Konica Rangefinder Series (I, II, & III)

[z a n e]

Anyone have any experience with them? How do you like them? And how do they compare to other similar rangefinders?

 

[macfred]

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

 

[macfred]

Forgot to say ...

I bought mine (CLA'd) -via ebay- from a trader in Dubai (UAE) for about 150 US-Dollars (plus taxes and shipping).

More photographs with my Konica III : https://www.flickr.com/photos/40275249@N04/albums/72157652976640405

 

[z a n e]

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.

 

[macfred]

If ou are living in the USA - Greg Weber is your man for Konica rangefinders repair http://www.webercamera.com/rangefinders.html
Another recommendation is Eddy Smolov, but I heard he is retired now ...

 

[02Pilot]

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.

 

[hacked - darinwc]

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.

 

[tessar]

I have a Konica I (made in occupied Japan), fine solid, compact camera. Hexar lens is good stopped down a little.

 

[mklw1954]

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.