Konica C35

[Harlee]

I really like the Konica C35. I've had one in my possession since living in Okinawa and Japan from 1970-73. I've had my present one for probably 15years and it has served me faithfully, both here and in Russia and Ukraine.
I noticed today while testing it out because it gave me some problems in St. Petersburg, Russia in '09 and now I noticed that shooting at ISO 200, Kodak film, on a bright and sunny day here in Florida that it's indicating the shutter speed between 1/60 and 1/125, and the F stop between F2.8 and F4. I'm figuring that that's about two F stops lower than it should be. Before I tear into it, can anyone out there tell me if there's a reostate or pot adjustment for the meter somewhere in the camera? Tomorrow, Ill check it out with a new battery and see what it reads. Right now I'm using a zinc air 1.4V battery, and it's possible it may be near extinction. Would appreciate any help with it.

 

[xxloverxx]

First thing that came into my mind when I read this post - ISO dial set wrongly? I know it's right next to the front element, but might you have accidentally changed it?
Other ideas that came to mind:
Check where you're metering (against the sky? reflective objects like cars? a white pavement that the sun's shining on?)
Your battery may be the problem - according to this page, the original battery was a 1.3v. Would that be making the difference?

I don't put batteries in my cameras, sorry. These are just a few guesses from past experience with my now-nearly broken Ricoh 500G.

 

[Harlee]

Found out the problem............the zinc 1.4v battery was on it's last legs. I replaced it with a new 1.4v hearing aid battery and whalla, the needle jumped up to around 1/250 and around F8 on a nice sunny day here in Orlando. ThAT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!

 

[charjohncarter]

Good, I use those too. And they have a way of going down slowly. I try, as I use my C35 and my 35RC only on vacations, to put new batteries in just before leaving. I've been fooled more than once.

 

[Harlee]

Yes, as I think back now to when I was in St. Petersburg, Russia a year ago, the C35 was doing just great and then kaboom, it started to go haywire. Most likely a zinc battery problem. I read somewhere that if you block off the air holes they'll live longer, but I don't know if that's true. Anyway, I left the blue removable tab on the one I just inserted to see if there's any truth to it. I head back into Ukraine in a couple of weeks and I may throw in the C35 [along with my Russian slr and lens] to see how it's working.

 

[btgc]

I have read some people open just one hole, can not confirm cell such way lasts longer and yet gives proper voltage. Others put a tape over holes to shutdown cell (as I realize there's no chemical reaction without air).

Harlee, you have great trips, I read! Real trips, I mean 🙂

 

[Harlee]

Well, after letting my C35 sit for a few hours with the holes on the zinc 1.4v covered up, I took it outside and it wouldn't register shutter speed or F stop. I removed the blue tab covering the holes and the meter came back to life. I then covered up all the holes but one, and the same thing happened after about an hour, the meter read around 1/30 at 2.8. Removed the blue tab and the meter came back to life again. 1/250 at F8. Soooooooooo, it looks to me as though the holes need to be kept open. Certainly not a scientific test, but a pragmatic one to say the least.

 

[ZeissFan]

I think you've discovered why they're called "zinc air."

I've decided that they cost so little that it really doesn't mean much to me to try to squeeze another couple of weeks out of one.

 

[Harlee]

You're absolutely correct. At about $1.25 apiece, what can you expect?

 

[OMboy]

Keep your eyes open - I picked up a bulk pack of 60 zinc-air batteries (dated 2013) for £2 on Ebuy including postage...😀

 

[wiedo]

I bought one two days ago and i have trouble turning the ASA dail, it seems to be stuck at 125.. Also the vertical alignment of the viewfinder is off..

Does somebody know how to fix this issues? (i didn't even try a battery yet)

 

[charjohncarter]

I bought one two days ago and i have trouble turning the ASA dail, it seems to be stuck at 125.. Also the vertical alignment of the viewfinder is off..

Does somebody know how to fix this issues? (i didn't even try a battery yet)

Be very careful here. This dial uses detentes with little ball bearings to snap it in position. Lose one of those ball bearings and it's over. I would check first to see if the filter ring has been damaged, they are soft aluminum and can either bind the focus ring and possibly bind the ASA ring. If the filter rings is pristine then you could loosen the ring holding the ASA ring slightly and try to move the ASA ring.

 

[wiedo]

Be very careful here. This dial uses detentes with little ball bearings to snap it in position. Lose one of those ball bearings and it's over. I would check first to see if the filter ring has been damaged, they are soft aluminum and can either bind the focus ring and possibly bind the ASA ring. If the filter rings is pristine then you could loosen the ring holding the ASA ring slightly and try to move the ASA ring.

I'll try this when i'm also repairing the rangefinder.

I also stumbled upon this picture yesterday:

I like the 'fake' wood look and the leatherette of my Konica needs some refreshment, so i'll try to find some vinyl flooring or something to replace it (maybe it's a little slippery, but hey, i like the look).