As the most advanced variant of the series, the Konica EYE 3 was introduced in 1968 by Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. It offered photo enthusiasts simple operation paired with reliable automatic exposure. The EYE 3 represents the last evolutionary stage of the series and distinguishes itself from its predecessors through the additional integration of a self-timer.
Lens
The Konica EYE 3 features a permanently installed Hexanon lens with a focal length of 32 mm and an aperture of f/1.8. Focusing is done manually by turning the lens, supported by a zone focus indicator with symbols in the viewfinder. The camera does not have autofocus.
The filter thread measures 46 mm.
Exposure Settings
Exposure is handled by a programmed automatic system ("Electric-Eye"), controlled by a CdS exposure meter, which offers higher sensitivity compared to the selenium light meter of the first EYE. Depending on the lighting situation, the aperture and shutter speed are automatically selected by the camera.
If manual control is desired, the aperture can be pre-selected between f/1.8 and f/16, with the shutter speed fixed at 1/30 second. For exposures with the shutter held open, there is the B setting (Bulb), where the aperture is set to f/1.8.
Flash System
The EYE 3 does not have automatic flash control. For flash photography, manual adjustment is required by adjusting the aperture ring from "AUTO" to the appropriate value between f/1.8 and f/16. The shutter speed is set to a fixed 1/30 second. An X-contact is used to connect the flash unit.
Additional Features
On the underside of the housing, there is a thread for mounting on a tripod. As the only model in the EYE series, the EYE 3 is equipped with a mechanical self-timer.
A red warning flag in the viewfinder alerts to insufficient lighting conditions to prevent underexposed images.
A mechanism to prevent multiple exposures is also integrated. Side eyelets allow for attaching a wrist strap or camera strap.
Batteries
The light meter requires batteries. Two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) can be used for the Konica EYE 3. This type of battery is easily found online.
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of the Konica EYE 3 are largely the same as its predecessor. The weight is also around 400 grams.
Film Recommendations
This camera uses standard 35mm films for half-frame shots (17.5 x 24 mm), which doubles the frame capacity of a film roll. Film sensitivity can be manually adjusted in the range of ASA 25 to 400. Since the camera does not have DX-sensing, the ASA value must be set directly on the lens.
A color film for 35mm cameras is the Kodak Portra 400*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford XP2 Super*.
