Product ReviewsKonica Auto S2 35mm Rangefinder Film Camera

PERHAPS THE BEST MANUAL FOCUS AUTO EXPOSURE RANGEFINDER

The Konica Auto S2 is perhaps the best Manual Focus Auto Exposure rangefinder.
Reviewers have noticed the unusual sharpness of its Hexanon 45/1.8 lens,
but failed to appreciate the exclusive innovations this camera has,
alongside other high end features.
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What sets this camera above the others in its league is its unique viewfinder
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Due to the very difference in metering distance and in showing the subject,
rangefinder camera technology has put the viewfinder each camera sports,
as the main issue determining the camera quality level

In rangefinder cameras the limits of the final image are not the same as the bright yellow frames showing them.
The closer and closer is the subject, the bigger and bigger is the gap, called “parallax”.

Instead of the Konica unique viewfinder technology,
other rangefinders have a fixed frame line showing an accurate image limit
but only for far away subjects. For near subjects ordinary rangefinders display two very short side and fixed lines,
with which the photographer is supposed to project in his/her mind the real image limits.
This ordinary way of 'parallax compensation' is the cause
of those pictures in which people heads are chopped off.

With the Konica Auto s2 marvelous viewfinder,
you have a dynamic bright yellow lines frame, changing size and place automatically, alongside the photographer focusing action.
What you see in the viewfinder is what you get in the negative.
No other rangefinder sports this key feature

There is another exclusive innovation in the Konica Auto S2 viewfinder.
It is a yellow thick line continuously showing the specific lens aperture
according to the lighting conditions.
What is exclusive here is the location of this scale. In order to detect it, the photographer needs to peer with the eye upwards.
The scale and its numbers in the Konica Auto s2 do not interfere with the image.
This exclusive feature is very much ignored nowadays,
because the yellow scale is mostly dirty, therefore of little help and usually unseen unless it is professionally cleaned.
Yet having an uncluttered viewfinder is a demand of the most professional photogs, desiring to be
not distracted from the subject composition

Not pleased enough with these features, the Konica viewfinder is perhaps
the biggest one among the Manual Focus Auto Exposure rangefinders.

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The Konica Auto S2 is the only rangefinder up to day
in which an additional exposure is available outside the viewfinder.
It is located on the top casting of the camera, enabling a myriad of additional
camera manipulations, without the need to raise the camera to eye level.

No need to mention the Konica Auto S2 can work
without batteries or in Manual Exposure.

Exposure compensation is fairly easy accomplished
because the f/stop dial is step less, like with other high end rangefinders.

The size and weight of the Konica Auto S2 is very helpful
for achieving a steady hold of the camera, a steadiness that lighter and
smaller cameras can only envy.

This built in steadiness adding the camera low light capability,
is further supported by the ultra-quiet non-vibration Copal shutter of the camera.
This shutter is of the quietest type: between the lens elements.
Thus, the Konica Auto S2 is a classic camera for conspicuous shooting,
and for shooting in places where silence is required

Rangefinder cameras in general find their utmost purpose
in low light level conditions, requiring camera steadiness, in order to
allow theRead full review...

Beautiful camera but returned back to seller because of mechan.problem

I was going to buy this camera for my collection and use but
had to Return the camera back because the camera had a
mechanical problem but seller was very nice to take back.
I like this camera very nice design and can be used in auto
and manual modes..Yes I will buy this camera if I find a good
one that will make me happy..and the price was Very good and
reasonable..A very good camera to have..Read full review...

Konica auto s2. An elegant beaut.

I was beside myself the mint condition of this elegant beaut. Original leather case with barely a scuff. The camera itself can not find a scratch on. Lens is impeccable. Price was a gift.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: sierrascale

Better ask questions

Self timer was jammed in place. Camera will not function at all. I should have asked questions before buying.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: aonnoa4y0o

This ought to get more respect than the Canonet QL17

A wonderful little camera from the 1970's

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: rolleifanatic35

Good overall shopping experience

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: rolleifanatic35

This product is useless to me.

The self timer was full on, and the shutter won't release when it arrived. It's pretty much useless, and is serving as a paper weight to remind me not to buy used stuff from eBay or anywhere else.
Very disappointed with the purchase and this makes the second time.Read full review...

great camera buy and Konicas are terrific cameras

Verified purchase:  Yes | Sold by: kehoutlet