Fujica ST605 + 55mm f/2.2 Review: Classic M42 Film Gem

Introduction to the Fujica ST605 + 55mm f/2.2 Fujinon Lens

The Fujica ST605 paired with the 55mm f/2.2 Fujinon lens is one of those understated 35mm SLR combinations that quietly does everything right. Compact, reliable and refreshingly simple, it offers manual control in its purest form, without the distractions of autofocus or auto-exposure modes.

The 55mm f/2.2 Fujinon is a classic “normal” prime lens: slightly tighter than 50mm, with pleasant bokeh and a rendering that flatters portraits, everyday scenes and detail studies. Together, camera and lens form a light, sturdy setup that slips easily into a small bag and invites you to slow down and think before you press the shutter.

On my first roll with the Fujica ST605, I misjudged almost every backlit scene. By the time I saw the prints, I had a clear lesson: trust the meter, but also trust your eyes—and don’t be afraid to open up a stop when the light is tricky.

A Short History of the Fujica ST605

Fujica, Fujifilm’s camera brand, launched the ST605 in the 1970s as a straightforward, affordable 35mm SLR. It followed earlier Fujica models that also used the M42 screw mount, a popular standard at the time. The goal was simple: bring dependable, fully mechanical SLR photography to enthusiasts who wanted control without complexity.

While it never chased professional status like some contemporaries, the ST605 earned a loyal following thanks to solid construction, a bright viewfinder, and a meter that—when used correctly—delivers very consistent negatives. Decades later, this functional honesty is exactly what makes it so appealing in the second-hand market.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

Mechanical heart, simple controls

The Fujica ST605 is a fully mechanical 35mm SLR. The shutter will fire at all speeds even without a battery; only the light meter needs power. This makes it reliable in cold weather, on long trips, or whenever batteries are scarce.

• Format: 35mm film (36×24 mm frame size)
• Lens mount: M42 screw mount
• Shutter: Focal-plane, mechanically timed
• Exposure: Manual, with built-in light meter guidance
• Meter power: 1.5V LR44 (or equivalent button cell)

The 55mm f/2.2 Fujinon lens

The included 55mm f/2.2 Fujinon lens is a bright, compact prime. Wide open at f/2.2, it gives a pleasingly soft background separation, ideal for portraits and details. Stopped down to f/5.6–f/8, it becomes crisp and contrasty for landscapes and street work.

Because this is an M42 lens, it can also be adapted to many digital cameras for a vintage look, adding extra value to a second-hand purchase.

Who the Fujica ST605 is Perfect For

Beginners who want to learn exposure properly

If you want to understand shutter speed, aperture and ISO instead of letting a camera decide, the ST605 is a superb teacher. There is no auto mode to fall back on—just a meter needle, your judgement, and the resulting negatives.

The 55mm f/2.2 lens covers everyday photography with ease: portraits of friends, street scenes, travel details and even close-up textures. By limiting variables, it encourages you to move your feet and think about composition.

Film shooters who value simplicity

The ST605 also suits experienced photographers who are tired of menus and modes. Its controls are intuitive: focus ring, aperture ring, shutter speed dial and ISO setting. Nothing more, nothing less.

Practical Film and Accessory Tips

Choosing film stocks

Because the Fujica ST605 is fully manual, it plays nicely with almost any 35mm film. Think about how you like to shoot:

• If you love rich colors, go for a consumer color negative film and rate it at box speed.
• If you prefer grain and contrast, a classic black-and-white stock gives you timeless results.

Useful accessories for the ST605

A simple kit can make the camera more enjoyable and more durable over the years:

• A comfortable strap and a small, padded bag.
• A UV or clear filter to protect the 55mm front element.
• A lens hood to reduce flare in strong light.
• A cable release and tripod for night shots or long exposures.

You can find many of these in our range of photography accessories.

Buying a Fujica ST605 Second-Hand

Because the ST605 is decades old, careful inspection matters. Whether you buy in person or online, use this checklist to guide you:

• Check your comfort with manual exposure and focus.
• Consider your preferred film formats (color or B/W).
• Test sample results before committing to projects.
• Inspect light seals and shutter curtain condition.
• Compare the meter reading to a known accurate source.
• Keep lens cap and leather case for long-term protection.
• Ask sellers if the camera has been “tested” recently.
• Ensure viewfinder clarity and consistent shutter sound.
• Request lens photos to spot haze or fungus.

The M42 mount is another advantage: you are not tied to a single brand. Explore additional camera lenses in this mount to expand your creative options without changing bodies.

Conclusion: Why the Fujica ST605 Endures

The Fujica ST605 with the 55mm f/2.2 Fujinon lens endures because it strips photography back to its essentials. No automation, no distractions—just film, light and your decisions. Its mechanical reliability, flexible M42 mount and compact lens make it a practical, characterful choice for anyone drawn to analog photography.

Whether you are loading your first roll or returning to film after years of digital, the ST605 offers something rare: a calm, unhurried way to make photographs that feel intentional, one frame at a time.

Ready to explore film photography with characterful classics like the ST605? Browse our curated selection of SLR film cameras, compatible camera lenses and essential photography accessories at DutchThrift.com.