The Konica Z-up 150 VP is a compact camera designed for ease of use and versatile zoom functionality. It offers a combination of automatic operation and manual overrides to suit both beginners and advanced photographers.
The camera is designed for 35mm film and offers a zoom function that is not common in this class of camera. It allows the user to respond flexibly to various shooting situations. It is also available as a panorama model and with an auto-date function.
Lens
The Konica Z-up 150 VP is equipped with a 38-150mm zoom lens with a variable aperture of F5.0-F13.8. It consists of 8 groups of 10 elements. The lens offers autofocus to ensure sharp images.
The focus range extends from 0.8 meters to infinity. The lens has a built-in lens cap that opens automatically when the camera is turned on. There is no filter thread.
Exposure Settings
The camera features automatic exposure metering (AE) with a CdS light sensor. The AE coupling range is EV 4 to EV 16 at 38 mm and EV 7 to EV 16 at 150 mm (ISO 100). There is a +1.5 EV exposure compensation mode.
The camera offers various shooting modes that can be set via a mode dial, including Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Self-Timer, Night Portrait, Flash Off, +1.5 EV Exposure Compensation, and Remote Shooting.
Flash System
The Konica Z-up 150 VP has a built-in flash system. The flash operates automatically in low light but can also be manually turned on or off. The flash range at ISO 100 is 0.8 to 5 meters at 38 mm and 0.8 to 1.8 meters at 150 mm. The flash recharge time is approximately 8 seconds. A pre-flash to reduce red-eye is also integrated.
Additional Features
The camera features an electronic self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds. A red LED flashes for the first 7 seconds, then remains lit for 3 seconds. The self-timer can be canceled.
The camera also has a tripod socket for blur-free shots with longer exposure times. A remote shutter release was available as an option.
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of the Konica Z-up 150 VP are 124.5 x 70 x 61.5 mm. It weighs approximately 300 g without battery and 312 g with the auto-date function.
Film Recommendations
The Konica Z-up 150 VP is designed for 35mm film. The camera automatically detects film speeds from ISO 25 to ISO 3200 using DX coding. If no coding is present, the camera automatically selects ISO 25. This value cannot be changed.
For general daylight photography, films with a low ISO rating (e.g., ISO 100 or ISO 200) are recommended to achieve good image quality and fine grain. For shots in low light or for fast-moving subjects, films with higher ISO ratings (e.g., ISO 400 or ISO 800) are more suitable.
For portraits, an ISO 400 film with flash can be used. For landscape shots, an ISO 100 or 200 film is optimal. The number of images per roll depends on the roll length (usually 24 or 36 exposures).
A good film for color photos is the Kodak Gold 200*. If you prefer black-and-white photos, you can purchase the Kentmere 100*.
Quick Operation Guide
- Insert the battery: Open the battery compartment and insert a CR123A (eBay / Amazon*) or DL123A (3V) lithium battery. Observe the correct polarity (+/-).
- Load the film: Open the camera back. Insert a 35mm film roll and pull the film strip to the mark. Close the back. The camera automatically advances the film to the first frame.
- Turn on the camera: Press the power button. The lens extends and the camera is ready.
- Frame the subject: Look through the viewfinder and compose a shot.
- Focus: Press the shutter button halfway until the green light lights up. The focus is now locked.
- Release the shutter: Press the shutter button all the way down to take the photo.
- After the shot: The camera automatically advances the film to the next frame.
- Turn off the camera: Press the power button. The lens retracts.
- Remove the film: Once the film is full, the camera automatically rewinds the film. After rewinding, open the back cover and remove the film.
- Select the mode: Select the desired shooting mode using the mode selector.
