Konica MR.70

The Konica MR.70 is a fully automatic 35mm camera that allows both wide-angle and telephoto shots at the touch of a button. It is characterized by its ease of use and the integration of an automatic flash.

The model was introduced at the 1985 Salon de la Photo in Paris. In Japan, it was initially sold for 55,800 yen and was nicknamed the “Bōen’ō.” A successor, the Konica MR.70 LX, followed later.

Lens

The standard lens of the Konica MR.70 is a Konica Hexanon 38mm f/3.2 in the wide-angle range and a 70mm f/5.8 in the telephoto range. The focal length can be easily switched using a switch. It is not an interchangeable lens system; the lens is fixed.

The camera does not offer manual focus, but rather autofocus. Focus is determined by an infrared autofocus system, which offers an effective range of 1.2 meters to infinity. The camera also features a focus lock function. There is no filter thread.

Exposure Settings

The Konica MR.70 features Programmed Auto-Exposure Control (PAC) with a CdS photodiode for exposure metering. The AE coupling ranges at ISO 100 are EV 8–16 (F/3.2 at 1/25 to F/16 at 1/250) with the 38mm lens and EV 9.6–17 (F/5.8 at 1/25 to F/24 at 1/230) with the 70mm lens. Exposure times range from 1/25 to 1/250 of a second. The camera does not offer manual exposure settings.

Flash System

The Konica MR.70 has a built-in electronic flash. The flash range is 1.2 to 5 meters when using the 38mm lens and 1.2 to 3 meters when using the 70mm lens. The camera supports Daylight Sync.

The flash-ready indicator is located in the viewfinder. The flash recharge time with new alkaline batteries is approximately 8 seconds. There is no external flash connector.

Additional Features

The Konica MR.70 has an electronic self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds and an audible signal. The camera has a tripod thread.

One version of the camera has an auto-date function that allows the date and time to be automatically overlaid on photos. This function is powered by a separate CR2025 3V lithium battery and is programmed until December 31, 2019. The auto-date function can be deactivated.

A film viewing window is located on the back for checking the film load.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Konica MR.70 are 138 x 80 x 54 mm and the weight is 425 g (without batteries). The Konica MR.70 Auto-Date is slightly larger at 138 x 80 x 58.5 mm and weighs 445 g (without batteries).

The camera requires two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still very easy to find today.

Film Recommendations for the Konica MR.70

The Konica MR.70 is DX-compatible and automatically sets the film speed for films with ISO values ​​from 25 to 1600. For films without DX coding, the speed is fixed at ISO 100.

35mm format films are required. For color images, there is the Kodak Gold 200*.

For landscape photography, low ISO films (e.g., ISO 100) are suitable to achieve a high level of detail. For portrait photography, medium ISO films (e.g., ISO 400) can be used to achieve a good balance between light sensitivity and graininess.

For sports photography or shots in low-light conditions, high ISO films (e.g., ISO 1600) are recommended. The camera loads the film automatically. A beep indicates the end of the film roll.

Quick Operation Guide

• 1. Insert Batteries: Open the battery compartment and insert two AA batteries (LR6 or R6). Observe the correct polarity.
• 2. Load Film: Open the back of the camera, insert the film cassette into the film chamber, and insert the end of the film into the take-up spool. Ensure the film is advanced correctly.
• 3. Turn on Camera: The camera turns on automatically once a film is inserted.
• 4. Select Subject: Look through the viewfinder and select your subject.
• 5. Focus: The camera focuses automatically.
• 6. Take the Photo: Press the shutter button to take the photo. Make sure to hold the camera steady.
• 7. Using the flash: When the orange warning light in the viewfinder lights up, turn on the flash.
• 8. Selecting the focal length: Use the switch on the front to choose between 38mm and 70mm.
• 9. Ejecting the film: After the last shot is taken, the camera automatically rewinds the film. Open the back cover and remove the film.