The Konica MT-100, introduced in 1990, represents an era in which compact, fully automatic cameras took over the market and made photography accessible to everyone. Konica, a renowned Japanese manufacturer with a long history in the optical industry, positioned the MT-100 as a user-friendly camera for everyday use.
Design and functionality
The MT-100 is characterized by its compact and lightweight design. With dimensions of 118 x 69 x 47.5 mm (without battery) and a weight of just 220 grams (also without battery), it fits easily into a jacket pocket or handbag. The housing is made of robust plastic and is kept in a subtle black color.
Operating the camera is extremely simple. A slide switch activates the camera and opens the lens cover at the same time. The user only has to look through the viewfinder, aim at the subject and press the shutter button. The MT-100 takes care of the rest: automatic focusing, exposure metering and film winding ensure uncomplicated photography.
Technical features
At the heart of the MT-100 is a Konica lens with a fixed focal length of 34 mm and a speed of F/4.5. This combination is ideal for a wide range of shooting situations, from landscape shots to portraits. The camera has an electronically controlled shutter that allows exposure times from 2 seconds to 1/500 second.
The MT-100 uses an infrared autofocus with two sensors, which ensures fast and precise focusing. The focus range extends from 1.2 meters to infinity. For special shooting situations, the focus can also be locked manually.
Exposure metering is carried out via a CdS photocell that controls a program automatic. The camera automatically selects the optimal combination of aperture and exposure time to achieve correct exposure. The exposure metering range is from EV 11 (F8 at 1/30 second) to EV 15 (F8 at 1/500 second). In poor lighting conditions, the camera can expose for up to 2 seconds.
Films for the Konica MT-100
The Konica MT-100 is designed for use with commercially available 35 mm films with DX coding. The camera automatically detects the film sensitivity (ISO 100, 200 or 400) and sets the exposure accordingly. For films without DX coding, a sensitivity of ISO 100 is assumed by default.
Good films include the Ilford XP2 Super* or the Kodak Ultramax 400*.
The film is fed in automatically after the back is closed. After each shot, the film is automatically advanced. At the end of the film, it is automatically rewound.
Flash
The MT-100 has a built-in flash that fires automatically when needed. The camera automatically detects whether the lighting conditions are sufficient for a shot without a flash. The flash has a range of 1.2 to 3.4 meters (at ISO 100) and a recharge time of around 4 seconds.
In addition to automatic flash control, the MT-100 also offers the option of manually activating or deactivating the flash. This allows the user to achieve creative effects or use the flash as a fill-in flash even in daylight.
Self-timer
The MT-100 has a self-timer for self-portraits or group photos where the photographer wants to be in the picture. After activating the self-timer, a red LED flashes and the shutter is released after around 10 seconds.
Power supply
The Konica MT-100 draws its power from a single CR123A lithium battery (eBay / Amazon*). These batteries are characterized by their high energy density and long life, which makes them ideal for use in compact cameras.
Thanks to the efficient electronics of the MT-100, one battery is enough to record numerous films, allowing photographers to concentrate fully on their subjects without having to constantly worry about changing batteries. Typically, around 500 photos can be taken with one battery.
According to the instructions, the battery compartment is located on the bottom of the camera and is easily accessible.
Special model with data back
For photographers who wanted to add the date or time to their photos, Konica offered an optional model with a so-called "data back". It made it possible to expose the date or time directly onto the film. The data back expanded the functionality of the MT-100 and offered a practical way to record important information about the photos.
An additional CR2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is needed for the data back. Please note, however, that the built-in calendar only goes up to 2019.
The model with the data back measures 11.8 x 6.9 x 5.15 cm and weighs 230 grams.
