Possibly My Favorite Rangefinder? Konica IIIA

[GRHazelton]

Yup, I have both the Vitessa L and this new IIIa.

I'm not sure which I like better yet. Both are jewel-like in their quality and design. Both have EXCELLENT lenses (I have the Ultron 50mm F2 on the Vitessa L).

I won't be parting with either.

I also have the f2 Ultron. What a lens! BTW, since I'm happily married I can't act on these observations, but both cameras, especially the Vitessa L, are babe magnets! Just sayin'....

 

[Scott Micciche]

This is a great, informative post as I recently picked up a III as well. I have been researching replacing the leatherette as a small piece has dislodged. It is in great condition and recently had a CLA. I had no idea these were so well made.

 

[Scott Micciche]

In the event anyone was wondering how to adjust the rangefinder, vertical and horizontal.

1. Remove the counter nut (small spanner)
2. Remove the rewind knob (open door, put screwdriver into the spool slot, turn the rewind knob counterclockwise)
3. Under the rewind knob are 2 screws, remove them.
4. Remove the top screw on the shoe, under the cover, there are 2 screws, remove them.
5. Lift the cover off carefully, watch for the shutter release button, it merely rests within the cover.

The photo shows the screws needed, they both have black lacquer on them, the one in front of the mirror, is the vertical adjustment, the one to its left, is the horizontal.

I adjusted to infinity while also checking scotch tape on the film plane ... spot on.

I hope this helps and it is also a great time to clean the glass/mirror while the cover is off. I used the Zeiss lens spray, cotton buds and a rocket blower.

 

[Randyk]

They are beautiful cameras. I had one once, I'd like to get another one some day.

chrismat, regarding your post from 2017-do you still want one?

 

[Chrismat]

Sadly, I'm not in the market for one just now.

 

[GRHazelton]

I have several rangefinders: a Contax IIa with f1.5 Sonnar, a Canon P, a Nikon S2 with f1.4 Nikkor, a Retina IIIc with the f2 Xenon, a Retina IIIc with the f2 Heligon and both WA and Telephoto Elements, an Agfa Karat V with the f2 Solagon, and the Konica IIIA f1.8. The Konica certainly has the best view/rangefinder of the bunch!! And its handling overall is excellent. Additionally its weight and impression of solidity would probably make it an excellent defensive weapon.

 

[Kino]

I would like to add that they are relatively easy to strip, clean and reassemble.

 

[GRHazelton]

I would like to add that they are relatively easy to strip, clean and reassemble.

Good to know, although I'll leave that sort of work to experts.....

 

[GRHazelton]

Good to know, although I'll leave that sort of work to experts.....

 

[Jarrett]

I have one arriving today. I can't wait.

 

[images39]

That camera looks like a gem. Judging from some of the photos posted here, it also seems to give nice results.

Dale

 

[cerber0s]

I just picked up an immaculate Konica IIIA. I've been looking for one for some time. Either they were pretty beat up, or price plus shipping was too high. I finally found one in excellent condition and it arrived Saturday.

It looks GREAT, but there was a problem. Shutter speeds were all over the place. Yesterday I took the lens assembly and shutter apart for a thorough cleaning. What surprised me when I took it apart, was that I found an extra leaf in the shutter. There were six shutter leaves with only room for five. Two shutter leaves must have been stuck together when this one was built at the factory.

After a good few hours of soaking in naptha, the shutter assembly was as clean as new. After putting everything back together, now all the shutter speeds are accurate.

For a camera this old, it is in like new condition. I wonder if that extra shutter leaf made this camera not work correctly so it was relegated to a shelf some where. It certainly looks like it didn't get much use.

And yes, the rangefinder is HUGE, BRIGHT and a pleasure to look through.

I've loaded it up with some film and will be shooting a roll or two today. I'll post back once I get some shots with it.

Oh, and this one has the nice 50mm 1.8 Hexanon lens.

What a beauty. Probably one of the nicest looking rangefinders I've seen.

Konica IIIA by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Konica IIIA 2 by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Konica IIIA 3 by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Damn, that looks good! Now I want one too...

 

[cerber0s]

I shot a short roll of Technical Pan through the camera to test it out. Last night I developed the Tech Pan in Rodinal at 1:150 for 7 minutes. Tech Pan has to be the flattest film in existence, it is so easy to scan.

As you can see from the photos, it looks like the camera works just right. That lens is also extremely sharp!

Anyway here are the scans. I didn't have to touch the contrast, it was perfect right from the straight scan. I scan my B&W in color and use the color adjustment dropper to give a little sepia look to the negative. Tech Pan has to be one of my favorite films, grainless, sharp and just the right contrast. I'm going to be unhappy when I run out of this bulk roll.

Konica IIIa Test 1 - Technical Pan by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Konica IIIa Test 2 - Technical Pan by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Konica IIIa Test 3 - Technical Pan by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Konica IIIa Test 4 - Technical Pan by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Konica IIIa Test 5 - Technical Pan by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Konica IIIa Test 6- Technical Pan by Andrew Marjama, on Flickr

Those look fantastic, congratulations!

 

[Kino]

The deceptive thing about this camera is that it looks much larger than it actually is. Is is hefty, but quite compact. The advance is double stroke; once for film advance and once for shutter cocking. Very easy to operate unless it is gummed-up from ancient lube. Once you get one clean and operational, it is like a little sewing machine in your hand; smooth...

 

[Jarrett]

Mine finally arrive today.