The Konica K88 is a compact camera specifically designed for the Chinese market. It was manufactured by Konica in China and presented to the public in the 1990s. This camera served as the predecessor to the Konica K88 II.
In the United States, the model was known as the Konica U-mini, while in other regions it was marketed, for example, as the Konica EU-mini.
A characteristic feature of this camera is its fixed lens, which prevents replacement and thus distinguishes it from other camera models. The lens is named “Konica 28mm f/6.7”. The maximum aperture of this lens is f/6.7 at a focal length of 28 mm.
With this device, manual focus adjustment is not possible, as the distance to the subject is fixed. To ensure sharp images, a minimum distance of 90 cm to the photographed object is recommended.
An integrated flash is present to assist with shots in low or unfavorable lighting conditions. The effective range of this flash extends from 0.9 to 2.3 meters. The flash cannot be switched off.
The dimensions of the Konica K88 are 11 cm in length, 6.1 cm in width, and 3.25 cm in depth. The total weight of the camera is 135 grams.
According to the manufacturer, the power supply is provided by a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery is sufficient for 20 rolls of film with 24 exposures each.
Films for the Konica K88
The Konica K88 is a camera for 35mm film, using the classic format. The selection of films for both color and black and white shots in this common format remains very diverse.
Originally, the camera was supplied with a roll of Konica film. Even though these films are no longer produced, suitable alternatives exist today.
For creating color images with this camera, using Fujifilm Superia 400* is recommended, while for black and white shots, the Kodak T-Max 400* film is well-suited. Test results show that both of these films perform well in various photographic situations.
The color film is a negative film and is usually developed using the C-41 process. This process is available at most professional photo labs.
The negatives produced with this camera are 24 mm x 36 mm in size. The film advances to the next frame automatically by a motor, not manually controlled. This motor allows for film transport of approximately one frame per second.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 1 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Konica 28mm f/6.7 |
| Focal length | 28 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/6.7 |
| Minimum focus distance | 90 cm / 2.952 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Lens design | 3 elements in 3 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/180 second to 1/60 second |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,9 to 2,3 Meter / 2.95 to 7.55 Feet |
| Flash recycle time | circa 5 seconds |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x CR123A battery |
| Battery capacity | circa 480 pictures |
| Size | 11 x 6,1 x 3,25 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.33 x 2.40 x 1.28 inches |
| Weight | 135 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Konica U-mini, International: Konica EU-mini, International: Konica K-mini |
| Country of production | China |