KONICA AUTO S2

Name: Konica Auto S2
Brand: Konica

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

Overview

Introduced in 1965, the Auto S2 succeeded the Auto S and sat at the premium end of Konica's S-series compacts. It was built for photographers who wanted a lightweight, reliable camera with accurate metering and a good lens, without the complexity of an SLR. The lens was the 45mm f/1.8 Hexanon, a five-element design known for its sharpness, excellent contrast, and pleasing bokeh. Film photographers still admire it. The body came in chrome or black, with leatherette covering and intuitive top-plate controls, and it was a favorite among street and travel photographers.

The shutter is a vertically traveling, focal-plane cloth type with speeds from 1 second to 1/500th of a second, plus Bulb. The key feature was the fully coupled, center-weighted selenium-cell meter. It needs no battery and shows exposure information with a needle visible in the viewfinder. You set exposure manually by using the aperture and shutter speed dials to line the needle up with an index mark. The Auto S2 was part of Konica's final generation of rangefinders, before the company shifted focus to SLRs and later to 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 Auto S2 came out during a transitional period in 35mm photography. SLRs were gaining popularity because of their versatility and through-the-lens viewing. Rangefinders were still favored for 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 the Minolta Hi-Matic series. The Leica M-series targeted professionals and commanded premium prices. The Auto S2 was positioned as a high-quality but accessible alternative for serious enthusiasts.

Konica leaned on its reputation for precision engineering and optical excellence to set the Auto S2 apart. The Hexanon lens was a major selling point, and independent tests of the era often compared it favorably to Leica Summicron optics. The selenium metering system was state-of-the-art at the time and eliminated the need for batteries, a significant advantage in an era of unreliable portable power. It does tend to degrade over decades. 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 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, because the cells degrade over time and cannot be easily replaced. Cameras with bright, haze-free lenses and smooth shutter operation command higher prices.

Buyers should check for the common problems: faded or peeling leatherette, shutter inaccuracies (especially at slower speeds), sticky aperture blades, and fogged or scratched lenses. Check the rangefinder alignment too, since misalignment can throw off focusing accuracy. Repair parts are limited, but skilled technicians familiar with vintage Konica cameras can often restore function. The fixed lens and sturdy build make the Auto S2 more durable than many of its contemporaries. Long-term storage in humid environments can still 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 Auto S2 needs no battery, because its selenium meter generates current from ambient light. Aged selenium cells often lose sensitivity, which leaves the meter inaccurate or dead - this is the most common issue. The meter cannot be easily repaired, but the camera stays fully usable with external metering. The shutter and aperture mechanisms are mechanical and generally reliable, but they may need a 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. With a fixed lens and no electronic components, the Auto S2 is relatively straightforward to maintain compared to later electronic cameras, though internal repairs take specialized tools and expertise.