Difference between revisions of "Konica Autoreflex"
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== Autoreflex T2 == | == Autoreflex T2 == | ||
| − | The | + | The Autoreflex "T2" is an improved Autoreflex T. The model name on the body still says "Autoreflex T". In Japan it was sold as "New" FTA. Both the versions of T and FTA were hugely successful and are still widely found today. These models might be considered the SLRs that truly established Konica's reputation for quality. Many of both versions continue to function well 35 or more years after they were manufactured. |
| + | |||
| + | The most recognizable differences between the T"1" and T"2" (and FTA and "New" FTA)is that the latter has the on/off switch as a small collar that rotates around the shutter release button. On the earlier camera, the switch was located on the back, lefthand side. Also omitted from the later camera is a small lever under the shtuter speed dial labelled "Override" on the earlier camera. This change shows the improved range of the meter sensitivity, and the override capability was no longer considered necessary. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The T"2"/"New" FTA also saw a number of small, internal changes in the materials used and methods of assembly. This was largerly to make the camera more easily serviced. For example, where some brass screws were used originally, these were replaced with stronger steel screws that were less inclined to strip or snap off when being removed. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Although the names T"2" or "New" FTA never actually appeared on the outside of the camera, there were references to the model designation in Konishiroku memos and literature at the time. Service bulletins, for example, distinguished the later cameras from the earlier by reference to these model designations. Also, note that the next model offered was known as the Autoreflex T3. | ||
| + | |||
| + | One small flaw found in Autoreflex T is the battery compartment. It appears the wrong type of flux was used when soldering the wire connections. This makes the wire an solder more vulnerable to any battery leakage, more prone to corrosion. The fix is simple, though. Perhaps 9 out of 10 times an Autoreflex T with a non-responsive meter can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and soldering. | ||
== Autoreflex A2 == | == Autoreflex A2 == | ||
Revision as of 01:27, 30 January 2007
The Auto-Reflex and Autoreflex is a series of 35mm SLR cameras made by Konica from 1965. All these models have the Konica AR bayonet.
Contents
Konica Auto-Reflex
The Konica Auto-Reflex of 1965 was the world's first successful auto exposure 35mm SLR; hence the name. This model and its rarer, meterless companion the Konica Auto-Reflex P are the only models where "Auto-Reflex" is hyphenated. These are also the only two SLRs offering a choice of full- or half-frame exposures, switched by a lever on top of the camera. The frame size can be changed between 24×36 landscape and 18×24 portrait in mid-roll.
Autorex is the name for the domestic Japanese market. In Germany the camera was also sold as Revue Auto-Reflex.
For the Auto-Reflex, the sensor is mounted on the front, right-hand side of the camera. TTL auto exposure was also pioneered in a Konica a few years later, with the Autoreflex T (FTA in Japan).
It has the Konica AR bayonet, and shutter-priority auto-exposure with built-in CdS light meter beside the lens. PX675 type mercury batteries are only needed for the light meter. Shutter speeds run from 1s to 1/1000s and B.
See also: 47-100mm f3.5 Hexanon AR-H lens.
Konica Auto-Reflex P
The Konica Auto-Reflex P is basically a stripped-down Auto-Reflex without light meter and therefore without auto-exposure. In Japan it was sold as Autorex P, in Germany as the Revue Auto-Reflex SP.
It is fully mechanical and therefore does not have batteries. The shutter speeds are the same: 1s to 1/1000s and B. As with the Auto-Reflex, the frame size can be switched between 24×36mm landscape and 18×24mm portrait mid-roll.
Autoreflex T
The Autoreflex T was the first 35mm SLR with auto-exposure and TTL metering combined in one body. In Japan it was sold as FTA, in Germany as Revue Autoreflex TTL.
It is fully mechanical with shutter-priority auto exposure. The batteries (two PX 675 type mercury cells) were only needed for the CdS light meter. The shutter speed range was from 1s to 1/1000s and B.
Autoreflex A
The Autoreflex A is a stripped-down Autoreflex T without self-timer, mirror lock-up, depth-of-field preview, on/off-switch, and battery control, and with 1/500s top shutter speed.
Autoreflex T2
The Autoreflex "T2" is an improved Autoreflex T. The model name on the body still says "Autoreflex T". In Japan it was sold as "New" FTA. Both the versions of T and FTA were hugely successful and are still widely found today. These models might be considered the SLRs that truly established Konica's reputation for quality. Many of both versions continue to function well 35 or more years after they were manufactured.
The most recognizable differences between the T"1" and T"2" (and FTA and "New" FTA)is that the latter has the on/off switch as a small collar that rotates around the shutter release button. On the earlier camera, the switch was located on the back, lefthand side. Also omitted from the later camera is a small lever under the shtuter speed dial labelled "Override" on the earlier camera. This change shows the improved range of the meter sensitivity, and the override capability was no longer considered necessary.
The T"2"/"New" FTA also saw a number of small, internal changes in the materials used and methods of assembly. This was largerly to make the camera more easily serviced. For example, where some brass screws were used originally, these were replaced with stronger steel screws that were less inclined to strip or snap off when being removed.
Although the names T"2" or "New" FTA never actually appeared on the outside of the camera, there were references to the model designation in Konishiroku memos and literature at the time. Service bulletins, for example, distinguished the later cameras from the earlier by reference to these model designations. Also, note that the next model offered was known as the Autoreflex T3.
One small flaw found in Autoreflex T is the battery compartment. It appears the wrong type of flux was used when soldering the wire connections. This makes the wire an solder more vulnerable to any battery leakage, more prone to corrosion. The fix is simple, though. Perhaps 9 out of 10 times an Autoreflex T with a non-responsive meter can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and soldering.
Autoreflex A2
The Autoreflex A2 is an improved Autoreflex A or stripped-down Autoreflex T2 without self-timer, mirror lock-up, depth-of-field preview, on/off-switch, and battery control, and with 1/500s top shutter speed. The engravings still say Autoreflex A.
Autoreflex A1000
The Autoreflex A1000 is an improved Autoreflex A2 or stripped-down Autoreflex T2, with a top shutter speed of 1/1000s, but without self timer, on/off switch, depth-of-field preview, and mirror lock-up. It was sold only in the USA.
Autoreflex T3 and T3N
The Autoreflex T3 is an improved Autoreflex T2, now providing stop-down (depth-of-field) preview, double-exposure possibility as well as a wider range of film speed (ISO 12–3200).
The Autoreflex T3N is an improved version of the T3 with a fixed hot shoe and a viewfinder shutter, while the earlier T3 has a detachable accessory shoe. The engravings still say "Autoreflex T3".
Autoreflex A3
The Autoreflex A3 is a stripped-down Autoreflex T3 without self-timer, depth-of-field preview, mirror lock-up, multi-exposure provision, on/off switch, battery control, M flash synch, and hot shoe.
Autoreflex T4
The Autoreflex T4 looks similar to the simpler Autoreflex TC. Both are smaller than the earlier Autoreflex bodies, use plastic top plate, but retain a metal frame.
It is still a full-featured, fully mechanical SLR with a CdS TTL light meter and shutter-priority auto-exposure. The shutter speed range is 1s to 1/1000s and B, and the batteries (two PX625 mercury cells) are only needed for the light meter.
Autoreflex TC
The Autoreflex TC is a simpler version of the Autoreflex T4. The shutter speeds run from 1/8 to 1/1000s and B. In Japan it was sold as the ACOM-1.
Links
General links
- www.buhla.de: Konica SLR system, with detailed pages about every model in the Auto-Reflex/Autoreflex range, for example:
- Konica Autoreflex T and T2 at Silvergrain
- Autoreflex T4 by Davidde Stella (via Wayback, therefore slow)
