Konica Auto S2

jkelly · 01-20-2007

I just picked up one of these from a co-worker who was about to throw it away (it belonged to his father.) Seems like a really nice camera. It has a 45mm f1.8 Hexanon fixed lens and shutter priority autoexposure. The rangefinder is bright and contrasty, and the meter works perfectly. It came in a really nice leather everready case. I'm going to shoot a roll of color film through it tomorrow.

Does anyone else have the Konica Auto S2, and what do you think of it?

Bingley · 01-20-2007

This is a great camera -- one of the best fixed-lens rangefinders, IMO. Very sharp lens (wonderful with color film especially), bright viewfinder, solid build quality. And, considering how good it is, an incredible bargain these days.

fraley · 01-20-2007

Hi JKelly, I've got an S2. I went through a couple of S1's and S2's with various problems -- cracked glass in the viewfinder seems to be fairly common. Anyway I have a good one now. It's a fast lens, bright viewfinder, there's a lot to like. I've found the auto exposure to be pretty reliable. Not for strong back lighting, but otherwise it's fine. I think it's a fun camera! Good luck with yours, be sure to post some pictures..

JohnM · 01-20-2007

I have an Auto S1.6 which is an S2 with a f1.6 lens instead of f1.8.

I rarely use it anymore, but I always liked it. Always thought they were much better cameras than the similarly-sized fixed lens rangefinders like the Minolta Hi-Matics or the Yashica Electros.

I had a couple of S2's before buying the S1.6 - one thing that was always remarkable is how accurate the meters were. All were always dead-on my Digisix despite their age.

ErnestoJL · 02-11-2007

Its a very well built camera with a very fine lens. Solid as a rock and reliable. The meter (made by Sekonic) is really good unless strong backlighting, but accurate at all times. A good feature is to have the cell in top of the lens barrel, dispensing from manual filter compensation.
The nicest touch it has is the meter needle visible from the top and the hood built in.

Ernesto.

john_van_v · 02-25-2007

Hey, I don't own one, but this is what I heard (and a good reason to buy one)

It was the camera of choice amongst the troops in Viet Nam. While the pros were using the Nikon Contax-like, and then the heavy Nikon F, the boys liked the Konica S2.

They said, "get a Seiko wrist watch, a Konica S2, and a Sony tape player."

I guess that was because they were stationed in Okinawa.

On that topic, I recently saw a Japanese rebel sort of movie, Extreme Private Eros by Hara Kazuo. This is interesting in that it touches on the lives of Black servicemen in Okinawa during the war, and also is what I would think of as rangefinder filmwork. He said that he liked filming in 16mm more than stills in 35 because he could get closer to people's personalities.

Kim Coxon · 02-26-2007

Very nice cameras. Mine is here

Kim

ndnbrunei · 02-26-2007

I have just bought one but need to replace the battery - does anyone have a suggestion?

A great looking camera with a very solid feel. I also have an Auto S3 and it is something quite different - but still good.

I hope you enjoy your new toy JKelly! The older Japanese RFs from the 60s and 70s are lots of fun - each has something to offer.

jkelly · 02-26-2007

I recently got around to taking a couple of rolls with this camera. Very sharp; I'm thinking this will be my camera of choice for color film, and I will reserve the Leicas for mostly B&W.

ChrisPlatt · 02-27-2007

Kim, has yours been re-covered?

All S2's I have seen have that unique, highly grippable crosshatch-pattern skin.

Chris

Kim Coxon · 02-27-2007

Camera Leather Sequoia Green

Kim

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Kim, has yours been re-covered?

All S2's I have seen have that unique, highly grippable crosshatch-pattern skin.

Chris

Trius · 02-27-2007

Kim: How is the "grippiness" on that? I love the green leathers, but my verdigris, while a little prettier, IMO, doesn't give a lot of friction.