The KONICA AUTOREFLEX T3 - This camera surprised me!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ม.ค. 2024
- #filmphotography #35mm #camerareview #filmcamera #vintagecamera #film #konica
Today we're taking a look at the Konica Autoreflex T3 - a camera that surprised me in its ease of use and exposure accuracy. I think Konica doesn't get the love it deserves sometimes. But they were serious about pushing the envelope of what we could expect from cameras. Take the original Konica Auto-Reflex from 1965. It was the first 35mm, focal-plane shutter, SLR to offer autoexposure. By the time the T3 arrived in 1973, their shutter-priority system had evolved to the point of providing excellent results with a minimum of effort. And their line of excellent Hexanon lenses made this a very nice system!
The shutter sound of the Konica T and T3 is my favorite among all SLRs I have owned.
It is indeed unique!
Another great video featuring a great camera. Love those mechanical shutters that operate without a battery! I like your format and style of presentation. It keeps me interested without boring me .
Indeed a great camera! So underrated, as well as the lenses. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!
This Konica is looking very attractive. If I knew it before, I would but it. It's simple and standard camera, good for beginners
Yes, I think it’s a good system with some excellent lenses. And a beginning film shooter would certainly enjoy it. Thanks for watching!
The T3 is a sleeper camera. Everyone clammers for an AE-1 or K1000 when they should grab one of these. The haptic feel of the shutter reflex sequence and sound is super satisfying to use.
It does have a certain feel that you don’t get with other makes. I know the T and T2 used a bit of a different method for the AE that could REALLY be felt in the shutter release. Genius the way they made that work.
Shhhhh... everyone will want one. One of the "influences" will get wind of it, then the prices will increase 10x! ;)
True! Lol!
Everyone clammers for the AE-1 or the K1000 as that's what film photography schools preferenced. They're not better, the Autoreflex is just different.
In All reality back in the day when you went to a film school they had many exceptions but the ones that stood out was a camera with at least a 1/1000 shutter, some kind of exposure settings, and the ability to use an off camera flash. Where the Konica fails the test regarding that is that they used aperture priority instead of shutter priority.
It achieves the same outcomes, but every other manufacturer used shutter over aperture priority and so it wasn't up to the same standard schools expected.
Konica is so underrated. They were very innovative with the Konica "F".
Indeed! It still amazes me how they worked out autoexposure in manually controlled shutter camera. Brilliant.
Dang, I probably had this cameras as. . I'm a big fan of Konica lenses. Never really paid much attention to their cameras, but I'm looking now. Very good post.
Thanks! Konica was really pushing the envelope for a while. Obviously, their lenses bear evidence to that. But some of their cameras were trend setting.
Those Hexanon lenses are so sharp, and good contrast as well. Konica's Leica clone, the Hexar(I think that's the name) was always a camera I lusted after, but never owned.😪
Yes, I’d love to have a chance with one of those. Not Leica-pricey but still pricey!
I am a Konica super fan! I have 5 of the SLRs, over a dozen lenses and an original Hexar rangefinder as my final camera. The Autoreflex Ts were prone to advance problems, but later models fixed that. Konica Hexar lenses are incredible and rival or surpass anything other manufacturers had to offer at that time. Great review!
Thanks! I knew very little about Konica (other than name recognition) before several years ago when I happened upon an article on the original AutoReflex T in an old photo mag. Was immediately intrigued by the design and features. The AutoReflex series is a well-kept secret for most, I imagine. And, yes, those lenses….excellent. Glad I stumbled upon that article!
Thank you very much, not only was it an entertaining video but also with very good information and we were able to appreciate the benefits of that camera and that brand that is not so well known to the vast majority today. The photos from the 135 mm lens were the ones I liked the most in this context of surfaces and textures, for more details, I think a macro lens. Another very similar camera is the Miranda auto sensorex, which surely takes the Konica system but adds something that the Olympus OM-2 also has, a multipatter mask (I don't know what it's really called) in the mirror to measure light. You can choose between central measurement or average ("matrix) before the Nikon FA :)
Yes, I’d really like to add a macro lens to this system. That’s the glaring omission I have with this set of lenses. And I’m intrigued by the Miranda camera. I was’t aware of that feature. In fact, in my most recent video, I repeat the claim that the Nikon FA was the first to offer the multi-pattern metering. So, now, you’ve given me something new to chase down and dig into. I love it! Many thanks!
I used to have the Auto-reflex A3 which I guess was a budget version of the T…was a great camera.
Yes, it was just a bit scaled down, but a fine camera in its own right!
Glad to see some well deserved love for Konica!
The T3 was my second camera after my K1000 gave up on me. Konica quickly became my main SLR system and now I own most of the Autoreflex line.
But yes you should definitely try the Auto-reflex with his full frame to half frame switch it's a blast to use!
The T3 was pretty good upgrade from the K1000. Yeah, I’d love to get my hands on one of those original models. One day. One day.
Thanks for another great video . I find them very relaxing and informative.
Thanks for tuning in and your continued support of the channel!
My dad had a Konica Autoreflex w/40mm lens and a Tamron zoom in 1980. Wonderful camera that I learned on.
Excellent camera for learning and more! And that 40mm is a gem!
Konica Autoreflex cameras are tanks, but every operation is so smooth. I love mine. One thing you forgot to mention, and to me it speaks about the genius and thoughtfulness the ingeniers put in the camera, is the auto unlocking of the shutter button. If you lock the shutter button and then advance the film using the lever, the collar switchs automatically from the lock position to the unlock one: genius.
Yes! Thanks for pointing that out. Genius move for sure.
Another great informative video. Unfortunately, I have never owned a Konica and know very little about them. Now, I will look at the more closely if I have the chance to acquire one. Looks like a super, well-made and thought-out camera.
Well, I didn’t know much about them either before a few years ago. But they really put out some great stuff and were on the forefront of developing tech. But yet they somehow just faded away.
In the past month, I bought a TC, a T2, and a T3 with Hexanon 40, 50, 52, and Hexar 28 and 135 lenses. They are amazing cameras, and at the moment, they are insanely cheap. All the above cost me around $150. Used them in -20c (-4F) here in Stockholm and they performed well without problem regardless of the cold!
You got a really great deal on that set-up! Especially with all the lenses. Glad to know they performed well in that extreme weather. Doesn’t surprise me.
Another great video. I really enjoy all of them. I agree the lack of exposure compensation is a little unfortunate, but you can still use the exposure lock (half-pressing the shutter release) to work around many of the difficult lighting conditions.
Thanks! My guess for the lack of exp comp is that this is a mechanically-controlled camera. Which is amazing for a camera that offers any AE.
I was also taken aback with the solidity and heft to these models. So I now have 3 T3ns - one with split screen focus.
Only gripe is a somewhat darker viewfinder than other makes from the that era.
Battery-wise I use 2 of the MR-44 adapters with silver oxide 392 cells.
They sure are great bodies to shoot with. Better than my Nikon F. I also have an FS-1 that is close to dying.
I hope to revive it as I like that one a lot too.
Thx for your review and great shots.
Cheers!
Thanks for tuning in! Yes, the whole line of Konica cameras have their impressive points. Not sure why they weren’t better marketed. I have an FS-1 that was working last time I picked it up. Hope it still is since it’s on the list for a review :-)
I have a used Konica Autoeeflex T3 camera and f.1.1.4/ 50 mm, f 2.8/35 mm and f 3.2/ 135 mm Konica Hexanon AR mount lenses. I use them with an adapter on my Sony Nex 5 T machine. Konica Hexanon AR lenses are great !. From Türkiye with love...
Thanks for checking in! I think the Konica system is quite underrated - especially the lenses. Very nice glass!
The Konica Autoreflex T3 was my first serious camera in high school and I used it for many years. Saved up forever for one with a 50mm/f1.4 lens. Loved Kodachrome 25 slides and that camera’s metering worked like a charm.
The lack of exposure compensation was not really an issue because the shutter button has an AE Lock feature that locks the exposure setting when you depress it part way. Just aim where you want to meter, lock the settings and recompose. Or, dial it in on full manual. I don’t think cameras of that era had exposure compensation because most were just fully manual. The Nikkormat EL, which came out a bit later did not have it either.
Yes, I’m sure you’re right about the lack of the Exp Comp on a manual camera. And thanks for the tip on the AE lock!
I haven't yet found a T3 at a price I'm prepared to pay, but I do have a T2 and an A3 (effectively a simplified T3). The operation of the A3 is so much smoother and nicer with a more refined film advance mechanism, shorter shutter release travel and easier to rotate shutter speed dial. Without adoubt, it is the better camera, despite the basic feature set.
I will add that the one thing I don't like about these cameras is the lack of coupled exposure metering in manual mode.
I had a T2 first. Got halfway through the first roll and it locked up. But I did enjoy the feel of it. I agree that the T3 is more refined. Still, it’s amazing what Konica could do with auto exposure with these bodies. I know that part of that mechanism is tied to the shutter release and that’s why the earlier versions require more effort to press.
Sort of like the Canon A-Series cameras, I guess. Not a deal-breaker but a bit of a pain.
Konica was yet another one of those brands in the 1970's that I knew of, but never had anything to do with. In fact I never knew a photographer who shot with a Konica! Again, it looks like a well crafted instrument with quality lenses. And quite a line-up of focal lengths, it seems!
The one thing I remember about Konica in the 70's was their choice to offer Shutter priority as their "automatic" mode. Most cameras coming into automation offered Aperture priority.
One question - in Shutter priority mode, does the camera select only basic f-stops, or does/can it close down anywhere in between stops?
Great video, always ideal planning and organization on your part, with smooth continuity throughout. Such a pleasure to watch. And I always come away from each video learning something new!
I’ve never known a Konica system photographer either. Or at least not back when these were contemporary. They must’ve had a pretty crappy marketing team. As for the question about the apertures - the camera manual says “it picks the exact aperture necessary”. Now I don’t know if that means it can choose intermediate values or not. Good question, but one I cannot quickly come up with a good answer. And thanks for the kind words!
A good friend of mine, who is a photographer and my source for a lot of lenses (particularly Hexanons), used Konica gear when he was a working photographer. His mom, who was a professional in Anchorage (I think), shot a lot of work with Konica cameras.
I don't know how she came to use that brand, but that was my buddy's source for their utility and performance.
Next time I have coffee with him, I'll ask if he knows how she came to use Konica. I know she also used medium format cameras as well, but don't know any more than that.
@nvrumi Would be good to hear how that happened.
It's a really small club, mechanical SLRs that have auto exposure. I love my Fujica Compact Deluxe, as it is a mechanical RF with AE. I think the FM3A and maybe count the Canon New F1 cause any speed above 1/125 works without a battery. Honorable mention to the Pentax LX, similar to the F1. I really like the lens construction in the Konica lineup. To me they're better built than many of the mainstream Nikon and Canon lenses.
It’s definitely in a small club. The Pentax K2 also has a similar shutter speed feature - 1/125 and above without battery. So that’s a very handy feature. I’m not familiar with the Fujica you mention, but it sounds awesome. Will have to do some studying on that. Thanks for the tip!
@@vintagecameradigest I have owned near every one of the fixed lens rangefinders from the '60s and '70s. at one time or another. I kept the Fujica as my main because It is fully mechanical, the lens is top notch, It uses a modern battery, and it shows the aperture in the viewfinder along with the exposure meter. The last feature, The reason I will never sell it, it has a focus style on the back! It's a small camera, comparable to the Minolta hi-matic 7sII or Yashica GX. I have big hands, so I never could use those, or even the Leica CL / Minolta CLE. Well, with the focus knob, using the Fujica is super easy. The Fujica V2 has the same focus mechanism, but its a full size RF. The only thing the Compact Deluxe is automatic parallax correction, but I don't generally shoot up close, so it doesn't bother me. Cheers!
I'm going to get my T3 out when I get home (traveling at the moment). I have several of the Auto-Reflex series and some of them were converted to use alkaline cells to power the meter. (Greg Weber did the conversion and seems to be still working.)
I bought the cameras after using the Hexanon lenses with my Sony NEX-5N (adapted). They made some great vintage glass that still holds up to other brands. I see you have the Hexanon 40mm f/1.8 in hand. That's a great lens and a real sleeper.
That vari-focal lens you mentioned is pretty rare. I have one but it took me a long time to find it.
Konica also produced adapters to fit M42 and Nikon F mount lenses to their cameras. They did this early on before they had built out their lens map. So you can shoot some of your favorite M42 mount oddball lenses (Pentacon, Jupiter, Industar, Takumar, and CZJ for a few) on the Konica cameras. They'll be preset mode, but who cares?!
Thanks for the video, great as usual.
Thanks for being a dedicated viewer! How does that vari-focal perform? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one for sale, so I certainly believe their rarity. That was a bold move for Konica, no doubt. I really love the AutoReflex series and the lenses are quite underrated, I think. Do you have the original Auto-Reflex? I’d love to hear your take on the full-frame/half-frame option.
@@vintagecameradigest Those are all good questions. You earned my subscription, my friend! I am the kind of person who likes to hang out with others who know what they are doing.
I watched fleaBay for a long time before I saw a reasonable copy of the vari-focal. Then I snagged it. On receipt it was in good shape. It's been a few years, but I think I mounted it on my NEX-5N and took it for a spin, but don't recall much more than that.
When I get home, I'll get it out and mount it on the A7Sii for some fun and a little more serious testing. It has a reputation as a decent performer. But a lot of folks don't like it because they don't understand what a vari-focal lens is. ;)
I do not have an original Autoreflex T (switchable half/full frame) in my collection. I believe I have T2, T3, and T4 instances and have handled them all, but not shot them extensively.
When I get home, I intend to get them out, operate them, and then send whichever of them has not had the battery conversion to Weber for that operation. I have no intention of selling any of my Konica gear, especially the glass.
I think I mentioned it, but I have the Konica factory adapters for M42 and Nikon F mounts. Konica smartly set their film to flange distance such that they could accommodate both lens sets. That gave them a huge advantage in getting cameras into the market with a large inventory of other lenses available as they built out their own glass line.
I don't think I realized quite what I had in the Autoreflex cameras. I only recently became aware of the significant difference between all mechanical cameras and electronically controlled cameras. I really appreciate the mechanical bodies because I am concerned about reliability and longevity of the electronics. No one does board-level repairs anymore and I doubt that schematics are available to permit fault finding.
So, again, when I get home to my pretties, I will get them out and take them for a walk. I know the Konica mechanical cameras are rock solid as I have them out of the Konica hutch and operated them.
I am really enjoying your approach to your channel. I come to YT to learn, mostly. So, finding creators who are knowledgeable is what I really enjoy. Thank you, again.
I might be passing through your neck of the woods soon. If I get over that way, I'll send an email and maybe we can have a coffee. I would like that.
I’d certainly enjoy sitting down over a cup of coffee, so just let me know! I had read about the adapters for the other lens mounts, and you’re right, it would definitely be a good selling point for the cameras to have that flexibility. However, the Konica marketing department must have been lacking in some degree. I grew up hearing about Canon, Minolta, Kodak, Nikon - but hardly a peep about Konica. I mean I’d definitely pick a T3n over an AE-1 any day. Especially it being a manual controlled camera and not electronic. At least I’m glad I “discovered” them late rather than never.
My dad had a Kodak Instanatic 404 camera with an auto winder in the 1960s.
Now that you mention it, I think I have one of those somewhere. I think they were spring-driven and you had to wind them up. Maybe Konica’s claim is that it was the first 35mm with built-in winder. Seems the Hasselblad ELX would’ve also predated the FS-1. Thanks for mentioning that. Adds some clarity.
@@vintagecameradigest Correct. Spring-driven.
Great video, just beginning my journey back into vintage. Does the meter use modern batteries or the old mercury style?
It uses the old mercury style. However….when I use this camera, I go with a 1.5v modern battery. It’s unorthodox, I know, but the exposures have never been that far off. And if you do any sort of bracketing of exposures, you’ll probably end up nailing it.
Great review of an underappreciated line of cameras and lenses. How did you deal with the mercury battery issue?
I used the old un-orthodox method of using alkaline batteries and adjusted the film speed setting to match a known source, e.g. my spotmeter on a gray card. I hear these can be converted to correct for the difference in voltage, which is something I may have done in the future. But I didn’t have any glaring exposure errors once I calibrated via film speed dial. Not the best solution, but it did work for this shoot.
In terms of build quality, Konica T3 is the best of the Konica Autoreflex family. The later models, T4, FS1 & FT1 Motor are simply cost-cutting models. The Konica FT-1 is the worst model, most of the camera bodies are not working due to the corroded contacts of the battery compartment. Regarding the T3 battery issue, I use my Polysix light meter or simply use the cellphone apps to check the exposure.
I have the 24/2.8, 28/3.5, 35/2, 50/1.7 & 1.8, 135/3.2 & 3.5 lens and 200/3.5. Not only the T3 body is solid and well-built but most of the AR lenses are also well-built while holding in your hand.
I like the performance of the 24/2.8 & 50/1.7, they render sharp, high contrast, and good colour rendition images. The 50/1.8 and 135/3.2 are also good performers rendering overall sharp and contrasty images.
I have adapted the 50/1.7 to the Sony E body with the adapter, and the image's performance is very good.
Sounds like you’ve put together a great system. And I’ve heard the same comment from others about the issues with the FT-1. I do have an FS-1 that was working last time I checked. It is indeed a step-down in build quality from the earlier Auto-reflex bodies, but seems to be a decent camera. The T3 is definitely my favorite of the lot. And the lenses are super, I think.
@@vintagecameradigest the T4 imo is just as good as the T3 function wise while also having a brighter viewfinder. T4 also being a litttle lighter, only negatives are the shrinking leather and a little more plastic.
I recently read a shout out to Konica's quality in the Leica Compendium - "Recently only the Konica Hexar RF has been able to approach the mechanical
quality of the M camera."
That’s a pretty good accolade. I’d love to try one of those, for sure!
@@vintagecameradigest I've been looking at the Hexar RF cameras for about ten years. Their prices are not quite in the Leica range, but are still pretty high.
I think it would be great fun to get one of them with a 35mm lens and work it. It could be a great street camera.
I have one of these but the lens is cracked I know the hexanon lenses are great I have a Konica s2 rangefinder with the 40mm 1.8 and those images always come out sharp
I haven’t tried one of their rangefinders yet, but it’s on my list!
Lot of lines, angles and radii for compo, too. Do those use a Konica-only lens mount?
Konica does have a proprietary bayonet mount (actually 2 different ones) - but this one is the AR mount. However, they did make adapters so other lens mounts could be used in stop-down mode. According to the manual, they had adapters for Exakta, Praktica and Nikon mounts.
T3의 염가판 버전인 TC를 사용하고 있는데, 셔터소리가 FM2만큼 뛰어나지는 않지만 100%신뢰도로 작동합니다. 가격 대비 성능이 정말 좋아요
I’ve seen the TC and wondered how it performed. Thanks for the information. It does seem to be a good value.
@@vintagecameradigest The TC is a consumer orientated SLR as per tradition in the Konica SLR lineup. They usually produced a variant of their top SLR with reduced features at a reduced cost
From the original Auto-reflex there was the Auto-reflex P, a variant that was produced without a light meter.
The Autoreflex T and T2 had the Autoreflex A and A2 which lacked a self-timer, DoF preview and a slower top shutter speed of 1/500. Although some late A2s had 1/1000
Although Konica already had a A3 that was released alongside the T3. The advent of another camera introduced on your show, the Olympus OM-1 introduced a demand for compact, lightweight cameras that Konica's A3 wasn't filling. So they made the TC with the intention of it being a lot cheaper than even the T3 and even the A3. With the typical cost-saving measures applied at release in 1976 the TC was 200 dollars cheaper than a T3N!
History stories aside, the TC is absolutely awesome. As a casual film shooter i don't miss the slow speeds and the lack of a DoF preview at all. It also fits in my padded lunchbox where my T3 wont. I've used it so much the shutter has begun randomly slipping and the infamous leatherette has shrunk and peeled. Maybe I'll CLA it and give it a facelift.
Great info here!
What batteries does it take? Mercuries like others or did they switch to more modern ones?
Great camera and great video!
Thanks! Unfortunately it uses the mercury batteries. BUT, I’ve never used anything in this one other than the modern 1.5v cells. I do have to recalibrate the meter by adjusting the film speed to match a known source. I know there are probably reasons why that isn’t the perfect solution. But the results I get seem to be pretty accurate once I’ve done this. It’s a great camera and system overall.
@@vintagecameradigest a simple resistor addition allows you to use modern coin batteries, it's just an issue of difference in voltage, it's quite a simple modification most camera repair shops are capable of doing.
My Autoreflex is solid, I shoot mostly half's on it.
Great to hear. I need to find me one and try out the half-frames.
@@vintagecameradigest your best bet at this point is to import one from Japan, but because of the unique feature set they can be quite expensive and in mint condition can run up to $500 USD. It's worth it if you can find one though.
What type of battery are you using in your cameras, I understand it takes a mercury 1.35 volts??? Can you use the L44 ‘s???
Yes the original battery for the T3 - and a lot of other cameras of similar vintage - was the 1.35v Mercury. And even though you can get the replacement (expensive) Wein cells with the correct voltage, I tend to do the unorthodox method of using modern 1.5v batteries. The tests I’ve done comparing the two voltages showed me that any exposure variation is usually less than a stop. And I typically bracket important shots, anyway. So, I’m usually good.
Hello , I just got the Konica Autoreflex A , it looks like it's from the 1960s . Do you have any information on this particular Camera ?
Excellent! The AutoReflex A is sort of a stripped-down model “T” - without the mirror-lockup, depth of field preview, and self timer. I also think it has a slower top shutter speed of 1/500 instead of 1/1000. The best thing is that it’s compatible with all the great Konica Hexanon lenses that are the “K/AR” mount. Hope you enjoy the camera!
@@vintagecameradigest Thanks for your quik response . The Camera came with a Hexanon AR 57MM f 1.4 lens
That’s a great lens! More desirable than the f/1.8 version. But the f/1.8 is still a fine lens. As for other lenses, the 40mm f/1.8 is a favorite - small and sharp!
@@vintagecameradigest Thank you much .
new camera owner here: how do you know if the batteries are working? i bought one 1.35 v mercury battery but didn’t realize it needed two. so i put in two a675 1.4v instead…is there something to look for to know they’re working?
The easiest way to tell if the camera batteries are working is to point the camera at a bright scene and see if the meter needle responds. If it doesn’t it could indicate two things: batteries are weak; or, camera meter isn’t working properly. However, since the camera is fully mechanical otherwise, an operating meter isn’t required (although it may be preferable). The batteries only power the meter, but the AE mode (shutter priority) will only function if the meter is working. Hope this helps!
Love my Konicas… have the T3 and Ft-1. You did not mentioned battery issue for T3. Also have a lot of Konica lenses. How about light seals? See you are at Carrol County. Gerry (acinok) at nearby Columbia.
Oops Carrol Co Georgia? Not Maryland, correct.
Yep, GA!
Yeah, I forgot about the battery issue. Heck, so many cameras of this era have the same issue I sometimes just consider it a given. Also, how does the FT-1 compare to the T3? It’s one I wouldn’t mind adding to my Konica group.
@@vintagecameradigest Hard to find a working FT-1. Almost all found are not working due to corrosion on electrical connection. Meter and motor drive will not work with this problem. I tried several times to work on this issue by taking cameras apart but no luck. So far FT-1 is fine ( needing light seals); however light meter is off by 2 stops. You can compensate on the FT-1.
Well, that’s good info to know. Thanks!
What kind of batteries do you need to power the light meter? Are they still available?
It calls for the old mercury batteries. There are the replacements you can get. OR you can just do what I do and put modern batteries in it. I admit it’s unorthodox and purists will hate it, but it works for me. I tested the meter against my spotmeter using a Kodak gray card, and adjusted the ASA setting until it matched the spotmeter. Perfect solution? No. Workable solution? Yes. And it allows me to use this excellent camera.
What batteries are you using exactly?@@vintagecameradigest
LR44 or equivalent. They’re 1.5V instead of the 1.35V. But it’ll get you close. The good thing to note is that they’re only necessary to power the meter (and consequently the AE system). But the camera works just fine in manual mode without that.