The Konica Auto S 261 is a rangefinder camera manufactured in the 1960s by Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. (later Konica Minolta).
Lens
The Konica Auto S 261 is equipped with a built-in HEXANON 42mm f/2.8 lens. This lens consists of 3 groups and 4 elements. A filter thread is present, with a diameter of 49mm and a pitch of 0.75mm.
The camera offers a coupled rangefinder with a split-image system for manual focusing. The closest focusing distance is 0.9 meters.
Exposure Settings
The Konica Auto S 261 features an EE (Electric Eye) automatic exposure system. Exposure metering is done via a CdS (Cadmium Sulfide) photocell.
The camera automatically selects the appropriate aperture and shutter speed combination. The EE coupling range is from EV 8 (f/2.8, 1/30 sec.) to EV 17 (f/22, 1/250 sec.) at ASA 100 film. The shutter speed is steplessly adjusted between 1/30 and 1/250 second in automatic mode.
The camera offers an exposure warning; a warning signal is displayed in the viewfinder and the shutter is locked if the light conditions are outside the metering range. When using flash, the shutter speed is fixed at 1/30 second.
Flash System
The Konica Auto S 261 has an integrated flash system for Flash Cubes. An ejector for used flash cubes is present. The Flashmatic system automatically adjusts the lens aperture according to the shooting distance after the film sensitivity has been set. The flash cubes rotate in sync with film transport. The flash system is powered by two 1.5V Mignon batteries (AA) (eBay / Amazon*).
Additional Features
The Konica Auto S 261 offers a bright viewfinder frame with parallax correction marks. Film transport is done via a lever on the top of the camera. The self-cocking shutter prevents double exposures. The film advance angle is 20 degrees, and the winding angle is 130 degrees. A tripod socket is present.
Dimensions and Weight
The camera’s dimensions are 130 mm (width) x 80 mm (height) x 67 mm (depth). The weight is 590 grams.
Film Recommendations
The Konica Auto S 261 uses Instamatic Cartridge Film Type 126. Film sensitivity (ASA) is automatically set when the cartridge is inserted. The exposure range is between ASA 64 and ASA 160 (DIN 19-23). Film sensitivity is indicated on the Instamatic film cassette packaging.
Quick Start Guide
- Insert film cartridge: Open back, insert cartridge, close back.
- Advance film until “1” appears in the film window.
- Set AUTO/Flash setting ring to “AUTO”.
- Aim at subject and set distance.
- Press shutter button.
- For flash shots: Mount flash cube, set film sensitivity, check for red mark, shoot.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 126 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Quick release lever |
| Picture format | 28 mm x 28 mm |
| Lens name | HEXANON f/2.8 42 mm |
| Focal length | 42 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Smallest aperture | f/22 |
| Minimum focus distance | 90 cm / 2.952 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Filter thread | 49 mm |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 3 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/30 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 64 to 160 |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 1,5 to 10 Meter / 4.92 to 32.81 Feet |
| Flash Connection | Connection for flash cubes |
| Flash sync speed | 1/30 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x 1.3 V mercury batteries |
| Size | 13 x 8 x 6,7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.12 x 3.15 x 2.64 inches |
| Weight | 590 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | Konishiroku Photo IND. CO., LTD. |
| Country of production | Japan |