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Created 4 April 2009 ... Updated 4 April 2009



Konica C 35A

Konica C 35A The Konica C 35 series consists of at least 25 several models and have a cult following. It was initially designed to be a camera for the masses: automatic exposure, small and a modern look. The competition at the time of production came from Olympus (35 RC series) and Minolta (Hi-Matic series).

The Konica C35 has a terrific 2.8 lens which is sharp and contrasty. It's size makes it small enough to fit into a pocket and it's very light too so it will always fit somewhere, no matter where you go. What also helps is there good built quality, they are very sturdy because of the full metal construction and the only problems that seem to come up are electrical issues such as corroded battery contacts and loose soldering points. Of course the light seals might be shot as well, but that's a common issue with most camera from the 1960s and 1970s. A good light seal kit is sold by "Interslice", I've used the inexpensive kit many times with great success.

The view finder shows the shutter speed and the selected aperture on the right side of the viewfinder and there is an over- and under exposure warning. However, this warning signal is not linked with the shutter button so you always have to check the needle before you take a picture.

When you look at my pictures more closely you will notice the missing film rewind wheel. This camera was bought used and someone apparently broke off the button. The camera itself still works perfectly fine and just rewinding the film is a little boring.

They are great little cameras and possibly the smallest rangefinders for 35mm film around.

Specifications
Manufacturor  :  Konishiroku Co., Japan
Model  :  Konica C 35A
Type  :  35mm coupled rangefinder camera
Produced  :  1971
K.D. Müller Reference  :  K
Film  :  35mm (Type 135)
Picture size  :  24 x 36 mm
Made in  :  Japan
Material  :  Aluminium
Lens  :  Fixed. Hexanon 38 mm F/2.8, 4 elements in 3 groups
Filter size  :  46 mm. Filter placed over the exposure cell so no manual filter factor calculations needed.
Focusing  :  Coupled Rangefinder
Manual through the focus ring or the focus knob on this ring.
Focus range  :  1 meter - infinity
Viewfinder  :  Bright range finder with shutter and aperture blended in
Shutter  :  Copal leaf shutter. 1/30 - 1/650 and Bulb.
Without power the shutter defaults to 1/30.
Aperture  :  automatic: f/2,8 - f/14
Self timer  :  yes
Exposure  :  Automatic
Film speed settings  :  ASA 25 - 400
Exposure meter  :  CdS cell above the lens.
Power  :  PX 675 1,35 Volt mercury battery or alternatively a Wein Cell or hearing aid battery.
Keep the lens cap on to conserver battery power.
Flash  :  Hot shoe on top of the camera
When the flashmatic system is used, the Shutter speed goes down to 1/25 second. When using flash matic and connecting the small X14 electronic flash unit, the camera will automatically activate flash when conditions demands for more light and the camera is set to Auto. Very neat for a 1960s camera unit.
Flash Contact  :  Hot shoe and PC sync socket on the left hand side on the body
Film Advance  :  Manual, single stroke 180° using lever on top of the camera
Shutter release  :  A cable release may be screwed into the top of the shutter relase button which itself sits on the top of the camera.
Dimensions  :  112 x 75 x 52 mm (W x H x D) including lens
Body serial number  : 
Collection status  :  to be sold
Konica C 35A

links Konica C 35A weblinks
links Konica time line
links A full time line may be found on Wikipedia.

links Konica C35 at Camerapedia
links Systems overview at Camerapedia.

links Konica instruction manuals
links Read the manual at Michael Butkus' Website.


All photos copyright of M. Koning 1997 - 2009

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