circle between them is possibly just the mechanism that connects the window to the lens’ focusing system. This mechanism sets the focal range between 0.85m to infinity (Margetts 2021).

This system also sets the f/stop, which can be set between 4.1-6.4 (Margetts 2021). It also sets the shutter speed, which can be anywhere between ¼-1/300 second (Margetts 2021).

And above the lens is the self-time indicator LED.

On top-

Is the power button, that switches the camera on.

But that is not all it does, for it also opens up the built-in popup flash. This flash has a reach of 0.85-4.2 meters.

And this flash is also the off switch, as closing the flash turns off the camera.

Then there is the shutter release button.

The shutter button also has an automatic focus lock, which when slowly depressed will set the focus before firing. And if the object isn’t focused properly the shutter won’t release.

The shutter this camera uses is a Motorized electromagnetic program shutter (Mike) or an electromagnetic leaf shutter (Margetts 2021). This is a simple leaf shutter, but instead of using springs to open the shutter, this camera uses electromagnets.

Then next to that is the LCD panel screen.

This, like the Epoca 135, indicates battery life, film frame counter, self-timer and mode setting.

Screenshot from the manual.

Then next to that are the camera settings.

From left to right-

First is the Multiple exposure button. This allows the user to expose the same frame up to three times. It stops the camera from moving to the next frame if the user wants to take a double or even triple exposure picture.

Next to that is the self-timer button. It delays the shutter from firing for ten seconds.

Then there is the Back Light Control button. This “…allows for a strong backlight to achieve a good exposure…” (Margetts 2021). This mode has an EV of +1.5.

Under these buttons is the Single/Continuous button. To explain, here is the manual:

Screenshot from the manual.

Right side-

Here is the zoom lever.

Unlike the Epoca 135, the Genesis doesn’t have an electronic zoom. Instead the Genesis is manual. The zoom can go from 35mm to 80mm.

But I should mention that the closer you zoom in the more the lens changes from a wide angle lens to a telephoto lens.

The position of the where the change happens is indicated on the lens.

Then on the zoom lever is the macro button.

This is to allow for macro photography. The macro setting, like the Minolta Zoom 110, is locked. To activate it, the user must set the lever to 80mm (to convert it into a telephoto lens), then you press in the green button and push it all the way down. Then to go back to the normal settings, is to just push the lever back up.

Next to that is the flash settings.

It toggles between fill-flash (up), which turns on the flash and then (down) the flash-off, to turn it off.

Next to that in the corner is the film rewind button.

And next to that is the back cover release button, which opens up the film compartment.

And there is a single eyelet for a wrist or neck strap.

Left side-

Is, like the Epoca 135, the camcorder hand strap, which is a bit more comfortable than the Cannon. I think it is because your finger just has to press the shutter release button.

Underneath-

Is the tripod socket.

And the battery compartment.

It is harder to open than any other camera, as you have to push the small button with the point of a pen or pencil in order to open the compartment.

Screenshot from the manual.

This camera also uses a 2CR5 battery.

Lastly, the back-

Here is the film compartment cover.

On this cover is the film window, which just tells the user that there is film inside and what type of film it is.

And above the cover is the viewfinder.

Now unlike the Epoca 135, the Genesis is a true SLR camera (see my Olympus OM30 post for more info).

The viewfinder also has some indicators, such as the flash ready signal, the AF success indicator and the focus frame or pinpoint focus accuracy.

Screenshot from the manual.

Then finally, the film compartment.

It is a simple compartment and is the same as many point-and-shoot cameras. This includes the rollers and pressure plate.

This camera also has a DX code reader (see my Praktica Sport AF).

The camera takes 35mm film and is a full-frame camera (Grundberg 1988). To learn how film works see my Kodak 200 Colorplus post.

And that is The Chinon Genesis. Now the question is, which is better, the Genesis or the Epoca?

Well, it is complicated. The Epoca has better zoom capabilities and is electronic, but the Genesis has a Macro setting. The Epoca has an easier film loading system, but the Genesis simulates how to load film as you would with a professional film camera.

The Epoca has a metering window and an easy battery loading system, but the Genesis is a true SLR and is much more comfortable to hold. The Epoca looks cooler (in my opinion) and has a better flash, but the Genesis is smaller and has a continues photo taking mode.

It seems like a tie, but I have to say that the Epoca 135 takes the win as it has a better lens cap. As mentioned the Genesis’ lens cap is prone to breaking, and for that it takes second place.

But the Genesis is still an amazing camera and a must have for any beginner film photographer.

And as always, thank you for making it to the end and I hope you enjoyed this, as much as I did researching it.

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List of sources:

BromureFilm. 2026. Chinon Genesis. https://bromurefilm.com/en/products/chinon-genesis?srsltid=AfmBOorTAZnf42h_RZy2OpgEZZtEw8u19Mppm5E53Ctw7xutNErj5nZz

Camera-wiki. 2025. Bridge Camera. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Bridge_camera

Camera-wiki. 2025. Chinon Genesis. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Chinon_Genesis

Grundberg, A. 1988. CAMERA; A Bright Newcomer. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/21/style/camera-a-bright-newcomer.html

Halgand, S. 2024. Chinon GS-7. https://collection-appareils.fr/x/html/camera-5036-Chinon_GS-7.html

Junktion. 2026. Chinon Genesis. https://junktion.co.nz/products/chinon-genesis-8?srsltid=AfmBOor7KNrcaXHK2cwSwNLs9uCS4Z1a5A33XIUiMUGMi_1-qDTIzs3X

Margetts, J. 2021. Chinon Genesis (GS7). https://oldcamera.blog/2021/04/01/chinon-genesis-gs7/

Mike. Chinon Genesis II. https://butkus.org/chinon/ebay/chinon_genesis-ii.htm

Mike. Chinon GS-7 (Genesis). https://butkus.org/chinon/chinon/gs-7/gs-7.htm