The Konica Auto S is a 35mm camera. It was built in the 1960s and was the Japanese company’s first rangefinder camera with a CdS cell.
The Konica Auto S was followed by the Auto S1.6, S2 and S3.
It was sold under the name Revue Auto S by Foto Quelle, then a large mail-order photo retailer. In the USA, it was also available from a mail order company under the house brand, once as Wards on 450 and once as Wards on 550.
The Konica Auto S is a rangefinder camera with a fixed lens, more specifically a 47mm Hexanon with a maximum aperture of f/1.9. The imprint around this lens reads “Konishiroku Hexanon 1:1.9 f=47mm”. A lens hood is built right into the camera.
The aperture and exposure time, the Copal shutter offers times between 1/500 second to 1 second and a Bulb mode, can be selected by the photographer or left to the camera. For this, the Konica Auto S has a built-in CdS exposure meter, designed for a PX625 1.3V mercury battery.
The distance to the lens must be set manually, but this is made easier by the rangefinder. A tripod can be screwed to the matching thread on the bottom of the camera. A flash can be fired via the sync flash socket. The thread on the lens for filters is 48 mm.
The Konica Auto S is designed for 35mm films (eBay / Amazon*). The manual does advise using films such as the Adox KB 21, Agfa Isopan FF, Ansco Super Anscochrome or the Ferrania P 30, but of course today’s films from Kodak, Fujifilm and co. can be used in the Konica Auto S as well.
For color images, you can reach for the Kodak Ultramax 400*. Great black and white images are possible with the Ilford Delta 100*. Both films are produced by reputable manufacturers and deliver solid images with the photo camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 47 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/1.9 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Filter thread | 48 mm |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash, Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x PX625 battery |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 104,09 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 98 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 173,72 Euro (187.26 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 92,38 Euro (99.58 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 89,31 Euro (96.33 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Konica Auto S
What type of film does this camera use?
The Konica Auto S uses 35mm film. While the manual suggests certain older films, modern films from Kodak, Fujifilm, and others work perfectly well.
How do I focus the lens?
The Konica Auto S is a rangefinder camera, so you'll manually focus using the rangefinder coupled with the lens. The distance is adjusted using a focusing ring.
What kind of lens does it have?
It has a fixed 47mm Konishiroku Hexanon lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.9. A built-in lens hood is also included.
Does the camera have an automatic exposure mode?
Yes, it has a built-in CdS exposure meter. You can choose between automatic exposure or manual settings for aperture and shutter speed.
Can I use a flash with this old camera?
Yes, the Konica Auto S has a PC sync socket for connecting an external flash. This allows you to use flash photography with the camera.