Konica S2

N

nwcanonman

Guest
Does anyone else have a Konica S2? Just got one that looks almost new (outside) and the meter works too! Original box, manual and leather case included. The only problem is the gooey seal-foam (normal) and it's effected the film counter (I think), which doesn't return back to "0", only back to about 22 - 24. Any ideas on a fix? The counter goes up to 40, and the film advance/shutter will keep working after it stays there. So I could just keep count in my head - LOL.
It's nice to have a built-in lens shade though, and this one came with a UV filter in place, so the lens is spotless. Looking forward to the Test Shoot this weekend :)
 
I've got the Konica Auto S, Konica Auto S2 and the Montgomery Wards version, the AM 551. The top comes off pretty easily and the frame counter gearing is readily accesible. Probably just needs to be cleaned and lightly lubed.

-Paul
 
Thanks Paul,
I've got the web page of the Konica repairs saved in favorites. Hope my repair skills are up up it - LOL. It sure looks like a GREAT lil' RF, how do you like yours?
 
It's really a fairly simple camera to work on. You can get the top deck off quickly - take the film rewind knob off, undo the screw under it, use a piece of rubber to help loosen the top fitting on the shutter advance lever, undo some bits under it while remembering the order they came off and you're done. Take it off carefully though - there is a wire under there. You may need to do a little cleaning around the dial and rear door once you're in - I'd open mine up and render an opinion as to how to proceed, but I have half a roll of film still in it. Cleaning the goo from the light seals is a good start.

I think it's a great camera - it's sturdy, the body covering is indestructible and the viewfinder is very bright. I have a version of the S2 called the S1.6 - same exact camera, but the 1:1.8 lens is replaced by a faster 1:1.6. I think you're really going to enjoy owning the Konica - good luck!

large.jpg
 
I had one and sold it... because it couldn't quite replace the Canonet. But it is a really good, sturdy tool, with a reliable meter and a nice solid feel to it. And talk about the Leica-esque viewfinder!

I really liked mine, but I needed funds to satisfy other cravings so it found a home where I'm sure it rules. Sometimes I miss it... :(
 
Well, I ran a roll of plain Fuji Superia 400 through and am very impressed with sharpness, contrast and color. I still haven't taken it apart to fix the counter, but it takes such pretty pics I'm putting a roll of Velvia through it to really test it.
Very solid feel, great viewfinder, really good metering and a built in lens HOOD - Hear that Bill - LOL.
I'll post a scan when I've time :)
 
congrats on your auto s2. it's a ridiculous nice camera to pick up at a very low price. i have three of them - the meter works on just one, but i shoot with all three. the lens is every bit as good as the canonet QL17--the biggest difference is the 45mm coverage v. 40mm on the canon and the size--it's not quite pocketable like the canon.

went to the hardware store and spent a couple of hours resealing the doors--they all needed it. now they're lighttight. i have also a little experience with disassembly (on my auto s1.6) and i would recommend taking off that top cap and cleaning around the film counter. i would not recommend messing with the lens.

i am sure you will enjoy this camera.
the bridge photo in my gallery was taken with the
konica auto s2
 
Bill,
Great shot of Shakespeare, my golden retriever is only 2 years old (great dogs). Those crops of the the boat show how incredibly sharp this lens is. It think mine might be as sharp as any prime SLR lens I own - that's saying a lot. :)
 
I have both an S2 and a Montgomery Wards AM551 (Wards labeled version).

When my S2 came, it had a bashed in top. I bought a parts S2 and swapped the tops, That's when I found out that there at least two different types of S2 top decks. Outwardly they look the same, but internally they have different internal attachment supports. I was able to switch enough parts to make the transplant work, but it was interesting to see how the manufacturing process changed over the life of the camera.

Also, the S2 and its older sibling the Auto S have extremely thick metal on the top decks. If you see one dented, it means it took quit a shot.

-Paul
 
Beginner in B&W, konica Auto s2

Beginner in B&W, konica Auto s2

thanks for the advice. i am in between the Konica and the Canaonet giii now.

will continue to research these two cameras. want to use either one or the other for r B&W wihtout having the wieight of my NIkon F. GSN is nice but no indication of shutter speed and aperture in the viewfinder which i find difficult.

thanks again for all your help and advice..
 
I have the Wards am551 version of the Auto S2. I bought it thinking that it would be a fun camera to play around with, but instead I'm extremely impressed by it. The lens compares quite favorably to my favorite RF, the GIII QL17, and even though it's bigger, it feels very sturdy and nice to handle. It's an outstanding camera!
 
IMHO, at least on their fixed lens rangefinders, Konica lenses are perhaps the best in the segment. I have an older one and it ROCKS (IIIm I think it's called). When ever I used the S2 at school I loved it.

B2 (;->
 
Nuff' said already here, KAS2 is worthwhile user.

I don't really like DOF scale and grip of speed/aperture controls, stiff release button - but cons are limited to this.
Anything else are pros. Nice VF, size/weight ratio, short throw advance.

I'm not especially thrilled by built-in shade - it can slip back while using and is shorter than optimal because use of filters is taken into account. But it's always there even if you would forget one, and makes feel of completed package.

Another thing to mention is engineering quality. To say, while you need to tear black paper covering on Electro to access RF glass for cleaning, KAS/KAS2 have blackened metal plate secured by screws. Class!
 
I like the S2 also but one complaint I have is the adhesive that
was used to secure some of the internal RF parts ages and lets go,
leaving loose parts knocking around. Repositioning them can
be a trying task. Before you buy an S2, shake it and see if you
hear a rattle under the top cover.
 
I have a S2 who has a cloudy viewfinder that needs to be to cleaned, If any of folks have the links to those konica repair pages. I would certainly be very thankful -Thanks a miillion - Michael
 
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