Film Konica anyone?

[tonyturley]

As I mentioned in another post, I've been thinking about dabbling in film again. I have a Praktica and Minolta already, but have been looking at Konica due to the reputation of the 40/1.8. I ended up buying an Autoreflex T + 57mm 1.4 and a separate 40mm 1.8. Cost was <$100 USD for all 3, so the risk was low. Photos and descriptions indicated a camera and lenses with very little wear. At the very worst, I have a camera to add to my display collection and a couple of lenses to adapt to my OM-D and NEX. However, the camera looked pretty darn good in the photos, and the description claimed a working camera, so it was a risk I was willing to take. I did a lot of reading before I committed, and it appears the Autoreflex T was the first and simplest of Konica's TTL cameras. Any thoughts on this combo?

Tony

 

[RichardB]

My Autoreflex T lost its meter to corrosion from a leaky battery, but the Hexanon glass is as sharp as ever. The 57mm/1.4 is one of my favorite lenses on my digital PEN.

 

[Brian]

The Konica 50/1.7 Hexanon is the one to get, very inexpensive- and very sharp. I've also owned the 57/1.4, and have the 40/1.8 and 50/1.8. The 50/1.7 is better.

 

[dbuckle]

I have 6 Konica Ts and T3s wonderful cameras. I picked up another T3n and an A last week in beautiful working condition with some lenses and bag. Even if you get one with non working meter they can still take photos with a hand held meter. The lenses are excellent they never made a bad lens. I also have a T4 which is smaller and takes wonderful photos. Enjoy your camera.

Konica T3n with 35mm 2.8 lens by dbuckle2695, on Flickr

Pair of Konicas by dbuckle2695, on Flickr

Konica T4 with Winder by dbuckle2695, on Flickr

Four Sisters by dbuckle2695, on Flickr

 

[tonyturley]

Thanks David, that's a nice looking lineup of cameras. I considered a T4 that was bundled with a 40/1.8 and had the auto-winder, but I decided I'd rather go with the simpler, all-metal camera.

 

[tonyturley]

Still haven't used my Konica. It was indeed in very good shape, but the meter doesn't seem to work. I'm thinking of just using "Sunny f/16" and working from there. Anybody else do that? I'm rather rusty on the film front.

TT

 

[dbuckle]

Yes I have two T3n cameras with the meters not working. I have used the Sunny 16 method and it worked out Okay. There is a Sunny 16 App you can get for your phone that makes calculating your setting easy. I also picked up a simple hand held light meter.


Some of my Konicas

Four Konica Cameras by dbuckle2695, on Flickr

 

[Qppoiz]

Konica glass has a good reputation. I'm getting a piece of the action by way of a Konica Auto S2 (Hexanon 45mm f/1.8).

 

[dbuckle]

The S2 takes great photos. They can sometimes be found cheap. I got this one at the Thrift Store for $14 Cnd.

Konica S2 by dbuckle2695, on Flickr

 

[tonyturley]

Yes I have two T3n cameras with the meters not working. I have used the Sunny 16 method and it worked out Okay. There is an a Sunny 16 App you can get for your phone that makes calculating your setting easy. I also picked up a simple hand held light meter.

Thanks David. I installed an exposure calculator on my S5 this morning. Nice camera line-up, by the way.

Konica glass has a good reputation. I'm getting a piece of the action by way of a Konica Auto S2 (Hexanon 45mm f/1.8).

I use my Konica 57 & 40 on my E-M5 and NEX-6 frequently. Great glass.

TT

 

[Wongler]

Checking in as an Auto S2 guy as well. I was getting some strange readings from my meter the other day but I threw in a fresh battery and it seems to have helped.

Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)

 

[Luke]

I kinda got the hots for an S2 now.

 

[tonyturley]

It has been quite a while since I logged onto any forum . . . I just needed to step back and chill for a while. I decided to dip my toes back in with some low key film stuff. My latest camera, a Konica Eye 2, arrived today. Beautiful little piece of equipment, it is. Near mint condition, with nary a scratch or piece of lint on it. No battery, though, so I need to figure out what to use in it. I intend to load it with some Agfa Vista 200 that also arrived today.

Tony

 

[dbuckle]

Beautiful fast lens on that EYE2 Tony.

 

[tonyturley]

Beautiful fast lens on that EYE2 Tony.

Indeed it is, David. It is a gorgeous little machine. I hope it works as well as it looks. The battery chamber and interior are spotless . . . I wonder if this was just a display camera? I ordered a Wein zinc-air cell to try. Hopefully it will fit.

TT

 

[dbuckle]

Not quite as fast as Tony's but still takes sharp photos. I picked this up out of the junk box a couple of years ago for $1 at the Thrift Store.

Konica C35 by Dave Buckle, on Flickr

 

[tonyturley]

Wow. I never find deals like that. Nice.

TT

 

[tonyturley]

Unfortunately, the little Eye 2 in post #13 seems to be destined as an attractive paperweight. The meter doesn't seem to work. I guess it is possible that I got a batch of bad batteries, but I tried 5 different Excel 675 replacements yesterday. I even used some folded tin foil to shim the cells in place to ensure a good fit. No response from the meter. Any ideas out there?

TT

 

[dbuckle]

There is a slim chance the battery is not making good contact. Try cleaning the the compartment. I have used vinegar on swab to do this on some old cameras and revived some of them.

 

[tonyturley]

There is a slim chance the battery is not making good contact. Try cleaning the the compartment. I have used vinegar on swab to do this on some old cameras and revived some of them.

Thanks for that tip, David. I'll give that a shot.

TT