Post by sinedyar on Jan 21, 2006 4:05:17 GMT -5
Sorry to have posted both pre-1971 and post 1970 cameras together, but wanted a complete list of Kinica cameras together.
Denis
The First Konica SLRs
Konica F - Introduced in 1960, with mass production beginning in 1961, the F was the world's second SLR to have a top shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second. The Canonflex R2000 was the first. The F also introduced Konica's first version of their bayonet lens mount. This mount is different than that on the Autoreflexes and later Konica models. Top flash syncronization is 1/125th second, which was the fastest on the market at the time. ISO/ASA range is 10-800. It also has a self timer. The camera weighs 36 ounces and was marketed only abroad - not sold in Japan.
Konica FS - The FS was marketed beginning in 1962. It has no exposure meter and a top shutter speed was dropped to 1/1000 second. But, like its predecessor, it has a self timer. It weighs 33.1 ounces with standard 50mm f/2 lens.
Konica FP - The FP joined the F and FS in 1963, with minor differences, including microdiaprism focusing and M/X sync. The camera was also sold in America as the Wards SLR-700. Shutter speed is from 1s-1/1000 and flash sync. is 1/125. It was commonly sold with the 52mm f/1.4 lens. Weight is 33.8 ounces with standard 52mm f/1.8 lens.
Konica Domirex - I've seen this camera listed as coming out in 1963, but I don't have any information on it.
Konica FM - The FM came out in 1965. It had a CdS exposure meter. It was the last of the older style Konica bayonet mount cameras. It also had shutter speeds from 1s-1/1000 and a flash sync. speed of 1/125. ISO/ASA range is 10-3200.
The Autoreflex SLRs
Konica Auto-Reflex- The original Konica Autoreflex (pictured above left) was spelled as two words, Auto-Reflex, on the camera body, or Auto-Rex on the Japanese market. The European version is called Revue Auto-Reflex. It was introduced in 1966, and has the honor of being the very first high-quality SLR with a metal focal-plane-shutter and automatic exposure control. It incorporated an instant -return mirror. It was also the first and only SLR to have the capability of taking half frame or full frame pictures, or switching between the two on a single roll of film. Which means, in half frame mode, on a 24 frame roll of film, you can take 48 pictures. The Auto Reflex was one of the first Auto Exposure camers, while at the time most other brands were Aperture Priority systems. The camera also has a verticle blade shutter, called the Copal Square 'S', the first camera to ever use this shutter. It was strong and accurate, but also quite loud. The Auto Reflex was also the first Konica to use the new Konica bayonet quick-mount lenses. Any new Konica bayonet quick-mount lens will work on any Konica SLR from the Auto Reflex onward, including the Electronic SLRs. Although rare, the Auto Reflex can still be found on the market place. ISO/ASA range 12-800. Shutter speeds 1s-1/1000, with flash sync to 1/125. Body weight is 26 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex T - Known as the FTA in Europe, the T was really what got Konica going as a highly respected manufacturer of SLR cameras. The T had TTL (through the lens) metering, had a modern look, and was easy to use. The meter cells were moved inside the camera, where they had been on the outside with the Auto Reflex. The camera also allows you to make double or multiple exposures. That is, you can cock the camera without advancing the film, allowing two or more pictures to be taken on the same film frame. The T was introduced in 1968. Many are still around today and are somewhat easy to find on the used market place and at auctions.
Konica Autoreflex A - Introduced in 1968 or 1969, the A is a stripped down T, and has no shutter speed faster than 1/500th of a second. It is also lacking an on/off switch, so one must keep the lens covered when not in use to save the battery. Also gone was the self-timer and depth-of-field preview system. ISO/ASA range is 25-1600. Weight with 50mm f/1.4 lens is 36 ounces.
Konica Autorex P - This was a version of the Autorex without the meter.
Konica Autoreflex T2 - Although the body does not say T2, but like its predecessor says only Autoreflex T, there is a T2. It was known as the New FTA in Japan. The T2 was an upgrade of the T and was called T2 by Konica. It was introuduced in 1970. The differences between the T and the T2 seem minor but make a great difference. The T has its power switch on the back of the top cover, behind the winding lever, and lacks a shutter release lock. The T2 has a shutter release lock with power switch on the collar of the shutter release lock. The T2 also has a smoother, shorter shutter release, and shutter speeds are visible in the bottom of the viewfinder. Since most people don't know these differences, you can often find a T2 that is advertised as simply a Autoreflex T, as was the case when I purchased mine. ISO/ASA range is 25-1600 and flash sync. speed is up to 1/125. Body weight is 26 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex A2 - This camera was sold only in the United States and was introduced in 1971. What differences, if any, between it and the original A are unknown to me.
Konica Autoreflex A 1000 - An improved A, with a top shutter speed of 1/1000 second was introduced in 1972. Weight, with 50mm f/1.8 lens is 32 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex A3 - Produced in 1973. Shutter speed 1s-1/1000, flash sync. to 1/125, and an ISO/ASA rnge of 12-3200. No self timer. Body weight 24 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex T3 - Like its predecessors, the T and T2, it also has multi-exposure capability, a self-timer, and a range of shutter speeds from B to 1/1000th of a second. It is a heavy, well built camera that just keeps on going and going. The T3 was introduced in 1973. Some are still in use by professional photographers, and they are easily found at auctions and in the used market place. Weight with a 57mm f1.4 lens is 36.8 ounces. They can be found with either the microdiaprism spot or split-field rangefider focus system. It has a bright and informative viewfinder. Multiple exposures are very easy to make with its ME switch, which allows you to hold the switch while advancing the cocking lever without advancing the film. A unique system which makes multiple exposures very simple, once again, another first for Konica. The T3 also greatly improved the shutter release. It takes less than half the pressure and a third of the stroke (2mm) of the previous T2. The T3 also has an automatic power switch, in that when the cocking lever is cocked, the power switch is automatically turned on. The T3 also has an improved self-timing switch that also serves as the depth-of-field preview button. It has a locking button in its center so that it doesn't operate until you're ready for it. Moving the switch towards the lens operates it as the depth-of-field preview button. Other improvements in the T3 include: a magnified film counter, lens-lock button, film cassette stablizer, film take-up indicator, shutter-ready indicator, improved film transport lever grip, among others. ISO/ASA range is 12-3200. Body only weight is 26 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex T3N - Sometimes called NT3 or New T3. Designation on the camera body still said T3 and the easiest way to tell the difference is that the T3N has a flattened pentaprism, rather than a peak, with a built-in hotshoe attachment and by a white line on the self-timer switch. The last and the best of the large Autoreflex cameras. I've had my first T3 since 1975, never had it cleaned, and it's never needed repair, and still works beautifully. If you're ever serious about getting a Konica SLR, this is the one to buy. The main improvements over the original T3 is that it came with the afore mentioned built-in flash hot shoe. Another improvement is the addition of a built-in eyepiece shutter cover to block extraneous light from entering, for such times as when your eye is not pressed against the viewfinder while taking pictures. Other minor improvements were not enough for a new designation. This new T3 came on the market in 1975 and has a weight of 26 ounces, a height of 3.9 inches, a width of 5.9 inches and a depth of 1.8 inches.
Konica Autoreflex TC - Brought out in the spring of 1976, the TC is a downgraded, compact little brother to the T3, really the predecessor of the T4 and other compact SLRs that Konica would make later. However, it still accepts all lenses that the larger autreflexes used. It's a nice little camera, but should not be considered as a primary SLR, but rather as a beginner camera or as a compion to your primary, full featured Konica. It has no shutter speeds slower than 1/8th of a second, although it does go up to 1/1000 second. Flash synchronization is still through all speeds to 1/125 second. The Konica Hexanon 50mm f/1.7 lens was designed for and introduced with this camera. Camera body weighs 18 ounces (510 grams). Height is 3.5 inches, with a width of 5.4 inches and a depth of 1.8 inches. In Japan it's known as the Acom-1. One major problem with this camera is that it's leatherette covering is prone to shrinkage.
Konica Autoreflex T4 - The T4 came out in 1978, and is a compact, light weight, full featured Autoreflex in what is largely a plastic body. It was designed to combine the best features of the T3 and the TC, full-function in a compact body. However, there are improvements. The viewfinder is some 40% brighter and it has a split-image focus screen (some T3s have this and some don't). It was also capable of taking an optional power winder, which was heavy and not very fast (1.8 frames per second), and a bit on the loud side. The auto winder attaches to the bottom of the camera and is powered by six AA alkaline batteries. It retains a provission for making multiple exposures, but the ME button was moved to the back of the camera rather than its top. These are also fairly easy to find in the market place. One major problem with its appearance is that the leatherette covering is prone to shrink and/or come unglued. Body weight is 530 grams (17 ounces). A nice little camera but, with all it's improvements, does not stand up to the T or T3.
The Electronic SLRs
Konica FS-1 - The FS-1 is basically an electronic T4, with a built-in winder, although far superior than its predecessor. The winder is not fast, but makes for an excellent grip of the camera. It also has the full range of Konica shutter speeds, from B to 1/1000. Its self timer is triggered by depressing the rectangular box to the left of the lens mount, which will flash for a few seconds before operating the shutter. However, like the T4, it has no provision for multiple exposures. It is slightly larger than a T4, and second only to the FT-1 Motor, of Konica's electronic SLRs (although I personally prefer the FS-1 over the FT-1). They are easily found, and well worth the money. For normal picture taking, it is the camera I use most often. But when I want to be creative, I revert to my T3. The FS-1 was also the first autoloading camera on the market. Another first for Konica. Flash is synchronized at 1/100 second with the Konica X-24 flash and is set from 2 to 1/60 second with other electronic flash units. The FS-1 came out in 1979. Body weight without lens and batteries is 560 grams (19.8 oz.).
Konica FC-1 - Basically a FS-1 without the built-in winder, introduced in 1980. An optional power winder is available that gives 1.5 frames per second. Shutter speed is 2s-1/1000 and the ISO/ASA range is 25-1600. Usually found with the 40mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 lens, or body only. Body weight is 525 grams (18.5 oz).
Konica FP-1 - A program mode camera, and only program mode. It was introduced in 1981 for the foreign market. It has both shutter priority and aperture priority functions. Shutter speed is from 30 seconds to 1/1000. ISO/ASA range goes only from 25-800. I couldn't recommended it as a first or second camera, but for a collector it is unique among the Konica line. It's the only Konica to have Aperture Priority available. Weight 17.5 ounces.
Konica FT1 Motor - Introduced in 1983. It's motor drive advances film at the rate of 2 1/2 frames per second. It has a digitally-controllled vertical action metal focal plane shutter. Top shutter speed is 1/1000 second. The ISO?ASA range is 25-3200. It is powered by 4 AAA batteries, or an optional (and better) battery case is available that uses 4 AA cells. It has an electronic timer release and an exposure compensation dial which allows you to adjust exposure values up or down by two full stops. The body weighs 570 grams (20 oz.) without batteries.
Konica TC-X - Konica's last SLR camera. It has a bakelite body and a DX automatic film speed setting, both of which became standard on other brands of newer SLRs. The body of this camera weighs a mere 375 grams (13.2 ounces) without batteries. Shutter speeds are only offered from 1/8 through 1/1000 second (plus "B"), and flash synchronization from 1/8 through 1/60 second. Power source is a single AAA battery. If using DX film, the camera will automatically set the film speed.
Denis
The First Konica SLRs
Konica F - Introduced in 1960, with mass production beginning in 1961, the F was the world's second SLR to have a top shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second. The Canonflex R2000 was the first. The F also introduced Konica's first version of their bayonet lens mount. This mount is different than that on the Autoreflexes and later Konica models. Top flash syncronization is 1/125th second, which was the fastest on the market at the time. ISO/ASA range is 10-800. It also has a self timer. The camera weighs 36 ounces and was marketed only abroad - not sold in Japan.
Konica FS - The FS was marketed beginning in 1962. It has no exposure meter and a top shutter speed was dropped to 1/1000 second. But, like its predecessor, it has a self timer. It weighs 33.1 ounces with standard 50mm f/2 lens.
Konica FP - The FP joined the F and FS in 1963, with minor differences, including microdiaprism focusing and M/X sync. The camera was also sold in America as the Wards SLR-700. Shutter speed is from 1s-1/1000 and flash sync. is 1/125. It was commonly sold with the 52mm f/1.4 lens. Weight is 33.8 ounces with standard 52mm f/1.8 lens.
Konica Domirex - I've seen this camera listed as coming out in 1963, but I don't have any information on it.
Konica FM - The FM came out in 1965. It had a CdS exposure meter. It was the last of the older style Konica bayonet mount cameras. It also had shutter speeds from 1s-1/1000 and a flash sync. speed of 1/125. ISO/ASA range is 10-3200.
The Autoreflex SLRs
Konica Auto-Reflex- The original Konica Autoreflex (pictured above left) was spelled as two words, Auto-Reflex, on the camera body, or Auto-Rex on the Japanese market. The European version is called Revue Auto-Reflex. It was introduced in 1966, and has the honor of being the very first high-quality SLR with a metal focal-plane-shutter and automatic exposure control. It incorporated an instant -return mirror. It was also the first and only SLR to have the capability of taking half frame or full frame pictures, or switching between the two on a single roll of film. Which means, in half frame mode, on a 24 frame roll of film, you can take 48 pictures. The Auto Reflex was one of the first Auto Exposure camers, while at the time most other brands were Aperture Priority systems. The camera also has a verticle blade shutter, called the Copal Square 'S', the first camera to ever use this shutter. It was strong and accurate, but also quite loud. The Auto Reflex was also the first Konica to use the new Konica bayonet quick-mount lenses. Any new Konica bayonet quick-mount lens will work on any Konica SLR from the Auto Reflex onward, including the Electronic SLRs. Although rare, the Auto Reflex can still be found on the market place. ISO/ASA range 12-800. Shutter speeds 1s-1/1000, with flash sync to 1/125. Body weight is 26 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex T - Known as the FTA in Europe, the T was really what got Konica going as a highly respected manufacturer of SLR cameras. The T had TTL (through the lens) metering, had a modern look, and was easy to use. The meter cells were moved inside the camera, where they had been on the outside with the Auto Reflex. The camera also allows you to make double or multiple exposures. That is, you can cock the camera without advancing the film, allowing two or more pictures to be taken on the same film frame. The T was introduced in 1968. Many are still around today and are somewhat easy to find on the used market place and at auctions.
Konica Autoreflex A - Introduced in 1968 or 1969, the A is a stripped down T, and has no shutter speed faster than 1/500th of a second. It is also lacking an on/off switch, so one must keep the lens covered when not in use to save the battery. Also gone was the self-timer and depth-of-field preview system. ISO/ASA range is 25-1600. Weight with 50mm f/1.4 lens is 36 ounces.
Konica Autorex P - This was a version of the Autorex without the meter.
Konica Autoreflex T2 - Although the body does not say T2, but like its predecessor says only Autoreflex T, there is a T2. It was known as the New FTA in Japan. The T2 was an upgrade of the T and was called T2 by Konica. It was introuduced in 1970. The differences between the T and the T2 seem minor but make a great difference. The T has its power switch on the back of the top cover, behind the winding lever, and lacks a shutter release lock. The T2 has a shutter release lock with power switch on the collar of the shutter release lock. The T2 also has a smoother, shorter shutter release, and shutter speeds are visible in the bottom of the viewfinder. Since most people don't know these differences, you can often find a T2 that is advertised as simply a Autoreflex T, as was the case when I purchased mine. ISO/ASA range is 25-1600 and flash sync. speed is up to 1/125. Body weight is 26 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex A2 - This camera was sold only in the United States and was introduced in 1971. What differences, if any, between it and the original A are unknown to me.
Konica Autoreflex A 1000 - An improved A, with a top shutter speed of 1/1000 second was introduced in 1972. Weight, with 50mm f/1.8 lens is 32 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex A3 - Produced in 1973. Shutter speed 1s-1/1000, flash sync. to 1/125, and an ISO/ASA rnge of 12-3200. No self timer. Body weight 24 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex T3 - Like its predecessors, the T and T2, it also has multi-exposure capability, a self-timer, and a range of shutter speeds from B to 1/1000th of a second. It is a heavy, well built camera that just keeps on going and going. The T3 was introduced in 1973. Some are still in use by professional photographers, and they are easily found at auctions and in the used market place. Weight with a 57mm f1.4 lens is 36.8 ounces. They can be found with either the microdiaprism spot or split-field rangefider focus system. It has a bright and informative viewfinder. Multiple exposures are very easy to make with its ME switch, which allows you to hold the switch while advancing the cocking lever without advancing the film. A unique system which makes multiple exposures very simple, once again, another first for Konica. The T3 also greatly improved the shutter release. It takes less than half the pressure and a third of the stroke (2mm) of the previous T2. The T3 also has an automatic power switch, in that when the cocking lever is cocked, the power switch is automatically turned on. The T3 also has an improved self-timing switch that also serves as the depth-of-field preview button. It has a locking button in its center so that it doesn't operate until you're ready for it. Moving the switch towards the lens operates it as the depth-of-field preview button. Other improvements in the T3 include: a magnified film counter, lens-lock button, film cassette stablizer, film take-up indicator, shutter-ready indicator, improved film transport lever grip, among others. ISO/ASA range is 12-3200. Body only weight is 26 ounces.
Konica Autoreflex T3N - Sometimes called NT3 or New T3. Designation on the camera body still said T3 and the easiest way to tell the difference is that the T3N has a flattened pentaprism, rather than a peak, with a built-in hotshoe attachment and by a white line on the self-timer switch. The last and the best of the large Autoreflex cameras. I've had my first T3 since 1975, never had it cleaned, and it's never needed repair, and still works beautifully. If you're ever serious about getting a Konica SLR, this is the one to buy. The main improvements over the original T3 is that it came with the afore mentioned built-in flash hot shoe. Another improvement is the addition of a built-in eyepiece shutter cover to block extraneous light from entering, for such times as when your eye is not pressed against the viewfinder while taking pictures. Other minor improvements were not enough for a new designation. This new T3 came on the market in 1975 and has a weight of 26 ounces, a height of 3.9 inches, a width of 5.9 inches and a depth of 1.8 inches.
Konica Autoreflex TC - Brought out in the spring of 1976, the TC is a downgraded, compact little brother to the T3, really the predecessor of the T4 and other compact SLRs that Konica would make later. However, it still accepts all lenses that the larger autreflexes used. It's a nice little camera, but should not be considered as a primary SLR, but rather as a beginner camera or as a compion to your primary, full featured Konica. It has no shutter speeds slower than 1/8th of a second, although it does go up to 1/1000 second. Flash synchronization is still through all speeds to 1/125 second. The Konica Hexanon 50mm f/1.7 lens was designed for and introduced with this camera. Camera body weighs 18 ounces (510 grams). Height is 3.5 inches, with a width of 5.4 inches and a depth of 1.8 inches. In Japan it's known as the Acom-1. One major problem with this camera is that it's leatherette covering is prone to shrinkage.
Konica Autoreflex T4 - The T4 came out in 1978, and is a compact, light weight, full featured Autoreflex in what is largely a plastic body. It was designed to combine the best features of the T3 and the TC, full-function in a compact body. However, there are improvements. The viewfinder is some 40% brighter and it has a split-image focus screen (some T3s have this and some don't). It was also capable of taking an optional power winder, which was heavy and not very fast (1.8 frames per second), and a bit on the loud side. The auto winder attaches to the bottom of the camera and is powered by six AA alkaline batteries. It retains a provission for making multiple exposures, but the ME button was moved to the back of the camera rather than its top. These are also fairly easy to find in the market place. One major problem with its appearance is that the leatherette covering is prone to shrink and/or come unglued. Body weight is 530 grams (17 ounces). A nice little camera but, with all it's improvements, does not stand up to the T or T3.
The Electronic SLRs
Konica FS-1 - The FS-1 is basically an electronic T4, with a built-in winder, although far superior than its predecessor. The winder is not fast, but makes for an excellent grip of the camera. It also has the full range of Konica shutter speeds, from B to 1/1000. Its self timer is triggered by depressing the rectangular box to the left of the lens mount, which will flash for a few seconds before operating the shutter. However, like the T4, it has no provision for multiple exposures. It is slightly larger than a T4, and second only to the FT-1 Motor, of Konica's electronic SLRs (although I personally prefer the FS-1 over the FT-1). They are easily found, and well worth the money. For normal picture taking, it is the camera I use most often. But when I want to be creative, I revert to my T3. The FS-1 was also the first autoloading camera on the market. Another first for Konica. Flash is synchronized at 1/100 second with the Konica X-24 flash and is set from 2 to 1/60 second with other electronic flash units. The FS-1 came out in 1979. Body weight without lens and batteries is 560 grams (19.8 oz.).
Konica FC-1 - Basically a FS-1 without the built-in winder, introduced in 1980. An optional power winder is available that gives 1.5 frames per second. Shutter speed is 2s-1/1000 and the ISO/ASA range is 25-1600. Usually found with the 40mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 lens, or body only. Body weight is 525 grams (18.5 oz).
Konica FP-1 - A program mode camera, and only program mode. It was introduced in 1981 for the foreign market. It has both shutter priority and aperture priority functions. Shutter speed is from 30 seconds to 1/1000. ISO/ASA range goes only from 25-800. I couldn't recommended it as a first or second camera, but for a collector it is unique among the Konica line. It's the only Konica to have Aperture Priority available. Weight 17.5 ounces.
Konica FT1 Motor - Introduced in 1983. It's motor drive advances film at the rate of 2 1/2 frames per second. It has a digitally-controllled vertical action metal focal plane shutter. Top shutter speed is 1/1000 second. The ISO?ASA range is 25-3200. It is powered by 4 AAA batteries, or an optional (and better) battery case is available that uses 4 AA cells. It has an electronic timer release and an exposure compensation dial which allows you to adjust exposure values up or down by two full stops. The body weighs 570 grams (20 oz.) without batteries.
Konica TC-X - Konica's last SLR camera. It has a bakelite body and a DX automatic film speed setting, both of which became standard on other brands of newer SLRs. The body of this camera weighs a mere 375 grams (13.2 ounces) without batteries. Shutter speeds are only offered from 1/8 through 1/1000 second (plus "B"), and flash synchronization from 1/8 through 1/60 second. Power source is a single AAA battery. If using DX film, the camera will automatically set the film speed.