TELE-518

Imperial Tele-518 Magimatic 35mm Film Camera

The Imperial Tele-518 Magimatic is a classic and easy-to-use 35mm film camera that boasts an elegant design and advanced features, making it a favorite among photography enthusiasts. This camera is a testament to Imperial's rich history in producing high-quality, user-friendly photographic equipment.

The Magimatic's most distinctive feature is its unique focusing system. The "Magimatic" moniker refers to the camera's automatic focusing mechanism, which ensures sharp and clear images by calculating the distance between the subject and the lens. This feature eliminates the need for manual focusing, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a convenient and hassle-free photographic experience.

The Imperial Tele-518 Magimatic boasts a versatile 50mm f/3.5 lens, which is capable of capturing a wide range of scenes with excellent detail and clarity. The lens is also equipped with a built-in light meter, allowing for accurate exposure readings in various lighting conditions. This feature, combined with the camera's automatic aperture control, ensures optimal exposure and produces stunning results.

The camera body is constructed from high-quality materials, giving it a durable and sleek appearance. It features a simple yet intuitive control layout, allowing users to easily adjust various settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and focus. The camera also has a built-in rewind crank, making it convenient to rewind the film after taking pictures.

The Imperial Tele-518 Magimatic is a manual focus, manual film winding, and manual rewinding camera. It utilizes 35mm film, which is widely available and offers a vast range of film types and ISO sensitivities to suit various shooting conditions. This camera is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the authentic photographic experience and the unique characteristics that come with shooting on film.

In summary, the Imperial Tele-518 Magimatic is a beautifully designed, easy-to-use 35mm film camera that boasts an automatic focusing mechanism, a versatile 50mm lens, and a durable construction. This camera offers a convenient and hassle-free photographic experience, making it an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

The Imperial Tele-518 Magimatic 35mm Film Camera is a vintage model that has gained popularity among photographers and collectors for its unique features and retro aesthetic. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if this camera is a good fit for your photography needs.

1. Unique Feature: The Magimatic winding system in the Imperial Tele-518 allows for automatic film advance and winding, making it easier to use compared to other manual focus 35mm film cameras.

2. Retro Aesthetic: The camera's vintage design and classic look appeal to many photographers and collectors who prefer a more traditional photography experience.

3. Manual Focus: The camera's manual focus system allows for greater control over the image and the ability to achieve sharp focus in various shooting situations.

4. Interchangeable Lenses: The Imperial Tele-518 has the ability to use various interchangeable lenses, giving users the flexibility to experiment with different focal lengths and creative possibilities.

5. Film Photography: Shooting with film provides a unique aesthetic that digital photography cannot replicate, offering a distinct look and feel to the images.

1. Limited Availability: The Imperial Tele-518 is a vintage camera and parts and accessories may be difficult to find, making repairs and maintenance more challenging.

2. Limited Controls: Compared to modern digital cameras, the Imperial Tele-518 has limited controls and manual settings, which may limit the ability to capture certain types of images.

3. Film Costs: Film photography can be more expensive than digital photography, as you need to purchase film, develop it, and pay for printing or scanning the final images.

4. Learning Curve: Shooting with a vintage film camera like the Imperial Tele-518 may require some learning and practice to master the manual settings and techniques.

5. Size and Weight: The Imperial Tele-518 is a larger and heavier camera compared to modern digital alternatives, making it less convenient for travel and on-the-go photography.

The Imperial Tele-518 Magimatic 35mm Film Camera offers a unique blend of automatic and manual features, retro aesthetic, and the ability to shoot with film. However, its limited availability, lack of advanced controls, and higher film costs may make it less suitable for some photographers. Ultimately, the decision to buy this camera depends on your personal photography preferences and needs. If you value the classic look, manual focus, and the distinct aesthetic of film photography, the Imperial Tele-518 may be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize convenience, advanced features, and cost-effectiveness, a modern digital camera may be a better fit.

If you are interested in the Imperial Tele-518 Magimatic 35mm Film Camera and decide to purchase it, be sure to invest in a good quality film, develop the images carefully, and consider joining a local film photography community or online forum to connect with other film photographers for tips, advice, and resources. Additionally, be prepared for the learning curve and the additional costs associated with film photography. If you're not ready for the commitment, consider renting the camera first to try it out and see if it suits your photography style before making a purchase.

Details:

The Imperial magimatic tele 518 35mm compact film camera in black and silver is a vintage camera that sold as untested parts. This camera, made by Imperial, features a compact design and uses 35mm film format.

specifications filmamm:

• brand: Imperial
• mpn: Tele-518
• type: Compact
• format: 35mm
• color: Black, Silver

returns filmamm:

• policy: no returns

offer filmamm:

• availability: in stock
• options: ship-to-home
• best offers: true
• in stock #: 5
• prices: $6.95–$15.99
• started: february 25, 2026
• sold #: 10

shipping filmamm:

• service: usps ground advantage
• carrier: usps
• type: calculated
• transit: 4-8 days
• class: standard

general filmamm:

• category: Camera & Photo > Photography > Film Cameras

seller filmamm:

• # reviews: 1
• city: clara city, minnesota
• rating: 100.0%

payments filmamm:

• credit card: visa
• other
• wallet: google-pay

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