Konica Minolta just keeps impressing me

[flip]

I received shipment on a TC-1 today. It's titanium exterior matches my Hexar AF Titanium and Hexar RF Ltd. I'm impressed.

It's possible to find something that is missing in any of these. The finder on the RF isn't up to Leica standards. The AF lacks cable release and high shutter speeds. The TC-1 is a bit noisy.

But, they're all really well targeted products. I mean, there is no question in my mind about which camera I want when I need to be quiet, do IR, multiple exposures, 35mm street. If I have nothing but a pocket and don't want to wear a strap, it's simple. If I plan to bring a few lenses, but don't want to lug multiple bodies to switch rolls of film, it's obvious. And all options allowed (or guaranteed) good glass. Possibly the only thing that I cannot feel comfortable with was the 60/1.2, which is awesome, but for which Konica did not produce a body capable of consistently, accurately focusing.

I even grudgingly admit to being impressed by their Sneeches-esque marketing of titanium vs. black finished bodies. LTD RF is titanium. LTD TC-1 is black. I guess there's a sense of humor in the company, too.

Konica Minolta is cool.

[Wow, was that 1000 posts?!]

 

[Michalm]

Congratulations on your purchase . Lens built in this camera is worth 1500$ , and is apparently stunning performer . Camera is really small but cant take anything above 400iso films . It is worth to buy one anyway and if breaks down have the lens profesionally removed and converted into M barell .

 

[flip]

Congratulations on your purchase . Lens built in this camera is worth 1500$ , and is apparently stunning performer . Camera is really small but cant take anything above 400iso films . It is worth to buy one anyway and if breaks down have the lens profesionally removed and converted into M barell .

I'm not sure about the ISO limitation... I understand it can be set manually to up to 6400.

 

[dogbunny]

I didn't set out to become one, but I guess I am a Konica guy. I started with a Hexar AF Titanium and got an RF later. Coincidentally, I'm eyeing a TC-1. I'd be keen to see your results.

db

 

[Michalm]

Well i was wrong , should have double-check before posting , yes dx can be set up to 3200 , Lovely camera i want one.

 

[flip]

The real trip is the size. I mean, I put the three together...

Apologies for the finder and random tape.

 

[Pherdinand]

konica was not involved with minolta in the hexar times...

but yes, both made cameras with a lot of sense.

 

[flip]

konica was not involved with minolta in the hexar times...

but yes, both made cameras with a lot of sense.

Naturally - name being different and all - but the sensibilities... No wonder they got married.

 

[helen.HH]

WOW , Looks like a Great set up...just Get Up & Go !

 

[Shutterspark]

Minolta and Konica were two of the greatest innovators back in the day. Now go buy the Maxxum 7/9 😉

 

[flip]

Minolta and Konica were two of the greatest innovators back in the day. Now go buy the Maxxum 7/9 😉

Don't SAY that. There is a purge in my future. Read my lips: "No new 35mm."

 

[flip]

Dev'd my first roll with the TC-1. I learned something. Up to now, the only autofocus camera I had was the Hexar AF. The AF on the AF is different from the AF on the TC-1. I suspect I frequently missed my target or wasn't sensitive to the non-IR, spot-focus nature of the TC-1's focus. Add to it the lack of a minimum speed like the AF, and I realized what a crutch the Hexar had given me. Enough self-abuse.

HP5+ / Rodinal

 

[sanmich]

The real trip is the size. I mean, I put the three together...

Apologies for the finder and random tape.

I really need to ask:
what is that finder on the AF, and ...why?😱

 

[flip]

I really need to ask:
what is that finder on the AF, and ...why?😱

It's one of a couple of 1:1 35 finders I have located. In that case, a Diax. Why? Well, the finder on the AF is good, and typically what I use. For some situations, when I want a more Canon-P vibe, the finder does the trick. I trust the autofocus, so why not get 1:1 as a bonus? 😱

I should add that the REAL reason for buying these finders was to use with my Nex. I got a Biogon 25 and that crops to 35 on the Nex. With proper hyperfocal distance set, it's a 1:1 people shooter.

 

[Nokton48]

Minolta and Konica were two of the greatest innovators back in the day.)

Don't know about Konica (myself), but Minolta, no doubt.