Konica Pearl Model Question

[BobBill]

I have a "Pearl" which ostensible is a Pearl 1. However, the lens is a 4.5 Hexar and the shutter is Seikosha to 500th.

I have checked and seems the shutter is supposed to be KoniRapid...Just wondering if I need to do more checking.

Also, I have a second lens/shutter combo 3.5 Hexar with Seikosha shutter, with plate to couple focus to finder (sync), but the Pearl (I) does not have that feature, so not used.

Can I still use this lens/shutter if I choose to install the faster lens? Would arrangement remain convenient?

I do not mind the non-coupled rangefinder, shoot mostly at infinity anyway, preferring fewer things to go wrong with the camera, so a Pearl II or III is of limited interest.

Thanks.

 

[xya]

these cameras have often been repaired during their life as they were expensive in those days. so a skilled repair service might have replaced the shutter. I even own a pearl II with the film advance of the pearl III and they adapted the leather case for it.

you can replace the lens/shutter without problem, but you may have to adjust infinity setting. I would not do it as the gain 1:4.5 vs. 1:3.5 isn't that much.

I also own a III and a IV. the III is my favorite. you can see these 2 at http://www.120folder.com

 

[BobBill]

xya I am indebted to you. Much appreciated. will muddle with the orig and maybe look for a decent III. Love the little buggers.

 

[darinwc]

I have a pearl iii as well. The focus is done by moving the whole lens on a helical.
Usually on the non-coupled cameras the focus is done by moving the front element only. There is a special mount on the front element that allows it to be rotated to focus.
If this is the case with the pearl I, you probably won't be able to move the entire lens or shutter onto the camera. You may be able to move just the glass element itself if you need to replace a scratches or damaged lens.

 

[darinwc]

I'd there anything wrong with the 4.5 hexar?
If you are shooting mostly at Infiniti, probably outdoors, probably stopped down then. Will you ever need f3.5?

 

[BobBill]

Darin...as you note. the shutter/lens unit on all three and likely IV are the same...single unit, helical movement of complete unit. But, you are right, 4.5 is fine, why I never switched the lenses. Both are same...Hexar/Seikosha units...cannot beat them. I get as nice prints with this wee rig as I did with Certo, Bessa, and my former great 67 Ikonta Mess, which I loved dearly but got enticed by the wee Pearl...so much smaller.

Only reason I have the extra unit is coincidence. I bought the camera and the lens unit came up at same time, What the hey, I thought for $50...you never know...