new member, old camera, any advice

[old bob]

Hello to all, New to the forum, I have returned to photography after an absence of 25 years (I have been using a digital in a lazy fashion) although I still have a couple of slr cameras I decided my return would be with a different camera so I bought a 1950s Konica 111 rangefinder camera, it is a heavy thing but but together brilliantly and the results so far have been better than I expected, I know this camera may seem a distant poor relation compared with what is seen as quality RF camera, but all the same I am impressed with it, in the past it was described as the best fixed lens camera produced so it does have some merit, anyone who has come across this camera will know that all controls are on the front including the flash sync which has a three position switch "M" which is described as 20m/sec "F" which is 5-10m/sec and "X" which is described as for use with strobe lights at all shutter speeds, The accessory shoe is cold not hot, When I got the camera it came with an old flash gun and a few "M" type and "F" type bulbs, I am yet to try this out but as it is heavy, awkward to handle and quite unwealdly I was hoping someone on the forum could point me in the direction of a modern(ish) style cold shoe flashgun with sinc cable that would work well with my Konica 111, I am not looking to spend a huge amount as I only envisage using the flash on the odd occasion, any advice would be gratefully taken and should any members have memories of using one of these cameras I would like to hear of any experiences,

Old Bob, (used to be Bob and young Bob in days gone by)

 

[Calzone]

Old Bob,

Welcome.

I already like your retro styling.

For old school get a Vivitar 283. Back in the day these were real work horses.

Using guide numbers and thinking fast when we have full hard drives will be a challenege. LOL. TTL is for lazy slackers. LOL.

My old Vivitar 283 I gave away the Luis Mendez the urban legend who uses them with a Crown Graphic to do his street portraits.

Cal

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Old Bob,

Not a "poor relation" but one of the best fixed-lens RFs ever made, if not THE best. For a review of a later Konica (and I'd rather have yours) see http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/konica sIII.html

Pretty much any old flash-gun will do, but if you buy a cheap one you'll need to learn about guide numbers (not difficult). If you want automation I can heartily recommend Metz: I used to have a 45CT-1 before I gave it away.

If you're shooting neg (mono or colour) remember always to err on the side of overexposure.

Cheers,

R.

 

[johnnyrod]

Forum member Raid loves his Konicas, see here
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46638
From what I hear, you have chosen a great camera. As said above, almost any flash will do. I would recommend one with auto (i.e. thyristor) as well as manual modes, there are plenty around for very little, but do get one you can use for bounce (so tiltable head). I'd save the bulbs for those Weegee moments.

 

[farlymac]

You can use newer hot-shoe flashes with a hot-to-PC adapter. Not only would the flash be more reliable (as most of the older ones are dying of capacitor failure), but they come with built-in exposure sensors so you only have to factor in the ISO/ASA of the film you are using.

The adapter would also raise the height of the flash unit a bit to help with eliminating "red-eye" in your people photos.

Konica cameras always had good lenses, so I'm sure you'll be getting nice results with the K III.

PF

 

[Bill Clark]

Welcome to rangefinder forum.

Hope you find tools that help you make your photographs.

I hardly ever use a flash as I look for light I can use to make the photographs I want to make. I can find good controlled light in many places. A reflector is my pal. Some will dispute this, looking to find fault, but that goes with the territory of an internet forum.

If your heart is set on buying a flash Cal has a good idea.

Smiles.

 

[daveleo]

Hey, welcome to RFF.
If you're using old gear, you found the right schoolyard here 🙂

I just checked. I have an old Sunpack I could have sent you (I gave all my other flash guns away) but it does not have a synch cord inlet.
I'm sure you can get a decent old flash for very little $$$ today on EBAY or wherever.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Welcome to rangefinder forum.

Hope you find tools that help you make your photographs.

I hardly ever use a flash as I look for light I can use to make the photographs I want to make. I can find good controlled light in many places. A reflector is my pal. Some will dispute this, looking to find fault, but that goes with the territory of an internet forum.

If your heart is set on buying a flash Cal has a good idea.

Smiles.

Dear Bill,

Seconded (all of it).

Cheers,

R.

 

[mpaniagua]

Welcome to the forum. One of the first cameras I tried was Konica. Good lens.

Agree with Cal suggestion. Big old work horse and are rather good value for the money.

Hope you enjoy the forum.

Regards

Marcelo

 

[Calzone]

Welcome to the forum. One of the first cameras I tried was Konica. Good lens.

Agree with Cal suggestion. Big old work horse and are rather good value for the money.

Hope you enjoy the forum.

Regards

Marcelo

Old is good. LOL.

Cal

 

[leica M2 fan]

When my wife and I were first married she wanted a camera to join in with me on our outings. I got her a Konica RF but I can't remember the model. She was able to take some fine shots and we had great times together, those were the good old days!
Edit: sorry I went back and dug out some old history and it seems that the camera was an Olympus S, not a Konica.

 

[CMur12]

Welcome, Old Bob!

I, too, almost never use flash, but I have a Vivitar 283, as already suggested and seconded. This flash came standard with an automatic module, but you could get an accessory manual variable-power module, as well, and an extension cord to use the flash off-camera, which worked with both modules. The very similar model 285 has a zoom head on it.

These flashes and related accessories were sold in huge numbers and should be easy to find.

- Murray

 

[konicaman]

Hello Old Bob and welcome to this nice and friendly forum; I am sure you are going to like it here.

That is +1 for the Vivitar 283

And as already stated - it is hard to beat those Hexanon lenses. Have fun!