Konica Z-up 110 VP

The Konica Z-up 110 VP is a classic 35mm compact camera with a zoom lens. This type of camera was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. It was an expensive companion for many families at family gatherings and on vacation.

The Konica Z-up 110 VP is part of the Japanese company’s Konica Z-up series. It shares many features with other models in the series and is very easy to use for beginners.

Lens

The camera features a built-in Konica zoom lens with a focal length range of 38mm to 110mm. The maximum aperture is f/3.6 at 38mm and f/10.6 at 110mm. It is not possible to use other lenses as it is a fixed lens.

The lens has a lens cover. This opens automatically when the camera is turned on.

The camera uses an infrared autofocus system with an effective range of 0.8 m to infinity (with a 110 mm telephoto lens). Focus lock is enabled by half-pressing the shutter button. The camera has a close-up focus setting for shots between 0.8 m and 1 m. The viewfinder displays a green light indicating successful autofocus. It is not linked to the lens.

Exposure Settings

The Konica Z-up 110 VP features automatic exposure (AE) with a CdS light sensor. The AE coupling range is EV 4 to EV 16 at ISO 100 at 38 mm and EV 6.8 to EV 16 at 110 mm.

Backlight compensation is controlled by a program. Neither aperture nor shutter speed can be manually adjusted.

The camera has various exposure modes that can be selected using the mode dial, including Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Self-Timer, Night Portrait, Flash Off, +1.5 EV Exposure Compensation, and Landscape (Long Distance).

Exposure times are electronically controlled and range from 1/300 second to 1 second.

Flash System

The camera is equipped with a built-in flash that activates automatically in low-light situations. The flash range at ISO 100 is 0.8 m to 5.6 m (at 38 mm) or 0.8 m to 1.9 m (at 110 mm). At ISO 400, the range increases to 0.8 m to 11.2 m (at 38 mm) or 0.8 m to 3.8 m (at 110 mm). The flash recharge time is approximately 6 seconds. A red-eye reduction mode is available. There is no external flash connector.

Additional Features

The Konica Z-up 110 VP features a self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds. A remote control can be used. The camera has a tripod thread.

There is an automatic date function (Auto-Date model), which can imprint the date or time onto the film. The display can be set to year/month/day or day/hour/minute. The date function can also be deactivated.

Dimensions, Battery Weight

The camera measures 119 x 67.5 x 55 mm. It weighs approximately 255 g (without battery) or 260 g (for the model with the Auto-Date function).

One CR123A battery is required for power. (eBay / Amazon*) This type of battery is still very easy to find today. One charge is enough for approximately 15 rolls of 24 frames. With this calculation, the flash is used for half of the images.

Film Recommendations for the Konica Z-up 110 VP

The Konica Z-up 110 VP supports DX-coded films from ISO 25 to ISO 3200. For films without DX coding, ISO 25 is automatically set.

For general photography, a film with ISO 100 or ISO 200 is recommended. The Kodak Gold 200* would be a good choice here. For low-light or flash photography, a film with ISO 400 or higher should be used. The Ilford Delta 400* black and white film would be a good option here.

The number of frames per film roll depends on the length of the film roll used (typically 24 or 36 exposures). The camera features automatic film threading and automatic film advance. The film is automatically rewound at the end of the film roll. Manual rewinding is also possible.

Quick Operation Guide

• 1. Insert a CR123A or DL123A (3V) lithium battery.
• 2. Insert a 35mm DX-encoded film.
• 3. Turn the camera on using the power switch.
• 4. Compose your image through the viewfinder and set the desired focal length using the zoom switch.
• 5. Press the shutter button halfway to activate autofocus.
• 6. Once the green light in the viewfinder lights up, press the shutter button fully to take the photo.
• 7. After the shot, the camera automatically advances the film to the next frame.
• 8. To remove the film, the camera will automatically rewind the film at the end. Then open the back cover to remove the film.
• 9. Turn off the camera when not in use.