Konica FT-1 (1983–1987)

A 35mm SLR with built-in motor drive and microprocessor-controlled exposure, aimed at serious amateurs and professionals.

Overview

The Konica FT-1 is a 35mm SLR camera produced by Konica from 1983 to 1987. It was the final SLR model both branded and manufactured entirely by Konica. Designed for serious amateur and professional photographers, it targeted users in documentary and travel photography. The camera features a built-in motor drive for automatic film advance and rewind, and offers program and aperture-priority autoexposure modes. It is part of Konica's Bayonet Mount II SLR lineup, which includes models like the Autoreflex T, FS-1, and FC-1.

Specifications

Lens mount	Konica AR mount (also referred to as Konica Bayonet Mount II)
Viewfinder	Bright pentaprism viewfinder with LED exposure indicators
Exposure modes	Program and aperture-priority autoexposure modes
Shutter speed range
ISO range	25–3200
Autofocus	Not stated (manual focus implied by era and design)
Batteries	4 AA or AAA
Weight
Metering system	TTL center-weighted metering at the full lens opening
Meter type	Silicon photodiode
Exposure compensation	±2 EV

Design

The FT-1 features a built-in motor drive with a switch for single or continuous shooting, enabling automatic film advance and rewind. It uses an advanced microprocessor to control exposure and supports multiple exposure modes. The camera has a weather-resistant construction and uses a silicon photodiode for TTL center-weighted metering at full lens aperture.

Context

The Konica FT-1 was introduced in 1983 as the last SLR fully developed and built by Konica. It entered a competitive 1980s market alongside models like the Canon T50, Minolta X-570, Nikon FG, and Yashica FX-70. Positioned for serious amateurs and professionals, it emphasized reliability and automation for documentary and travel use.

Market

The Konica FT-1 sold with a standard lens for about $175–225 in 1983. Today, working examples typically sell between $50 and $225, with non-working or parts units listed as low as $24.50. Common issues include failure of the light meter, though the camera may still function mechanically.