Konica Auto S

[FallisPhoto]

Not too long ago, I acquired an Auto S on ebay and restored it. It is as good as new, but one thing keeps bothering me -- that plastic battery cover. I'd like to "improve on nature" and replace it with a metal battery cover. I've gone through my parts bin and can't find a metal battery cover that fits. I'm betting a lot of them got broken, as it is an obvious weak point, and so somebody out there has probably thought along the same lines I did and replaced it with a metal one after his plastic cover broke. Does anyone know of a metal battery cover that will work with an Auto S?

 

[raid]

I am sending my Auto S out for repair ... for the third time in two years. The battery cover is right now of second importance to me. I wish you luck in finding another alternative!

 

[FallisPhoto]

I am sending my Auto S out for repair ... for the third time in two years. The battery cover is right now of second importance to me. I wish you luck in finding another alternative!

What went wrong with yours?

 

[raid]

The film advance mechanism keeps on breaking down in the S. The S2 and the S3 stay fine. I don't know if the camera is worth a third repair.

 

[FallisPhoto]

The film advance mechanism keeps on breaking down in the S. The S2 and the S3 stay fine. I don't know if the camera is worth a third repair.

Where did you send it? If you do send it for repairs, this time I'd send it to Essex Camera Services, in New Jersey. They are about the best around and have an excellent reputation. Get it fixed right, so this doesn't happen again.

 

[raid]

You have a point here.
Essex is often recommended. There must be something to it.
Thanks.

 

[btgc]

Can't offer opinion on battery cap. Do metal cap from other camera using 625 cell (bottom and side contacts) wouldn't fit ?

Raid, I just realized that S (which I don't use yet because of sticky shutter and aperture blades) winds as smooth and well as S2 does. Maybe yours had [hidden] damage in winding mechanism, not simple misalignment.

 

[raid]

I sent off the Auto S for repair

 

[FallisPhoto]

Can't offer opinion on battery cap. Do metal cap from other camera using 625 cell (bottom and side contacts) wouldn't fit ?

Raid, I just realized that S (which I don't use yet because of sticky shutter and aperture blades) winds as smooth and well as S2 does. Maybe yours had [hidden] damage in winding mechanism, not simple misalignment.

I tried a spare battery cap I have for a Minolta Hi-Matic 7S and it doesn't fit (a bit too small). Neither do any of my others.

It never occurred to me to check, but I'd bet the S and the S2 have the same winding mechanism and I'd also bet his needs to be replaced. I suggested he send it to Essex, where they will do a good job and won't just assume it needs realignment.

 

[btgc]

I sent off the Auto S for repair

Hope they do the job this time. I must admit, you are really nuts with Konica RF's. My KAS is in "to be serviced" box.

I tried a spare battery cap I have for a Minolta Hi-Matic 7S and it doesn't fit (a bit too small). Neither do any of my others.

If it's too small, maybe thin foam strip or other padding on thread would secure cap in place (sure, tight enough not to loose metal cap) ?

It never occurred to me to check, but I'd bet the S and the S2 have the same winding mechanism

Really don't remember if mechanics are same (as time passes), though with some nuances winding feels very very very similar. I'd say - same, but some really minor nuances (incl. sounds) make me saying way I did.
Manuals also detail on throw - very similar, maybe just different adjustment:
KAS 120 swing/20 initial play
KAS2 134 swing/10 initial play

 

[Bill58]

Check w/ Greg Weber, the "acclaimed" Konica repair guy, in the USA for caps. Google his website to find him. I bought some extra, plastic S2 caps from him. They crack/ break easily--esp. w/ age!

BTW-you can ask Greg, but I don't think the S series will work w/ a metal cap (if any). Maybe it would short out the battery.

 

[Hamster]

Was there an luck in finding a solution for the Battery Cap? Mine is missing from the start and I use a 1 Yen coin to cover the the compartment to stop dust from getting in.

Perhaps you can try filing down and slotting a 1 Yen piece and also file down the plastic battery cap, then epoxy the two piece together?