"Unique" Konica C35/S3 on oBoy

[Trius]

I normally don't post "heads up" info, but I've never seen this camera before, hell, I've never heard of it. Auction 220037527772. Won't go cheap obviously, but it's an S3 with shutter priority or manual; the S3 only had programmed no manual, I think.

Earl

 

[PhotoMat]

Earl:

The Konica C35 FD listed on Ebay is the same as the Auto S3. The FD model was for distribution to the domestic (Japan) market, while the Auto S3 was the export version of this same camera, with the exception of the black anodized finish of the S3.

The C35 FD/Auto S3 is a shutter priority camera with no provision for manual exposure. Do not confuse this with the C35 Automatic, which, as its name implies, is fully automatic in operation.

Konica seemed to like the C35 moniker, as many of this series of rangefinder carried similar (and confusing) names. I have both the Auto S3 and the C35 Automatic. While S3's can get somewhat pricey on Ebay, the auction referenced in your post seems to be particularly exhorbitant -- over 100 bucks for a non-working camera -- ouch!

 

[Trius]

Thanks for the correction on the manual exposure option; I misread the ad.

Yes, I thought the price was exorbitant. I had a C35 Automatic which I recently sold to Gene, and the C35-V was my first 35mm camera years ago. The 38/2.8 lens is a great lens.

 

[PhotoMat]

The C35 is a real sleeper, isn't it? Great lens in a small package -- and they can usually be picked up dirt cheap!

 

[PhotoMat]

Oops -- sorry 'bout the gargantuan size of the attached photos. Not everyone wants to examine dust specks.😀

 

[Superbus_]

In general, what is your opinion about the konica c 35? I just thinking about buying another rangefinder...

 

[PhotoMat]

The C35 is a basic, no frills rangefinder that functions only in automatic mode -- there is no provision for manual exposure control. However, if you are looking for a very compact rangefinder with a lens of stunning quality, the C35 is an excellent value.

For a more in depth write up on the Konica C35 series, check out this page:

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/youngds/Classic35/KonicaC35/KonicaC35.htm

 

[Superbus_]

Thank you very much for the information. I prefer fully manual cameras but these konica 35 rangefinders so cheap that I can hardly resist to buy one, I think here everybody can uderstand it. 🙂