Konica FS-1 ()

A 35mm SLR camera with built-in motor drive and shutter-priority TTL metering, .

Overview

It was one of the first 35mm SLRs to feature a built-in motor drive, enabling automatic film advance and continuous shooting. Designed for ease of use, the FS-1 offers shutter-priority automatic exposure with through-the-lens (TTL) metering, adjusting exposure settings for each frame during continuous shooting. It uses the , compatible with Hexanon lenses, and features a viewfinder that is notably brighter than earlier Autoreflex models like the T3N. The camera is powered by , with low battery warning indicated by two LEDs in the viewfinder.

Specifications

Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135)
Years Produced
Lens Mount
Shutter Speed Range	2s – 1/1000s
Exposure Control	Shutter-priority AE, TTL manual metering
Power Source
Sync	PC sync
Dimensions	146 mm × 90 mm × 73 mm

Design

The Konica FS-1 is a lightweight, compact SLR with a built-in motor drive for automatic film loading and continuous shooting. All systems are powered by , with a low-power warning displayed via two LEDs in the viewfinder. The TTL metering system adjusts exposure settings for each frame during continuous operation, ensuring consistent exposure.

Context

The FS-1 was positioned as a modern, user-friendly SLR, marking a shift in Konica’s SLR design toward automation and ease of use. It shares the with the earlier Autoreflex series but improves upon their ergonomics and viewfinder brightness. As one of the first 35mm SLRs with a built-in motor drive, it represented a significant step in integrating motorized film advance into consumer SLRs.

Market

The Konica FS-1 had an original list price of $337.50 in 1979, equivalent to approximately $1,191.91 in 2020 dollars. It remains a modestly valued model among collectors, with complete setups occasionally available on the used market.

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