News

Yashica Introduces World's Lightest 2x Zoom Compact Camera

4.2oz Camera is a Must for Travelers

SOMERSET, NJ - Kyocera Optics, Inc. announces the Socius (pronounced "so shus") from Yashica, the ultimate APS camera for busy travelers. Weighing in at a very light 4.2 ounces and sporting a high performance 21-42mm 2x Zoom Lens, the Socius is the world's lightest 2x zoom camera*. Available in two colors, Ice Blue and Pearl White, it boasts a full array of convenient functions for travel, including Double Portrait and Time Differential.

Bill Heuer, President of Kyocera Optics, Inc said, "More people than ever before are traveling and taking vacations with their families where picture-taking opportunities are abundant. As a result, today's cameras must not only be small and lightweight, but also must include a full array of functions. Weighing only 4.2 ounces and small enough to fit in a shirt pocket or purse, the Socius offers outstanding portability."

The Socius was developed as a super lightweight compact camera ideal for personal use and travel. The built-in 2X zoom lens (21mm-42mm = 26mm-52.5mm) not only offers true wide-angle performance, but also allows you to zoom in to your subject as well. Additionally, the Socius has a Double Portrait function that enables you to take pictures of yourself and someone standing next to you by simply holding the camera in front of you with outstretched arms. The Socius also has an easy-to-use Time Differential function that allows you to quickly re-adjust the date and time when traveling overseas or to a different time zone.

Besides the standard APS format advantages (PQI, Drop-in Loading and choice of Three Print Sizes), the Socius also includes a 5-point Auto Focus System, Infinity Lock and 5 different Flash Modes (Including Red Eye reduction and Night Portrait.)

Retail locations and additional information can be obtained by calling (800) 526-0266 or by visiting the Yashica Web site at www.yashica.com.

Kyocera Optics, Inc. markets an extensive collection of photographic equipment including 35mm and Advanced Photo System point and shoot and zoom cameras, SLRs, digital-imaging equipment, lenses and accessories. * As of February 2000; cameras with 2x zoom lens using 35 mm or APS film Specifications:

Type:
Fully automatic lens shutter zoom type AF camera

Film used:
Advanced Photo System Film

Picture size:
16.7 x 30.2mm H/C/P type interchangeable

Lens:
Kyocera zoom lens

Composition:
6 groups, 6 elements

Focal distance:
21~ 42 mm (35mm size conversion: approx. 26 ~ 52.5mm)

Aperture:
F4.9 ~ 7.3

Focusing range:
0.35 ~ 8 (at 21mm), 0.5m ~ 8 (at 42mm)

Viewfinder Type:
Real image type zoom viewfinder

Magnification:
0.3x ~ 0.55x

Field of view Ratio:
Approx. 80% or more (H type)

Finder:
Internal display -- Focus frame, proximity shooting correction frame, shooting range frame (changes by CHP print type); Lower viewframe -- green display, focus display, red display, flash display/camera shake warning

Shutter Type:
Programmable electronic shutter

Speed:
Approx 2 seconds ~ 1/300 second

Release format:
Electronic release

Self timer:
Electronic mode, operation time approx. 10 seconds, can be stopped midway

Focal adjustment:
External passive type 5-point multi auto focus with focus lock

Exposure control:
Programmable AE

Exposure linkage range:
At 21mm: EV2.5 ~ EV17 (ISO 100) At 42mm: EV3.9 ~ EV17 (ISO 100)

Light measurement method:
External light measurement

Flash:
Built-in flash Flashmatic and guide number control

Shooting distance range:
ISO200: at 21mm 0.35m ~ 3.1m at 42mm 0.5m ~ 2.1m ISO400: at 21mm 0.35m ~ 4.4m at 42mm 0.5m ~ 3m

Charging time:
Approx. 4 seconds (room temperature, new battery used, according to Kyocera shooting standards)

Shooting mode:
Automatic flash, flash with red-eye reduction mode, flash off mode, fill flash mode, nighttime portrait mode, distant shooting mode

Film loading:
One-touch loading

Winding:
Auto winding

Rewind:
Auto return, auto stop mechanism, mid-roll rewind possible

Film counter:
Liquid crystal display, automatic display of number of shots remaining before automatic rewind

Display panel:
Film counter, shooting mode mark, flash mode, self timer/remote control shooting, double portrait function mark, battery warning mark, cartridge mark, date mode

Film sensitivity:
ISO 50~3200 (7 stages per step)

Date function:
Built-in quartz watch of liquid crystal display (auto calendar), time differential function, recording function: year/month/day, month/day/year, day/month/year, day/hour/minute, no printing

Batteries:
3V lithium battery (CR-2) x 1

Estimated battery life:
Approx. 10 rolls of film, each providing 25 shots, using 50% flash (room temperature, new battery used, according to Kyocera shooting standards)

Dimensions:
4" W (102.5mm) x 2" H (52mm) x 1 3/32" D (29.5mm)

Weight:
4.2 ounces (120 g), excluding battery