The Konica MR.70 LX, a successor to the MR.70 from 1987, retains the proven 38/70mm dual focal length, but features a revised design and improved electronics. Particularly noteworthy is the new LCD display on the top, which provides information on flash modes, range, and remaining exposures.
The built-in flash now offers an automatic mode. A practical new feature is the integrated lens cover, which is opened by turning a knurled ring. A slider on the front allows switching between wide-angle and telephoto functions, with a motor shifting the lens elements accordingly. The shutter speed has also been extended for shooting in low light.
The introductory price in Japan was 49,800 yen.
Lens of the Konica MR.70 LX
The Konica MR.70 LX features a built-in zoom lens with two focal lengths. The focal length is 38 mm at the wide-angle end, and 70 mm at the telephoto end.
The lens' maximum aperture is f/3.2 at 38 mm and f/5.8 at 70 mm. It is a multi-lens lens with 4 elements in 3 groups at 38 mm and 8 elements in 6 groups at 70 mm.
The lens is equipped with an active infrared autofocus system. The focusing range extends from 1.2 m to infinity. The lens can be protected by an integrated lens cover. It is not possible to attach other lenses to the camera.
Exposure Settings
The Konica MR.70 LX uses programmed AE (autoexposure) with a CdS photodiode for exposure metering. Exposure metering is center-weighted.
The camera does not offer manual exposure settings. The shutter speeds and aperture values are controlled automatically by the camera. The AE coupling range at ISO 100 is: f=38mm EV6.3 (F3.2, 1/8)-EV16 (F16.1/250), f=70mm EV8 (F5.8, 1/8)-EV17 (F24.1/230).
Camera Flash System
The Konica MR.70 LX has a built-in flash. The camera offers "Flashmatic" flash control. Flash readiness is indicated by a separate light.
The flash range depends on the film speed and the selected focal length. At ISO 100, the flash range is 1.2 to 5 meters (38 mm) or 1.2 to 3 meters (70 mm). The flash recharge time is approximately 4 seconds with fresh alkaline batteries.
Additional Features
The Konica MR.70 LX offers a self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds. The camera also has a tripod thread.
An automatic date imprint (Auto-Date) was also offered on one model variant. The built-in calendar runs until December 31, 2019. The Auto-Date function can be deactivated.
The LED display can be used to check film, wind/rewind, battery level, self-timer, and flash range.
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of the Konica MR.70 LX are approximately 140 x 79.5 x 59.5 mm. It weighs approximately 450 grams without batteries or 455 grams with Auto-Date (without batteries).
Speaking of batteries, the camera requires two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
The best films for your camera
The Konica MR.70 LX is equipped with DX coding and automatically sets the film speed in the range of ISO 50 to ISO 1600. For films without DX coding, ISO 100 is used by default.
A good 35mm film for your camera is the Kodak Ektar 100*. Great black-and-white photos can be taken with the Kodak T-Max 400*.
The camera uses the 35mm film format, and the battery capacity is approximately 160 rolls without flash, or approximately 14 rolls with flash for all frames using one alkaline battery and a 24-frame film.
Quick Operation Guide
- Inserting Batteries: Open the battery compartment and insert two 1.5V AA batteries (or Ni-Cad batteries) according to the polarity markings. A separate CR2025 3V lithium battery is required for the auto-date function.
- Loading Film: Open the camera back, insert the film cartridge, and feed the film strip up to the marking. Close the back.
- Opening the Lens Cover: Turn the ring around the lens until the cover opens.
- Aiming at the Subject: Point the camera at your subject and use the viewfinder.
- Focusing and Shooting: Press the shutter button halfway to activate autofocus. When the green light in the viewfinder lights up, the subject is in focus. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
- Rewind the film: After all pictures have been taken, press the rewind button to rewind the film into the cartridge. Open the back cover and remove the film.
