Konica Rangefinder Series (I, II, & III)

z a n e

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2015
Messages
19
Format
Medium Format
Anyone have any experience with them? How do you like them? And how do they compare to other similar rangefinders?
 

macfred

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 6, 2014
Messages
3,839
Location
Germany
Format
Multi Format
I have a Konica III - Hexanon 1:2 f=48mm - Konirapid-MFX shutter -
this one is from 1956 and comes - unlike the later models - without an EV coupling (an interlock between the shutter speed and aperture rings).

Konica IIIMFX - Rangefinder 1956 by Andreas, on Flickr

I use it for about 3 months and I really like it. It has a very bright and big rangefinder
( the one on the IIIa is even bigger - 1:1 ), the rangefinder patch is very contrasty, so focussing is a pleasure for me. I also like the dual-stroke lever ! The camera is well build and heavy.
I second with Dante Stella and recommend the Konica III series.

Information about the Konica RF III series :

http://www.photosafari.com.my/articles/konica-iii-a-well-made-camera-of-the-1950s/

http://silverbased.org/konica-iiia/

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/koni3.html
Portrait Josef by Andreas, on Flickr
Kodak 400TX


untitled by Andreas, on Flickr
Kodak 400TX


Pleasure Grounds - I can see for miles ... by Andreas, on Flickr
Ilford XP2

Citroën HY - rolling snackbar - 4 by Andreas, on Flickr
Ilford XP2


fly fishing - no.2 by Andreas, on Flickr
Kodak Portra 160

Veneer by Andreas, on Flickr
Kodak Portra 160
 
OP
OP

z a n e

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2015
Messages
19
Format
Medium Format
thanks for all the info man! I actually just bought a Konica III and I love it! got its for a really good price. Rangefinder is nice and bright but I need to get the viewfinder cleaned cause it's a bit hazy.
 

02Pilot

Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2011
Messages
321
Format
Multi Format
I have a III also - inherited it from my grandfather. The lens is really quite good in both B&W and color, and the build quality seems to be excellent. It's a bit large and heavy to carry regularly, at least to my tastes, but it does produce some nice photos.
 

darinwc

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 14, 2003
Messages
3,125
Location
Sacramento,
Format
Multi Format
I had a Konica iii for a while. The rangefinder is bright. The build quality is rock-solid. Definitely above most other fixed-lens rangefinders.
The lens is superb. ( i had the 48 f2)

The left-handed double-stroke film advance is funky but you get used to it easy enough.
 

Attachments

  • Konica iii 109 s.jpg
    265.1 KB · Views: 100
  • Konica iii 113 s.jpg
    201.8 KB · Views: 98
  • Konica iii 140 s.jpg
    205.3 KB · Views: 147
  • Konica iii 141 s.jpg
    206.5 KB · Views: 141

tessar

Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2008
Messages
355
Location
Calgary, AB,
Format
Multi Format
I have a Konica I (made in occupied Japan), fine solid, compact camera. Hexar lens is good stopped down a little.
 

mklw1954

Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2009
Messages
396
Location
Monroe, NY
Format
Medium Format
A few years ago I got a Konica III with a shutter problem and a body cosmetic issue (the vertical metal strip where the door opens was bent and had no covering) but the lens was good. Greg Weber rebuilt the shutter (there were 2 broken blades and pins), fixed the cosmetic problem, and cleaned the camera for $200. The camera is like new; the repair work was well worth it and I recommend Greg Weber. It's an excellent, solid camera; the lens is very sharp and contrasty.
 

Attachments

  • KonicaIII 1958 ad.jpg
    338.7 KB · Views: 109
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…