Konica C35 FD

The Konica C35 FD is a 35mm camera. It is a functionally identical variant of the Konica Auto S3. In Japan, Konica’s home country, it was sold under the name “C35 FD”.

The features and such are identical to the Konica Auto S3, more on this can be found in the article on this rangefinder camera.

The C35 FD was available in black/chrome and all black.

Features of the camera

The 35mm camera is equipped with a 38mm Hexanon f/1.8. An exposure meter is also built into the camera. It works semi-automatically, the photographer selects the exposure time, the camera selects the appropriate aperture. The aperture is displayed in the viewfinder. For the shutter speed, values from 1/500 second to 1/8 second are among the choices. There is also a Bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter can be opened for a variable time. This makes it very easy to take long exposures.

A rangefinder is also built into the Konica C35 FD. It can be used to set the correct distance to the subject. The focus is adjusted manually.

A flash can be triggered either via the hot shoe or via the PC flash socket. A thread for a tripod and a cable release are provided. A filter can be screwed onto the filter thread, this has a diameter of 49 mm. The CdS cell for the exposure meter is located inside the filter area.

Films for the Konica C35 FD

What kind of films does the Konica C35 FD need? The camera needs films of the 35mm format. For this film format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. Possible films for the model are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford XP2 Super*.

The color film is developed using the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab. Thus, something the large drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color films. The negatives of the 35mm camera have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm.

The Japanese camera can only be bought used. The prices for the camera vary depending on the condition. In Japan you can usually find cheaper copies.