Classic Konica Rangefinder Camera Comparison

[@randallstewart175]

In the 1980s, I went nuts and assembled a collection of these Konicas. They are every bit as nice as suggested in the video. Each is a clear if small evolutionary advance over its prior model. (Except the IIIA, where the viewfinder is a huge technical advance.) Less from a user perspective, but for the collector, the holly grail for most would be a complete IIIM in working condition. Konica took the IIIA and patched a selenium light meter cell on a hinge along the top front of the body. Not in use, it swung down to act as a cover for the viewfinder/rangefinder windows. In use, it swung up 180 degrees facing the subject with a little electrical connection which automatically engaged. In practice today, of the IIIMs I've examined over the years, none of the meters worked at all. Often the meter cell has been removed, leaving half of the hinge on the top plate - ugly. The meter readout was added by patching a little knob and window on the front of the body, making it a bit ugly. The meter cross coupled to the shutter and the aperture, so in concept and when working, it was pretty slick. The other feature unique to the IIIM is that it had a plate which was snapped into the film plane, converting the camera to half frame use (a big feature in the early 1960s) which also automatically adjusted the operation to a single stroke film advance and shutter cocking. These adapter plates are always missing, since there was no provision to store them on the body when not in use. I've never seen a IIIM with its half frame plate. Over the years I think I saw two plates offered for sale at prices approaching the value of the camera itself. Collector Classification: Unobtainium.

[@mechanicalslrlounge5138]

I recently saw a "sold" listing on eBay in which a IIIM was sold for $150 CAD with the half frame mask inside. They didn't even mention it in the listing, they had no idea what they had. I'm so choked that I missed it.

[@Austinite333]

I have 3 Konica rangefinders and my favorite is the earlier Konica II B-m. It has a build quality that is amazing. Add to it the simplicity of knob advance and manual cock shutter and one knows they are using a high quality, vintage camera. The viewfinder on this model is a bit squinty but the rangefinder patch is clear and defined. The “M” model was a discount model with a slower 3.5-45mm lens but I prefer the slightly wider view and this lens is very sharp. Anytime I start thinking Leica I pick up this camera and I am temporarily cured. Oh one more thing. The shutter action is the finest of any camera I have ever owned.

[@Socrates...]

I love these comparison videos

[@TheFilmFellow]

Great video Jeffrey! Really enjoyed it and still enjoying my Konica IIIA I’ve purchased from you back in ‘20. This camera is so exceedingly well and beautifully build and I’ve come to enjoy giving it a yearly CLA thanks to your videos. The results from that Hexanon 50 1.8 are truly superb and second to none. Do yourself a favor and get you a Konica IIIA from Jeffrey!

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

Thanks very much!

[@63MacGuy]

I'm considering buying the IIIa from the store right now. But I saw a couple others that I like 😬

[@agallosman]

i just ordered one from your store can't wait to get it 🎉

[@rdog77]

These cameras look soo good. I'm looking to a great copy of the IIa. Just love the look of the dails 🤗

[@monochromebluess]

Thanks for posting. I learnt a lot re this comparison

[@LScott97]

Brilliant video! If you had a max spend of $250 which vintage Japanese rangefinder would you buy?

[@arnodeecastenada]

I have a question for you. I just bought a Konica iii in beautiful condition at a great price. I also have a Voigtlander Vitessa with an Ultron f2.0 lens which is about the same age (mid 50's). To my surprise, the Hexacon screwed in perfectly in the Voightlander's body and vice versa. I'm guessing this means that probably both lenses will work on either camera? Or am I missing something.. I'll try it out for sure, but couldn't find information about it on the internet. Greetings. Also, keep up the great work!

[@luigiscarpelli74]

Where could I buy a hood for my KONISHIROKU 2,4/48 mm HEXANON lens?

[@wayneandrews5977]

I wouldn't bother sending this guy an email. I've sent numerous, that get read with absolutely no response. I have a IIIA that I wanted to have serviced, but alas no joy here.

[@Wiencourager]

Ever get any LORD cameras? I got a lord SE and it’s superb.

[@gabrieliusb450]

I noticed Konica III L2 has f2.4 instead of f2 lens. Is there any major difference between these apart from one being slower? Not a lot of information I can find

[@walterarroyo5220]

I have a Konica lll I purchased from your site. When using it the little red lever on the side that marks M F X where should it be for normal every day shooting ?

[@tuisitala9068]

You describe the IIB as being a downgrade in construction. Apart from the lens and T setting differences are there any other compared to the earlier II, ie in the chassis build?

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

The chassis is the same, the only difference other than those you describe is the lens. The better lens was the Hexanon, the lesser lens was the Hexar. But I've never heard anyone complain about the performance of the Hexar lens.

[@tuisitala9068]

Thank you Jeffery. I am now looking for a very good Konica II, or IIB (I already have an IIA)and will keep a keen eye out on your stores@@japanvintagecamera8869

[@tuisitala9068]

Also, as the IIBm has the Seikosha shutter is it more reliable than the earlier shutters?@@japanvintagecamera8869

[@vogxn]

Would the shutters on an Aires iiic/iiil work on these konicas? Both use the seikosha mxl. But the ring looks slightly different.

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

The ring is different, but internally they are the same, so you can interchange parts like the shutter and aperture blades, slow speed escapement, and other small parts.

[@johnelder7449]

Terrible video. 90% of video is about model 2A which nobody cares about. You keep referring back to 2A . irritating video

[@linjicakonikon7666]

I disagree. Wonderful and full of information. The Konica IIa is the one In most interested in

[@standandeliver8376]

Being the geeky guy that I am, I thought I'd investigate this comment. IIa specific coverage starts at 4:48 and ends at 11:08. That's 28%, less than a third of the video. Furthermore, it is appropriate to spend a good chunk of time on the IIa since the others are developments of it.

[@majimetanuki]

You're missing out big time if you think that way about IIA. 😂