Miranda Sensorex — Complete History and Guide
The definitive reference page for the Miranda Sensorex — Miranda’s most successful camera, produced from 1966 to 1975 and still sought by film photographers and collectors worldwide.
The Sensorex — Miranda’s Defining Camera
The Miranda Sensorex is the single most important camera Miranda Camera Company ever produced. Introduced in 1966, it brought through-the-lens metering to the Miranda system at a time when TTL metering was still a relatively new feature in Japanese SLRs. Furthermore the Sensorex combined this technical advancement with the interchangeable finder system that had distinguished Miranda cameras since the original T model — consequently creating one of the most versatile SLRs available at its price point.
The Sensorex remained in production through several variants until approximately 1975, consequently spanning nearly a decade of Miranda’s most productive period. It was sold worldwide through distributors including Dixons in the United Kingdom and consequently became the camera most associated with the Miranda name in international markets.
According to Wikipedia’s article on Miranda Camera Company, the Sensorex represented the peak of Miranda’s technical development and is therefore the model most commonly referenced in historical accounts of Japanese SLR camera development. The camera was also notably referenced by The Phoblographer as an example of Miranda’s innovative approach to viewfinder design.
The Miranda Sensorex name derives from two elements: Sensor, referring to the silicon photo cell used for through-the-lens metering, and ex, indicating the exposure system. The naming convention was consequently carried through to the Sensomat — Senso for the sensor element, mat for the automatic exposure function.
Historical Context — Why the Sensorex Mattered
The State of Japanese SLRs in 1966
When the Sensorex was introduced in 1966, through-the-lens metering was becoming an important differentiator among Japanese SLR manufacturers. Nikon had introduced TTL metering with the Nikkormat FT in 1965 and Pentax followed with the Spotmatic series. Miranda consequently needed a competitive TTL metering camera to remain relevant in the professional and advanced amateur market.
The Sensorex’s TTL metering system was technically distinctive in one important respect — the silicon photo cell was positioned on the mirror box rather than behind the lens or in the pentaprism housing used by some competitors. This placement consequently provided accurate center-weighted readings across the full range of Miranda lenses without the coupling complications found in some competing designs.
The Interchangeable Finder Advantage
The Sensorex inherited Miranda’s interchangeable finder system from the earlier lettered models and consequently offered a level of configurability unusual for cameras at its price point. Photographers could therefore use the standard pentaprism finder for eye-level shooting, a waist-level finder for low angle work, or specialized metering finders for particular shooting situations. This versatility was typically found only on professional medium format systems and consequently gave the Sensorex a genuine practical advantage over competing 35mm SLRs.
Miranda Sensorex — Full Specifications
The following specifications apply to the original Miranda Sensorex. Subsequent variants introduced minor changes which are documented in the variants section below.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) |
| Lens Mount | Miranda bayonet with secondary 44mm screw thread (dual mount) |
| Shutter Type | Focal plane, rubberized cloth, horizontal travel |
| Shutter Speeds | B, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500 second |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/60 second (X sync), FP sync also available |
| Metering System | TTL, silicon photo cell on mirror box, center weighted average |
| Meter Coupling | Stopped-down metering |
| Meter Readout | Match needle in viewfinder |
| Viewfinder | Interchangeable — standard pentaprism, waist level, or metering finders |
| Viewfinder Coverage | Approximately 92% frame coverage |
| Film Format | 135 format, 24x36mm frame |
| Film Speed Range | ASA 25 to ASA 1600 |
| Self Timer | Mechanical, approximately 10 seconds |
| Battery | PX625 mercury oxide, 1.35V (see battery replacement guide) |
| Dimensions | Approximately 143mm x 92mm x 46mm (body only) |
| Weight | Approximately 620g (body only with finder) |
| Production Period | 1966 — approximately 1972 |
Metering System Detail
The Sensorex’s metering system used a silicon photodiode positioned on the mirror box to measure light reflected from the mirror surface. This consequently provided a center-weighted average reading that was biased toward the central area of the frame — the area most likely to contain the main subject in most shooting situations.
The stopped-down metering system required photographers to stop the lens down to the taking aperture before reading the meter. While this was less convenient than the full-aperture metering found on some competing cameras, it consequently worked correctly with any lens that could be mounted on the camera — including M42 screw mount lenses used via the secondary mount.
Sensorex Variants — All Versions Documented
Miranda produced several variants of the Sensorex over its production life. Each variant introduced refinements to the original design while consequently maintaining compatibility with the Miranda lens and finder system.
Miranda Sensorex (Original)
The original Sensorex introduced TTL metering to the Miranda system. The silicon photo cell on the mirror box provided center-weighted average metering that was accurate and consistent across the full range of Miranda lenses. The interchangeable finder system was retained from earlier Miranda cameras and consequently gave the Sensorex exceptional configurability.
The original Sensorex is consequently the most historically significant variant and the one most commonly referenced in photography literature. It is therefore the most sought after by collectors interested in Miranda’s historical importance rather than purely practical use.
Miranda Sensorex II
The Sensorex II refined the original design with several practical improvements. A hot shoe was added in a more accessible location, the metering display in the viewfinder was improved for easier reading, and the overall build quality was consequently tightened compared to the original. The Sensorex II is therefore the recommended choice for photographers who want to use a Sensorex for actual shooting rather than collecting.
The Sensorex II retained full compatibility with all Miranda bayonet lenses and M42 lenses used via the secondary mount. Furthermore the interchangeable finder system was retained, meaning that photographers could continue to use finders from earlier Miranda cameras with the Sensorex II.
Miranda Auto Sensorex EE
The Auto Sensorex EE added aperture priority automatic exposure to the Sensorex platform. The EE designation indicated Electric Eye automatic exposure — the photographer sets the aperture and the camera consequently selects the appropriate shutter speed. This feature had previously been available only on the separate Sensomat model and consequently the Auto Sensorex EE combined the best features of both lines.
The Auto Sensorex EE is therefore the most technically capable Sensorex variant and the one that best demonstrates Miranda’s technical ambitions during this period. Furthermore it was competitively priced against cameras from Nikon and Canon that offered similar features at significantly higher prices.
Export and Rebadged Variants
The Sensorex was sold under different names and with different badging in various export markets. Cameras sold through Dixons in the UK were sometimes badged differently from those sold in North America or Japan. Furthermore some Miranda cameras were sold under retailer house brands in certain markets. Consequently collectors may encounter cameras that are mechanically identical to the Sensorex but carry different markings.
Using the Miranda Sensorex Today
The Miranda Sensorex is a fully mechanical camera that remains practical for film photography today. With proper preparation it consequently performs reliably and produces excellent images with the range of Miranda and M42 lenses available.
Before You Shoot — Essential Preparation
Before using a Sensorex for the first time there are several checks and preparations that are therefore necessary for reliable results. First, inspect and replace the light seals — most Sensorex cameras encountered today have deteriorated foam seals that will consequently cause light leaks on film. Second, check the shutter curtains for pinholes by holding the open camera up to a bright light source with the shutter cocked and fired. Third, test the meter with a known reference to verify accuracy.
Battery Replacement
The Sensorex requires a PX625 mercury oxide battery for its metering system — a battery type no longer available in most markets due to environmental regulations. Consequently photographers need to use modern alternatives. The three main options are silver oxide SR44 batteries with ISO compensation, zinc air Wein Cell batteries at the correct 1.35V, or an MR-9 voltage adapter. Full details are documented in the Miranda Camera Battery Reference Page.
Loading Film
The Sensorex loads film in the standard manner for Japanese SLRs of the period. Thread the film leader into the take-up spool and advance two frames before closing the back. Check the rewind knob rotates when advancing to confirm film is loading correctly.
Using the Meter
The Sensorex uses stopped-down metering — stop the lens to the taking aperture before reading the meter. The match needle display in the viewfinder shows when exposure is correct. Set shutter speed to align the needles then reopen the aperture for focusing if desired.
Changing Finders
The finder is released by pressing the finder release button on the front of the camera. Lift the finder straight up to remove. Replacement finders slide down into the finder well and click into place. Handle finders carefully as the prism is vulnerable to damage.
Using M42 Lenses
The secondary 44mm screw thread mount accepts M42 lenses directly. Thread the lens in until it seats firmly. Note that M42 lenses used on the Sensorex require stopped-down metering regardless of whether they have an auto aperture pin since the Miranda metering system does not couple with M42 auto aperture mechanisms.
Lenses for the Miranda Sensorex
One of the Sensorex’s practical advantages is its wide lens compatibility. The dual mount system consequently gives photographers access to Miranda bayonet lenses as well as the large range of M42 screw mount lenses from multiple manufacturers.
Miranda Bayonet Lenses
Miranda produced a comprehensive range of bayonet mount lenses for the Sensorex covering focal lengths from wide angle through telephoto. These lenses were designed specifically for the Miranda system and consequently couple correctly with the Sensorex’s metering and aperture mechanisms. Common Miranda bayonet lenses encountered today include the 50mm f/1.9 standard lens that was typically sold with the camera, a 28mm f/2.8 wide angle, a 135mm f/2.8 medium telephoto, and a 200mm f/3.5 telephoto.
M42 Screw Mount Lenses
Via the secondary 44mm screw thread the Sensorex accepts the full range of M42 screw mount lenses. This consequently opens up access to lenses from Pentax, Carl Zeiss Jena, Meyer-Optik, Mamiya, and numerous other manufacturers. M42 lenses on the Sensorex require stopped-down metering but otherwise function correctly for manual focus photography.
| Focal Length | Aperture | Mount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28mm | f/2.8 | Miranda Bayonet | Standard wide angle offering |
| 35mm | f/2.8 | Miranda Bayonet | Moderate wide angle |
| 50mm | f/1.9 | Miranda Bayonet | Standard kit lens — most common |
| 50mm | f/1.4 | Miranda Bayonet | Fast standard — less common |
| 100mm | f/3.5 | Miranda Bayonet | Short telephoto portrait lens |
| 135mm | f/2.8 | Miranda Bayonet | Medium telephoto — very common |
| 200mm | f/3.5 | Miranda Bayonet | Telephoto — less common today |
| Various | Various | M42 Screw | Full range of M42 lenses via secondary mount |
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