Konica I,II, III, and IIIM: Mini Review

[raid]

Like many people here, I have used the Konica Auto S2, which is widely written about and which deservedly is labeled as a bargain quality camera. I was so impressed with the S2 and the S that I looked for additonal Konica RF cameras.

One day, I bought a Konica, which is the first of the Konica RF series of cameras. It is also referred to as Konica I. There are several websites on these older Konica RF cameras, so I won't waste your time on technical issues here. The Konica I has a sharp lens Hexar 50mm/3.5 lens. It seems that it was also sold with a 50mm/2.8 Hexanon lens. The 50mm is collapsible. The shutter speeds range from B,1, to 500.

One quirk with this model is the film advance. You must push a small button located closeto the VF each time you want to advance the film a frame by rotating a knob.

Quality of craftmanship is first class. This is a small, but heavy camera made out of metal. It gives me fully manual control of exposure. The VF is small,but focusing is very easy.

Here are a few photos of the camera:

 

[Apocaplops]

I have to say the Konica I is the first classic rangefinder I've owned that I could see myself using as a daily camera. After using a Fed 4 and Argus C3 for a while, the Konica's ergonomics are simple and intuitive, and I love the way it feels in my hands. I'm running through the test roll right now, but I think I've found a keeper.

 

[raid]

Yes, you have a beautiful set-up here.

How come this part of the more extensive thread from yesterday is now showing up here?

 

[shiro_kuro]

Could someone comment on how they use this camera ..... I have the Konica III .... am not sure I understand the Light Value Method described in the manual ....... can I change any of the settings after the shutter is advanced ? ..... What is the advantage of this type of shutter set up and how does one use it properly? .... I really enjoy this camera and would love to have a more complete understanding of how it works ....
thanks

 

[radiocemetery]

Shiro_kuro,

The manual can be found here:

http://www.mikebutkus.com/chinon/konica/konica_iii/konica_iii.htm

Mr. Butkus has a wealth of information on his site. I have the Konica I and enjoy it very much. You can see some photos from my camera in a thread below.The thread is labeled "Konica I pictures up" by radiocemetery. (me)

Steve

 

[raid]

Could someone comment on how they use this camera ..... I have the Konica III .... am not sure I understand the Light Value Method described in the manual ....... can I change any of the settings after the shutter is advanced ? ..... What is the advantage of this type of shutter set up and how does one use it properly? .... I really enjoy this camera and would love to have a more complete understanding of how it works ....
thanks

Hi Shiro-Kuro,
I use the camera just like any other manual control camera. You can change settings any time you want to. I don't know what the light value method is.

 

[raid]

I will sell the Konica III tonight at RFF. I just need to uplaod images of the camera before placing the ad.

 

[btgc]

Maybe I had to look around here for III, instead if taking risk on ebay....anyway too late now.

 

[raid]

Maybe I had to look around here for III, instead if taking risk on ebay....anyway too late now.

There are several III's listed on ebay.

 

[btgc]

There are several III's listed on ebay.

Thanks, my III is in transit to Greg Weber, Fremont right now.

What lens hood besides original you use with model III? Seems hoods of this size (35mm screw-in or 37mm clamp-on) aren't that common.

 

[raid]

I use the original lens hood. I own many different lens hoods that I have picked up over the years. I like to search under "vintage lenshoods". There are some interesting looking chrome lenses by a bunch of manufacturers. While new lens hoods make more sense, I like vintage ones.

 

[btgc]

I use the original lens hood. ......While new lens hoods make more sense, I like vintage ones.

Sure, original hoods most usually look best, in many cases also fit best. So...congrats on having it!
Locally here we don't have vintage hoods in yard sales, on ebay they usually go for hefty prices. I took a look on original Ricoh hood for 500/519 - that's usd40! While it may be right price for rare hood, I want to stay in 5-15 range.

It's another obsession - I feel not right using old lenses without hood. So I'll look for something matching size and look.

 

[raid]

My vintage lens hoods are inexpensive as I do not search for the matching lens hood for a given lens. I just look for low cost, but interesting looking lens hoods. One day, I may have a lens on which that lens hood fits.