Found my old Konica C35AF

JeffGreene

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I was downstairs digging through the basement in preparation for spring cleaning, and came across my old Konica C35AF. I purchased it in 1977. It was something of a "first" at the time of purchase. It was the first production autofocus camera. It featured a passive autofocus system developed by Honeywell which was later supplanted by current modern systems. Of course, as such, it will not warm the cockles of many hearts here on the forum. It was still in the box and in excellent condition. Out of curiosity I ran a roll of film through it. I'll be picking the roll up later today or tomorrow. I bought it for my wife, but she never really used it. Did anyone else ever own this camera. :D
 
I have two Konica C35s, I know they are very different. But if they have they same lens. You will be treated to a wonderful pocket film camera. This is the Konica C35auto:

2316941831_73181902c6.jpg
 
Bought mine in Vietnam, 1971 while on a temporary duty assignment. Still haul it out form time to time, it is a wonderful, small unit. If you can find a Vivitar 200 flash, which uses a 9v battery, it is a real sweet setup. The Vivitar 200 recycles almost instantaneously, and is good on auto to about 15'-20'. Or find any cheap manual flash and use the GN setup - really slick idea in its day.
 
The camera still performed beautifully, You're right, a great camera on the cheap. My wife never used it. It's a virtually new-old camera. I'll probably be selling it along with many of my existing fixed lens rangefinders which I just don't use anymore. I'd rather they go somewhere where they'll be used.
 
I just picked up a Minolta Hi-Matic AF2. From what I've learned, there are several cameras based on this design, Hi-Matic AF and AF2 and the Konicas. There are some cosmetic and feature differences, but the chasis is the same right down to the strap lugs. I am really enjoying the camera. It is an easy grab and go camera. It is also catching peoples attention. People are asking what new camera it is. I just laugh and smile. :D I am still running the first roll so I can't say first hand about the picture quality, but from what I've seen on the sharing groups, it produces very good pictures.
 
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