KONICA AUTOREFLEX TC
The Konica Autoreflex TC is a compact 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1976. It was a simplified, lightweight model in Konica's Autoreflex series, aimed at amateurs who wanted automatic exposure in a small body. It has aperture-priority electronic metering and a minimalist mechanical design.
Overview
Konica released the Autoreflex TC in 1976 as the entry-level model in its Autoreflex SLR lineup, which had been evolving since the late 1960s. Earlier models like the Autoreflex T and T3 had advanced manual controls and full aperture metering. The TC was built to cost less and take up less room without giving up the core functions. To get there, Konica simplified the body, dropped features such as mirror lock-up and depth-of-field preview, and relied on aperture-priority autoexposure with electronic shutter control. It kept the AR bayonet lens mount, so a wide range of high-quality Hexanon lenses still fit.
The TC was marketed toward casual photographers and students who wanted SLR image quality and interchangeable lenses but did not need professional-grade controls. It is unusually small for an SLR of its era, thanks to a vertically traveling Copal Square shutter and a streamlined internal layout. Production ran until 1982, as mechanical SLRs declined and Japanese competitors like Canon, Minolta, and Pentax brought out more sophisticated electronic models. The TC was one of the final iterations of Konica's 35mm SLR line.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | 35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) |
| Film Format | 35mm (135) |
| Years Produced | 1976–1982 |
| Lens Mount | Konica AR Bayonet (Konica AR-mount) |
| Shutter | Vertical-travel metal Copal Square shutter; speeds 1/8 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus B (time) |
| Metering | Open-aperture TTL CdS metering, center-weighted |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture-priority automatic exposure only |
| Viewfinder | Fixed pentaprism with microprism collar and split-image rangefinder spot; 0.92x magnification, 92% coverage |
| Dimensions | 136 mm (W) × 80 mm (H) × 48 mm (D); weight: 510 g (body only, no battery or lens) |
Key Features
- Aperture-Priority Autoexposure: The camera automatically selects the correct shutter speed based on user-selected aperture and scene brightness, simplifying operation for novice users.
- Compact and Lightweight Body: At approximately 48 mm depth, the TC was among the smallest full-frame 35mm SLRs ever made, enhancing portability.
- TTL Center-Weighted Metering: Utilizes a CdS (Cadmium Sulfide) cell for accurate through-the-lens exposure measurement with open-aperture metering.
- Konica AR Lens Mount Compatibility: Supports all Konica AR-mount lenses, including the renowned Hexanon series, with full open-aperture metering on compatible lenses (marked "Auto").
- Electronic Shutter with Mechanical Backup: While shutter timing is electronically controlled, the shutter remains functional at 1/125 sec in the event of battery failure.
Historical Context
The Autoreflex TC arrived as the market was shifting from fully mechanical cameras to electronically controlled systems. By the mid-1970s, manufacturers were building automation into SLRs to attract amateur photographers. Konica was respected for its optical quality, particularly the Hexanon lens line, but it faced growing competition from Minolta (with the XD-11/7) and Pentax (K1000), which offered more advanced or more durable designs. The TC was Konica's response: a no-frills, affordable SLR that kept the brand's optical strengths while cutting cost and size.
Unlike its predecessor, the Autoreflex T3, the TC left out manual shutter speed selection and relied only on aperture-priority automation. That put it up against cameras like the Olympus OM-10 and Minolta X-300, though it lacked their manual exposure options. The TC was well-received for its build quality, compactness, and accurate metering. Konica later discontinued its SLR line in the early 1980s and eventually left the camera market altogether, which limited long-term support and spare parts availability.
Collectibility & Value
Today the Konica Autoreflex TC is a niche collectible, valued for its compact design, optical compatibility, and place as one of Konica's final SLRs. In good working condition, prices typically range from $75 to $150 USD, depending on included lens and cosmetic state. Models bundled with the 45mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.7 Hexanon lens command higher premiums because of their optical quality. Collectors appreciate the TC's understated design and mechanical reliability, though its lack of manual exposure modes limits its appeal next to more versatile contemporaries.
When buying a used Autoreflex TC, check the shutter at all speeds. Check for accurate metering, which relies on a single PX625 or equivalent 1.35V mercury battery, now obsolete. Look into the viewfinder for haze or fungus. Degraded light seals are a common issue and can cause light leaks, so they should be replaced during servicing. The CdS meter cell may also degrade over time and give inaccurate exposure readings. Repair parts are limited, but the camera's modular construction lets skilled technicians service or recalibrate the shutter and metering system. Konica has left the camera industry, so official support is nonexistent. That leaves independent repair shops and enthusiast communities for maintenance.
Similar Cameras
- Olympus OM-10 – Aperture-priority SLR with compact design and TTL metering, introduced in 1979.
- Minolta X-300 – Entry-level SLR with manual and aperture-priority modes, produced from 1984.
- Pentax ME – Compact aperture-priority SLR (1976) with LED shutter speed display in viewfinder.
- Yashica FR-I – Simplified SLR with AR-mount compatibility and aperture-priority automation.
- Canon AE-1 – Highly popular aperture-priority SLR (1976) with electronic shutter and extensive lens support.
Repair & Maintenance
The Konica Autoreflex TC runs on a single 1.35V mercury PX625 battery (now obsolete). Modern substitutes such as the WeinCell MRB625 (1.35V zinc-air) or adapters for 1.5V SR625SW batteries can be used with exposure compensation. Battery corrosion in the compartment is common in unattended units and should be cleaned carefully. The electronically timed Copal Square shutter is generally reliable but may need recalibration if speeds become inaccurate. The CdS meter cell, located in the prism housing, is prone to aging and may need replacement or recalibration using a known-light-source reference. Light seals should be replaced every 10-15 years to prevent light leaks. Repair parts are not widely available from Konica (which ceased camera production in 2006), but third-party technicians and enthusiast forums often provide service support and donor parts. Regular use, proper storage, and periodic CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) servicing are recommended.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ KONICA AUTOREFLEX TC Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $98 Latest $40 │ │ Median $43 Trend — │ │ Low $20 Volume ~17/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $100 ┤ │ │ │. . . │ │ │ ... . . │ │ $57 ┤ .. . . . . . . . .. . │ │ │ . ... ... . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . │ │ │. . . .. .. ... . .. . . . . . ... ..│ │ │. . . . . ... . . . ... . . .. │ │ $0 ┤ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │█▄▂▂▄█▄ ▄▂▆▂▂ ▄▂▄▄▄▂▂ ▄█ ▂▆▄▄▄▂ ▂▂ ▆▄▆▄▂ ▄▂▂▆▂▂▄▂▂▄▂▂▂▄▄▆▄▆▄▆▄│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-02 2026-05 2026-08│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
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eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $25–$69 (median $43, based on 102 completed sales, past 12 months)
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