Konica AIBORG

The Konica AIBORG is a fully automatic 35mm compact camera with a zoom lens, distinguished by its unusual design and numerous features. It was introduced in 1991 by the Japanese company.

Lens

The Konica AIBORG features an integrated Konica zoom lens with a focal length of 35mm to 105mm and a variable aperture of F3.8 to F8.5. This lens allows for both wide-angle and telephoto shots.

The camera uses an infrared autofocus system, enabling effective distance measurement from 0.8m to infinity. A focus lock is also available to fix the focus on a specific subject. Additionally, there is a zoom/AF field shift button to adjust the focal length. The camera does not have a filter thread.

Exposure Settings

The AIBORG utilizes programmed automatic exposure (AE). Exposure measurement is done via a 2-zone metering system and is center-weighted. Additionally, it offers exposure compensation of ±1.5 EV for adjustment in difficult lighting conditions. Spot metering is also available and can be activated. The exposure metering range is ISO 100 between EV2 and EV18 at 35mm and between EV3.2 and EV18 at 105mm.

Flash System

The camera has a built-in zoom flash. It offers various modes that can be controlled via a mode button. Flash modes include Auto, On (fill-in flash), and Off. In automatic mode, the flash fires automatically in low light conditions.

The flash range at ISO 100 is from 0.8 to 6 meters (35mm) and 0.8 to 3 meters (105mm). The flash recycle time is approximately 4.5 seconds.

Additional Features

The Konica AIBORG features an electronic self-timer with a delay of approximately 3 or 10 seconds. There is also a connection for an optional cable release to prevent camera shake. The camera has a tripod socket for mounting on a tripod.

Other features include continuous shooting, slow sync flash, interval shooting, and a date imprint (up to December 31, 2019).

Dimensions, Weight & Batteries

The camera dimensions are 148 x 87 x 83 mm. The weight is 570 grams without batteries.

Regarding batteries, the camera requires a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This battery type is very easy to find online. According to Konica, one battery is sufficient for up to 35 rolls (24 exposures). In this case, the flash is used for half of the pictures.

Film Recommendations

The Konica AIBORG supports film speeds from ISO 25 to ISO 3200, which are automatically set via the film’s DX coding. A good color film for the camera is the Kodak Gold 200*. This film delivers solid results with the 35mm camera.

Film transport is automatic. The motor can handle up to two frames per second. The camera also automatically rewinds the film once the end of the film is reached.

Quick Operating Guide

1. Insert Battery: Open the battery compartment and insert a 2CR5 6V lithium battery.
2. Load Film: Open the back cover, insert a roll of film, and pull the film out to the marker. Close the back cover.
3. Turn Camera On: Slide the main switch to “ON”.
4. Aim at Subject: Point the camera at your subject.
5. Focus: Press the shutter button halfway to focus.
6. Take Picture: Press the shutter button fully to take the photo.
7. Zoom: Use the zoom/AF field shift button to adjust the focal length.
8. Select Flash Mode: Use the “A” button to set the desired flash mode.
9. Activate Self-Timer: Use the “F” button to set the desired self-timer mode (3 or 10 seconds).
10. Select Special Modes: Use the “B” and “C” buttons to select the various special programs.