The Konica Auto-Reflex is a SLR camera. It was produced by the Japanese company Konica and presented in the mid-1960s. In Japan it was sold as Auto-Reflex and in international sales it was called “Autoreflex”. A version adapted for Germany was available from the German photo dealer Foto Quelle, the Revue Auto-Reflex.
The lenses of the Konica Auto-Reflex are interchangeable. A Konica AR bayonet was used for this purpose. The Konica Auto-Reflex was the first camera with this type of bayonet mount, but, as usual for the time, has no autofocus. The lens must be focused manually. The SLR is often found with a 52 mm f/1.8 or 57 mm f/1.4 lens.
The 35 mm camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films in a range from ISO 12 to ISO 800. The exposure meter is designed to measure exposure through the lens of the camera. The Konica Auto-Reflex has an automatic exposure mode, in which the photographer must select the exposure time and the camera sets the appropriate aperture.
Bulb mode is available for long exposures. An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The max. shutter time for X-Sync is 1/125 sec.
Films for the Konica Auto-Reflex
The Konica Auto-Reflex needs photo film, more precisely 35mm film. This type of film is still being produced and can be processed by most photo laboratories without any problems. Possible films for the Konica Auto-Reflex are the Fujifilm Superia 200* for color pictures and the Kodak T-Max 400* for black and white photos.
One of the special features of the SLR camera is the possibility to expose 35mm film in different ways. Either it covers the normal exposure area of 24 x 36 mm (full) or it exposes the half with 24 x 18 mm (half format).
The change must be done at any time, you should only pay attention to a change, first to spool the film in full frame mode and then to change. This prevents the overlapping of images. On a normal 36-frame 35mm film, up to 72 images can be displayed in half-frame format. A lens, the Hexanon Zoom Lens Size 24×18 47-100 mm f/3.5, was also developed especially for the half-format.
The Konica Auto-Reflex has a built-in self-timer and an option to connect a cable release. The self-timer expiration time can be selected between 4 and 9 seconds. There is also a thread for a tripod.
The camera weighs 675 g. The dimensions are 14.55 x 9.45 x 4.5 cm. The 35 mm camera is powered by a 1.35 V mercury PX625 battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Konica AR lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x PX625 battery |
| Size | 14,55 x 9,45 x 4,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.73 x 3.72 x 1.77 inches |
| Weight | 675 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 73,05 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 100 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 89,11 Euro (96.33 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 105,23 Euro (113.65 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 120,46 Euro (129.89 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Konica Auto-Reflex
Is the Konica Auto-Reflex a difficult camera to use?
No, it's relatively straightforward. It has manual focus, but the exposure automation simplifies things. Even beginners can quickly learn the basics.
What kind of film does this camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film, both color and black and white. These are readily available and easily developed at most photo labs.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, it has a PC flash sync socket for connecting an external flash. This allows for flash photography in low-light situations.
How is the focus controlled on the Autoreflex?
The Konica Auto-Reflex uses manual focus. You'll need to adjust the lens to get your subject sharp. It doesn't have autofocus.
Does the camera have a self-timer?
Yes, it has a built-in self-timer with an adjustable delay of 4 to 9 seconds. This is useful for group photos or self-portraits.