Konica C35 AF

Sometimes milestone advancements are found in some of the most unexpected cameras. That is certainly true of the Konica C35 AF, the first commercially successful autofocus camera!

Introduced during the age of Disco in 1977, the Konica C35 AF was an addition to the compact rangefinder C35 camera line begun by Konica (Konishiroku of Tokyo) nearly a decade earlier in 1968. The C35 EF (released 1975) was supposedly one of Andy Warhol’s favorites, and he was often seen taking snapshots at exhibition openings, premieres, wild nights at Studio 54 and after parties at The Factory. It could be easy to dismiss the C35 line as just a series of lightweight pocket sized 35mm film cameras, not worth more than a footnote in the history of photography, if it were not for the continued advances incorporated in each camera that kept Konica one step ahead of its competition during the 70s; including, cameras with CdS metring, simple to use shutter-priority auto exposure, and of course the world’s first production autofocus system.

The Konica C35 AF incorporated the “Visitronic” autofocus system designed by Honeywell and licensed for production by Konica. Unlike later cameras that would use infrared return to measure focus distance, the passive Visitronic system measured contrast in the light to determine optimum focus, extending the lens to the infinity point and then slowly returning until focus is achieved. Coupled with the auto exposure feature, and built in flash, the Konica C35 AF was truly the first variable focus – point & shoot film camera. It is believed that Konica may have sold over one million cameras during the entire production run of the C35 AF and C35 AF2.

Elikon 35 CM

Oscar Wilde wrote “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” If that is true the Elikon 35 CM, (or as it would appear on the camera in Cyrillic lettering “Эликон 35СМ”) is a true Soviet testament to the success of the Konica C35 AF. A near exact duplicate of the Konica, the Elikon was built by the Soviet camera company BeLomo (Belorusskoe Optiko-Mechanichesckoye Obyedinenie) from 1982 till 1990. Though there are a couple minor cosmetic and quality differences, the Elikon 35 CM is so similar that the unique lens cap from the Elikon can be used on the Konica 35 AF.

Konica C35 AF

Manufacturer: Konica (Konishiroku Corporation)
Production: 1977 – 1980 (superseded by the C35 AF2)
Type: Range Finder
Media: 35mm roll film
Lens: Hexanon 38mm f/2.8, 4 elements in 3 groups
Focus: Autofocus

Accessories:

Camera Specific Lens Cap
Case & camera strap.

Collectability:

Konica C35 AF

The Konica C35 AF scores a 78 out of 100 for collectability. Similar to that of the Polaroid Model 95 and for many of the same reasons. The Konica C35 AF is a great milestone camera for collectors, but the large production quantity means they are not hard to find. A camera in very good condition with cap, case, and strap can be purchased for less than $50 on most online auction sites. However, unlike the Polaroid 95 the Konica C35 AF scores a few extra points based on usability as 35 mm film is still available and most C35 cameras still work. The C35 series of cameras are all great for the occasional weekend shoot with your classic camera.

Keep in mind that the lens cap is unique to the camera body, and often will have the white lettering worn off the cap. When purchasing a Konica C35 AF take note that the cap is with the camera and is in good shape as replacements are difficult to find.

Photographer: John Baltz

John is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years in photography. A native to Northwest Arkansas, John’s first interest in photography began with collecting cameras as a child from antique markets around town. Later, John received a degree in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas. It is his strong knowledge in digital photography, along with a love for the the history of photography that provides for a unique sense of creativity driving many of his projects.