which autoreflex body?

[pesphoto]

I have the konica FS-1 but want a body without the autowind. Which is the one to get?

 

[shadowfox]

T3 is very good, but a tank.
T4 is small and can be used in fully manual mode.
I don't like TC because it feels light and insubstantial, T4 feels like a Pentax MX.

 

[former member]

The original Autoreflex T MUST have a battery in it for the aperture to close down, even on manual mode. Strange: but that is the way that the one I picked up operated.

I use an FT-1, also have an FS-1. Go for the T4, smaller and nicely made.

 

[pesphoto]

thanks fellas!

 

[murpograph]

I had them all. Kept the FS-1 and the T3. When you ever used a T3 you will not enjoy the T4 or the TC. The T3 is an absolutely reliable tool. Maybe I'm a little silly but weight is for me no disadvantage but a sign of quality ;-).

 

[pixelatedscraps]

I have a T3 and a TC - the T3 had a fairly weakly designed shutter and as a result, there is a higher-than-normal chance of it failing. I've had two T3s: one arrived with a dead shutter, the other stopped working after about a month.

The TC fared little better and recently stopped working after about 6 months. The repair guy I took them to here in Hong Kong (Mr. Lee of Panda Camera Repair) simply uttered,

"Konica T series..hmm..good lenses, poor shutter. Tsk, tsk..."

It's a shame the Hexanon ARs are so difficult to mount on any digital body as they are such great lenses, and cheap to boot, too.

 

[pesphoto]

yes, ive discovered I really love the look of the ar lenses. Especially the 40mm 1.8...the FS-1 i had died and I just got a new one off KEH for $59. At least they are cheap to replace when they go. But it's really about these lenses not the bodies......gonna look at a TC or T4 i think as I like the smaller bodies.

 

[smasher]

Yep. The lenses are amazing. The bodies kind of suck.

I've got a T, a T4, and a TC. The T's meter doesn't work at all, but the thing feels like a brick, and it's a lot of fun to shoot meterless.

The T4 and the TC have unreliable meters. I shoot Sunny 16 with them, too.

 

[pesphoto]

thanks smasher...I used to live in Somerville near Davis sq...in RI now

Yep. The lenses are amazing. The bodies kind of suck.

I've got a T, a T4, and a TC. The T's meter doesn't work at all, but the thing feels like a brick, and it's a lot of fun to shoot meterless.

The T4 and the TC have unreliable meters. I shoot Sunny 16 with them, too.

 

[David Murphy]

I am looking for an original one with half frame control. These are a little pricey. Right now I'm using a T3 which has been battery converted to use alkaline cells. It's an excellent SLR aside from being a little heavy. Full manual or automatic control is available AND the shutter is fully mechanical! I think the only other SLR to accomplish that was the Pentax LX (a very expensive camera).

 

[former member]

The Canon EF also has a "hybrid" shutter, battery is required for the very long shutter times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF_camera

Nikon's FM3a also has manual mode w/o battery.

The Konica's use "trap-Needle" for shutter preferred automatic. Pushing the shutter release provides for force for the automation.

 

[pesphoto]

David, have you heard of Greg Weber? He might have what you want, I would love an orig w/ half frame. BUt out of my price range now. I asked Greg about a TC w/ battery conversion. He converts them, sells em for $150.
http://www.webercamera.com/

 

[shadowfox]

The T4 and the TC have unreliable meters. I shoot Sunny 16 with them, too.

I think it's not that they are unreliable as much as they are weirdly designed. They are shutter priority in AE mode, and if you want to use it non-AE, you only have that band of white area to guide you in the viewfinder.

I much prefer Aperture-priority anyways, so I just take the battery out of my T4 and use it with Sunny-16 like you do. More fun that way too 🙂

One thing I just find out with the T4, the viewfinder usable, but it is rather dim when compared to OM-1 and Nikon F3.

 

[shadowfox]

I asked Greg about a TC w/ battery conversion. He converts them, sells em for $150.
http://www.webercamera.com/

Ouch, that is very expensive for a TC.

Paul, if you must have a meter, I think you'll be better of getting an FT-1. But you must stress out to the seller that the battery contact on the grip must be clean and working. That is its Achilles' heel.

I had one and the meter is very accurate.

 

[pesphoto]

I agree, too much for this camera even if it is CLA'd and converted.
I have an FS-1 that works just fine and I really like but am hunting for a body w/o built in winder. Will prob take a chance on an ebay TC. Seems like they go for next to nothing and that fits my budget .....

Ouch, that is very expensive for a TC.

Paul, if you must have a meter, I think you'll be better of getting an FT-1. But you must stress out to the seller that the battery contact on the grip must be clean and working. That is its Achilles' heel.

I had one and the meter is very accurate.