Konica Autoreflex T (1968–1970)
The Konica Autoreflex T is widely regarded as the first 35mm SLR to combine through-the-lens (TTL) metering with fully automatic exposure control. Introduced in 1968 and produced until 1970, it was a fully mechanical, shutter-priority AE camera. You set the shutter speed, and the camera set the aperture. The body was metal, available in black or silver, and built around the Konica AR bayonet mount, so it accepted the highly regarded Hexanon lenses.
Operation is simple. Metering was center-weighted through dual CdS cells, with the selected aperture shown by a match needle in the viewfinder. A small "override" button sat beside the shutter release. It worked around the meter's limited range and let you nudge the reading when needed. The on/off switch lived on the back of the body, a quirk that sets the original T apart from its successors. The T2, which followed, moved the switch to the shutter button and dropped the override entirely thanks to an improved metering system.
Film speeds from ISO 25 to 1600 were accommodated, and the camera used Konica's Insta-Grip film-loading system. A self-timer was included. The original list price in 1969 was $199.95 with the 57mm f/1.4 lens, roughly $1,400 in 2020 dollars.
Period sources describe the camera as solid, dependable and refined, the model that firmly planted Konica on the SLR map. The one practical caveat today is the battery. The meter originally relied on a mercury PX-675, which is now banned. Wein cells are the commonly recommended replacement.
On dates: most sources place the introduction in 1968, though at least one reference says 1967. The 1968 date is better supported across multiple independent references and is used here.
- Type: 35mm SLR, shutter-priority AE, fully mechanical
- Shutter: vertical-travel metal focal plane, 1s – 1/1000s + B
- Metering: TTL center-weighted dual CdS, match needle
- Film speed: ISO 25 – 1600
- Lens mount: Konica AR bayonet
- Size: 148 × 96 × 49 mm; weight: 771g
- Production: 1968–1970
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