KONICA AUTO S2

Name: Konica Auto S2
Brand: Konica

The Konica Auto S2 is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by Konica (Konica Camera Co., Ltd.) from 1965 to 1970. It represents a high point in Konica’s rangefinder lineage, combining a fast standard lens, fully coupled selenium-cell exposure metering, and a compact, ergonomic design aimed at advanced amateur photographers.

Overview

Introduced in 1965, the Konica Auto S2 succeeded the Auto S and was positioned as a premium compact rangefinder in Konica’s S-series lineup. It was designed for photographers seeking a lightweight, reliable camera with accurate metering and a high-performance lens, without the complexity of an SLR. The Auto S2 featured the renowned 45mm f/1.8 Hexanon lens, a five-element design known for its sharpness, excellent contrast, and pleasing bokeh—qualities that remain admired by film photographers today. Its compact chrome or black body, leatherette covering, and intuitive top-plate controls made it a favorite among street and travel photographers.

The camera utilized a vertically traveling, focal-plane cloth shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/500th of a second, plus Bulb mode. A key innovation was its fully coupled, center-weighted selenium-cell exposure meter, which required no battery and displayed exposure information via a needle visible in the viewfinder. This allowed for quick, accurate manual exposure settings by aligning the needle with an index mark using the aperture and shutter speed dials. The Auto S2 was part of Konica’s final generation of rangefinders before the company shifted focus to SLRs and later, autofocus compact cameras.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	Rangefinder
Film Format	35mm (135 cartridge)
Years Produced	1965–1970
Lens Mount	Fixed Konica Hexanon 45mm f/1.8 (non-interchangeable)
Shutter	Focal-plane cloth shutter; 1s – 1/500s + B
Metering	Coupled selenium-cell meter (center-weighted)
Exposure Modes	Manual exposure with metered assistance
Viewfinder	Combined optical viewfinder and brightline rangefinder patch with automatic parallax correction
Dimensions	138 × 78 × 45 mm; ~580 g (with lens and body)

Key Features

45mm f/1.8 Hexanon Lens: A five-element, high-speed standard lens offering exceptional optical performance, particularly in low light and for portrait work.
Battery-Free Selenium Meter: Utilizes a selenium photocell surrounding the lens; no battery required, with exposure guidance via a match-needle system in the viewfinder.
Integrated Rangefinder: Bright, centrally located patch with automatic parallax compensation for accurate manual focusing.
Compact & Durable Build: Lightweight aluminum and brass construction with a comfortable grip and intuitive top-plate layout.
Self-Timer and Flash Sync: Includes a mechanical self-timer and X-sync at 1/60s via PC terminal and hot shoe.

Historical Context

The Konica Auto S2 was released during a transitional period in 35mm photography. While SLRs were gaining popularity due to their versatility and through-the-lens viewing, rangefinders remained favored for their quiet operation, compact size, and superior lens designs. The Auto S2 competed directly with offerings from Leica, Canon, and Minolta, particularly the Canon Canonet QL17 and Minolta Hi-Matic series. Unlike the Leica M-series, which targeted professionals and commanded premium prices, the Auto S2 was positioned as a high-quality yet accessible alternative for serious enthusiasts.

Konica leveraged its reputation for precision engineering and optical excellence to differentiate the Auto S2. The Hexanon lens was a major selling point, often compared favorably to Leica Summicron optics in independent tests of the era. The camera’s selenium metering system, while prone to degradation over decades, was state-of-the-art at the time and eliminated the need for batteries—a significant advantage in an era of unreliable portable power. The Auto S2 was exported widely and gained a strong following in North America and Europe, where it was praised for its reliability and image quality.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Konica Auto S2 is regarded as a classic rangefinder with strong appeal among film photography enthusiasts and collectors. Well-functioning examples typically sell for $200–$400 USD, depending on condition, lens clarity, and meter responsiveness. Fully operational selenium meters are increasingly rare, as the cells degrade over time and cannot be easily replaced. Cameras with bright, haze-free lenses and smooth shutter operation command premium prices.

When purchasing an Auto S2, collectors should inspect for common issues: faded or peeling leatherette, shutter inaccuracies (especially at slower speeds), sticky aperture blades, and fogged or scratched lenses. The rangefinder alignment should be checked, as misalignment can affect focusing accuracy. While repair parts are limited, skilled technicians familiar with vintage Konica cameras can often restore functionality. Due to its fixed lens and robust build, the Auto S2 is more durable than many contemporaries, but long-term storage in humid environments can lead to internal corrosion.

Similar Cameras

Canon Canonet QL17 GIII – A popular rangefinder with a 40mm f/1.7 lens and quick-load film advance; known for sharp optics and compact design.
Minolta Hi-Matic 7SII – Features a 45mm f/1.7 lens and CdS metering; offers aperture-priority automation and excellent low-light performance.
Leica M2 – The professional benchmark for 35mm rangefinders; interchangeable lenses, superior build, and legendary optics.
Yashica Electro 35 GSN – A later, fully automatic 35mm rangefinder with a 45mm f/1.7 lens; represents the transition to electronic metering.
Fujica ST705 – Though an SLR, it shares the Auto S2’s emphasis on compact design and high-quality Fujinon optics.

Repair & Maintenance

The Konica Auto S2 requires no battery for operation, as its selenium meter generates current from ambient light. However, aged selenium cells often lose sensitivity, rendering the meter inaccurate or non-functional—this is the most common issue. While the meter cannot be easily repaired, the camera remains fully usable with external metering. Shutter and aperture mechanisms are mechanical and generally reliable but may require CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) after decades of inactivity. Common problems include sluggish shutter speeds, inconsistent curtain travel, and stiff film advance. Replacement light seals are recommended for long-term storage and proper film spacing. Due to its fixed lens and lack of electronic components, the Auto S2 is relatively straightforward to maintain compared to later electronic cameras, though specialized tools and expertise are needed for internal repairs.