Konica Z-up 80 RC

The Konica Z-up 80 RC is a 35mm autofocus zoom camera from the late 1980s. It’s a point-and-shoot camera suitable for both beginners and advanced photographers looking for a reliable and easy-to-use camera for everyday use.

The camera was manufactured by Konica in Japan. A very similar model is the Konica Z-up 80. However, this model lacks the ability to use a wireless remote control. Therefore, this model also has the “RC” suffix.

Lens

The Konica Z-up 80 RC features a built-in Konica zoom lens with a focal length of 40-80 mm. The aperture varies between f/3.8 at 40 mm and f/7.2 at 80 mm. The lens consists of 8 elements in 7 groups.

The camera features an infrared autofocus system with an effective range of 0.6 m to infinity. The minimum focusing distance is 0.6 m. The camera does not have a manual focus ring, but relies on the automatic focusing system. There is no filter thread.

Exposure Settings

The Konica Z-up 80 RC uses programmed automatic exposure (AE) with an SPD photodiode for exposure metering. Exposure metering is center-weighted. The camera offers exposure compensation of +1.5 EV.

Exposure times range from 1 second to 1/500 of a second. The aperture is also automatically controlled by the camera to ensure correct exposure.

Flash System

The Konica Z-up 80 RC features a built-in swing-up flash. The flash fires automatically when there is insufficient light. The flash range is 0.6 m to 5 m at ISO 100. The flash recharge time is approximately 4 seconds.

In addition to the automatic flash mode, there are also flash on and flash off modes. There is no external flash connector.

Additional Features of the Konica Camera

The Konica Z-up 80 RC offers several additional features, including a self-timer with a delay of approximately 10 seconds. The red LCD flashes for the first 7 seconds and remains lit for the remaining 3 seconds. The self-timer can be canceled.

The camera features a remote control for remote shooting from up to 5 m from the front of the camera and 0.7 m from the back.

Multiple exposure, time exposure, and interval timer functions are also available. A tripod thread is provided for attaching the camera to a tripod.

The camera also offers an automatic date function that can imprint dates up to 2019 into images. Of course, using this function today makes less sense.

A display on the back shows the settings, including the number of photos taken and the battery level.

Dimensions, Weight & Batteries

The dimensions of the Konica Z-up 80 RC are 138.5 x 85 x 73 mm. The camera weighs 450 grams without battery.

Speaking of batteries, the camera requires one 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still very easy to find today.

Differences from the Konica Z-up 80

Remote control: The Z-Up 80 RC came with a detachable remote control. The original model did not have this feature.

Infinity focus switch: The Z-Up 80 RC featured an additional switch for locking the focus to infinity (“infinity lock switch”) on the front of the camera. This switch was missing from the base model.

Button cover: The Z-Up 80 RC had a metal flap on the back that covered some of the less frequently used buttons. This was also an addition to the original model.

Konica Z-up 80 RC Limited

In addition to the standard model, there was also the Konica Z-up 80 RC Limited. This model has the same functions as the standard version. The only difference seems to be the case. The Limited was apparently available in a black and dark red mother-of-pearl finish.

Film Recommendations

The Konica Z-up 80 RC supports 35mm (135 format) films with DX coding. The camera automatically sets the film speed to ISO 50 to ISO 3200. For films without DX coding, the film speed is automatically set to ISO 100.

For color negative films, ISO 100 or ISO 400 is recommended; for slide films, films with ISO 50, 100, 200, or 400 are suitable. Films with a low ISO rating (ISO 50-100) are good for landscape shots in bright daylight, while films with a higher ISO rating (ISO 400-3200) are better suited for portrait shots in low-light conditions or for sports photography.

Correct recommendations for the Konica camera would be, for example, the Kodak Ultramax 400* or the Ilford Delta 100*.

The number of images per film roll depends on the roll length (24 or 36 exposures). The camera features a film transport with automatic loading and automatic rewinding at the end of the film roll.

Quick Operation Guide

• Loading the film: Open the back of the camera, insert a new roll of film, and ensure the film is correctly inserted into the spool guide. Close the back of the camera, which will automatically advance the film.
• Turning on the camera: Slide the switch to turn the camera on. This extends the lens and the camera is ready for use.
• Aim at Subject: Point the camera at your subject.
• Zoom: Use the zoom switch to adjust the focal length and optimally frame your subject.
• Focus: Press the shutter button halfway to activate the autofocus system.
• Shoot: Press the shutter button fully to take the photo. The camera will advance the film automatically.
• Flash: If there is insufficient light, the camera will automatically activate the flash.
• Unload Film: Once the film is completely full, the camera will automatically rewind it. Open the back of the camera and remove the film.