Konica AA-35

The Konica AA-35 is a compact 35mm half-format viewfinder camera known for its ease of use and built-in autofocus. Designed for everyday use and travel, it offers a combination of automation and portability.

It was produced by the Japanese company in the 1980s. A very similar model was offered with the Konica Recorder. The body and optics are reminiscent of a compact cassette player.

Lens

The camera is equipped with a fixed Hexanon 24mm F4 lens. This lens consists of four elements in four groups. It features an autofocus system based on an active infrared system and is effective from 0.9 meters to infinity. There is no manual focus or even zone focus. There is no filter thread because the lens is fixed.

Exposure Settings

Exposure is controlled automatically by a CdS cell. The AE coupling range is EV10 (f/4 at 1/60 second) to EV16 (f/16 at 1/250 second) for ISO 100 and is effective up to EV8 at ISO 400. There is no manual mode for exposure settings. Shutter speeds range from 1/60 to 1/250 second. The aperture is adjusted automatically and cannot be adjusted manually. A low-light warning lamp is located in the viewfinder, which activates at EV10 (ISO 100).

A switch for setting the film speed is located on the back. ISO 100, ISO 200, and ISO 400 are available.

Flash System

The Konica AA-35 has a built-in electronic flash. This is charged when the camera is turned on and is linked to the ISO setting. The flash charges after the camera is turned on. The flash range is 0.9 to 4.5 meters. Flash readiness is indicated by a light that illuminates after about 8 seconds with new batteries. There is no external flash connector.

Additional Features

The camera does not have a self-timer. There is no tripod thread.

The camera has a sliding cover that should be closed when not in use. When the sliding cover is closed, the shutter release cannot be released, and the lens, autofocus sensor, and light meter window are protected.

Dimensions and Weight

The camera’s dimensions are 112.5 x 77 x 30.5 mm. It weighs 250 grams without batteries.

Film Recommendations & Batteries for Konica AA Batteries

The Konica AA-35 supports film speeds of ISO 100, 200, and 400. ISO 100 is suitable for landscape shots and portraits in good light. ISO 400 is recommended for poor lighting conditions or for fast-moving subjects.

Good films for the camera include Kodak Gold 200*. For black-and-white images, the Ilford Delta 400* is a good choice.

The half-format format allows up to 48 images to be taken with a film roll that is nominally capable of 24 exposures, and up to 72 with a 36-exposure film roll. Unlike other half-format cameras, the film advances horizontally rather than horizontally. This means that when the camera is held normally, all images are in landscape format.

The film advance is automatic. The camera stops at the end of the film, and the film-end indicator light flashes. The film rewinds automatically when the rewind switch is pressed. The frame counter is additive and displays a digit every three frames.

The camera is powered by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). These batteries are easily available in retail stores or online.

Quick Operation Guide

• Inserting Batteries: Insert two LR6 (AA) batteries. Observe the correct polarity.
• Loading Film: Open the back, insert the film cartridge, and insert the film tip into the take-up spool.
• Setting Film Speed: Set the appropriate ISO rating for the film using the dial.
• Taking Pictures: Open the sliding cover, look through the viewfinder, and press the shutter button.
• Using the Flash: Turn on the flash if necessary. Wait until the flash-ready indicator lights up. Observe the flash range.
• Removing Film: Press the rewind button and wait until the film is fully rewound. Open the back and remove the film.