A very highly specified 35mm autofocus SLR camera (body only) from the comprehensive Sigma system

• Sigma AF SLR camera body
• Uses SA autofocus lenses
• Auto or manual focusing
• Compact and lightweight
• Three frames per second
• Shutter speeds to 1/4000th
• Automatic exposure modes
• Fully metered manual mode
• Multi segment & spot meter
• Auto exposure bracketing
• Depth of field preview button
• Mirror pre-release available
• Comprehensive finder LCD
• Large top plate LCD panel
• Built in flash and hot shoe
• Quartz date back standard
• Remote control compatible
• Includes strap, instructions

Sigma is one of the top Japanese independent lens manufacturers, but the company has also made cameras for many years including 35mm film and digital SLR models. This SA-5 Quartz Date camera is an auto focus 35mm film SLR with an extremely comprehensive specification, compatible with a wide range of Sigma's own lenses in SA fitting (not included - see the Compatibility section below). It's in very good condition (though with a trivial fault - see the Condition section below) and comes with strap, battery and instruction manual.

Exposure modes include fully auto, program, shutter priority, aperture priority and metered manual. Metering modes include multi segment (8 separate areas are compared), average and spot with exposure lock. Exposure compensation of +/- 2 stops (in half stops) is available. Auto bracketing option for a sequence of shots at up to 2 stops over and under the metered exposure. Multiple exposure option to take many exposures on one frame.

Shutter speeds and aperture settings, plus an exposure bar graph are clearly displayed in the viewfinder, and there's a second LCD on the top plate. The camera has a full range of shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4000th in half stops, with flash synchronization up to 1/125th, plus B for time exposures. The built in motor loads the film automatically, winds on, and winds off the film at the end. Single frame and continuous shooting are available, up to approximately three frames per second.

The built in flash covers lenses as wide as 28mm, and can be turned on or off in all modes. Redeye reduction is available, and slow synch and daylight synch options allow you to balance existing light with flash for more natural results. A standard hot shoe allows external Sigma TTL dedicated or non-dedicated flashguns to be used (not included, but check our other listings).

The autofocus system has a cross type sensor with single shot or continuous AF modes to ensure that your subject is correctly focused, and an auxiliary lamp illuminates the subject for focusing in very low light. A depth of field preview button provides a visual check of what will be in focus before you take the shot.

The Quartz Date back fitted as standard can print the date and/or time on the corner of your pictures when required. This is a handy way of identifying your photographs, many of which can look the same many years later! The data is printed in the bottom right hand corner of the picture, and can be switched off if not required. The back is powered by a standard CR2025 Lithium battery (supplied), which is a common type used in electronic equipment. The internal clock and calendar are programmed to work until the year 2019, and the date and/or time information can be printed in various formats, as follows:

1. Day, Month, Year (UK format)
2. Year, Month, Day (Japanese format)
3. Month, Day, Year (US format)
4. Day, Hour, Minute
5. No imprinting (Off)

Other advanced features include multiple exposures, mirror pre-release for reduced vibration, DX auto film speed setting from ISO 25-5000 with override from ISO 6 to 6400, self timer and mid-roll rewind. The camera also has an infrared receiver for an optional wireless remote control (not supplied, but check our other listings). This combination of automatic features and manual options makes this an ideal camera for photographers from complete beginners all the way up to enthusiasts. Power is supplied by a single 2CR5 Lithium battery (included), which is a common type. It's simple to operate, and the instruction manual is comprehensive and easy to understand.

This is an excellent 35mm AF SLR camera body!

Condition: Excellent+++ (8.5/10), minor fault
This camera is in very good condition and fully working order, apart from one small niggle - the mode dial on the left should lock at the L setting, and it doesn't. The viewfinder is bright and clear (though with a slightly warm tint, which is common with Sigma SLRs), and all controls operate smoothly and positively. There are the usual signs of handling, plus some surface scratches and scrapes here and there. These aren't serious, and the camera looks good in a silver colour and black finish. The instruction manual (in English and Japanese) is showing signs of age but complete.

No dents, dings or deep scratches, and overall it's in nice shape!
At the time of listing we have more than one of this item, but the pictures and description here are representative of all of them.

Includes Sigma instruction manual, strap and body cap, plus battery

Compatibility
Sigma SA cameras like this one accept Sigma's own AF lenses in SA fitting (not included), and the company has made a wide range of different types over many years. Almost every need is catered for from 8mm fisheye, though extra wide, wide angle, standard zoom and telephoto zoom, to very long teles and zooms up to 800mm. Both mid priced consumer lenses and professional EX types are available (some with high speed HSM auto focus motors) and used lenses in Sigma fitting often sell for less than other mounts. Sigma DC lenses designed specifically for digital cameras aren't suitable as they won't cover the full frame, though the DG types are suitable for both film and digital cameras. Please check our other listings for lenses in Sigma fitting:

Adapters are available (not included) to fit many classic M42 screw lenses to the SA cameras, with manual focusing and diaphragm operation, and stopped down metering in manual and aperture priority auto exposure modes. The SA lens mount is physically similar to the Pentax K fitting, and while PK lenses won't fit directly, manual accessories such as T2 mounts can be used with similar restrictions.

Please note that Sigma cameras will not accept Sigma lenses in fittings for other cameras (such as Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, etc.) and these lenses cannot easily be adapted from one fitting to another.