This is the Konica I type E a rather typical compact early ’50s rangefinder with quite a nice collapsable lens, the Hexanon f2.8 50mm. It was marketed between 1950 and 1951 with a going price of ~$100 US. The roll of Arista 200 (see sample shots below) is the first I have run through this camera and the results are pleasing.
The logo on this camera was in use from 1947 to 1976.
One of my favorite features is the mechanism for opening the back. It’s a simple cammed twist knob, but the positive action both opening and closing all but guarantees you will never accidentally open the back when removing from a bag.
Controls are straightforward like other cameras of this era and the rangefinder patch is bright and clear.
| Make | Konica |
|---|---|
| Model | I (type E) |
| Year | 1950 – 1951 |
| Format | 35mm |
| Shutter | Konirapid-S |
| Speed | B, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 |
| Lens | Konishiroku Hexanon |
| f2.8 50mm | |
| Focus | 1m – ∞ |
| Aperture | f2.8 – 22 |
| Light Meter | No |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
Sample images on Arista.edu Ultra 200, stand-developed HC110, 30 minutes.
