Wards EYE

The Wards EYE is a 35mm viewfinder camera manufactured by Konica exclusively for the American department store chain Montgomery Ward in the 1960s. It offered particularly user-friendly operation and automatic exposure, making it a popular device for casual photographers.

This model is almost identical to the original Konica EYE. However, it comes with an accessory shoe for a flash.

Lens

The Wards EYE is equipped with a permanently integrated 30mm f/1.9 lens. This 6-element optical system in 5 groups is characterized by an amber coating.

Focusing is done by rotating the entire lens, with a zone focusing system using symbols in the viewfinder to facilitate handling. There is no autofocus system. For using filters, the lens has a 46mm thread.

Exposure Settings

The exposure control of the Wards EYE is fully automatic (Electric-Eye) and regulated by a selenium light meter that does not require batteries. A disadvantage of this technology is that selenium cells can lose accuracy over the years or cease to function entirely.

The camera automatically adjusts aperture and shutter speed according to lighting conditions, with an exposure range from EV 6.8 (1/30s at f/1.9) to EV 17 (1/800s at f/13) at ASA 100.

For creative adjustments, the aperture can be manually selected from f/1.9 to f/16, with the shutter speed then fixed at 1/25 second. The B (Bulb) mode for long exposures at a fixed aperture of f/1.9 is also available.

Flash System

An automatic flash exposure system is not present on the Wards EYE. The camera must be manually configured for flash use by setting the control ring from the “AUTO” position to the required aperture (f/1.9 to f/16), which depends on the guide number of the flash and the subject distance. The sync speed is fixed at 1/25 second.

Unlike the original Konica EYE, the Wards EYE features an accessory shoe on the top.

Additional Features

A tripod socket is located on the bottom of the camera. There is no built-in self-timer, but an external cable release can be used.

In low light conditions, a red warning marker appears in the viewfinder to signal underexposure. A lock mechanism prevents accidental double exposures. Eyelets on the side are used for attaching a carrying strap.

Dimensions and Weight

In its dimensions of 112mm (width) x 46mm (depth) x 69mm (height) and a weight of 420 grams, the Wards EYE is identical to the Konica EYE.

Film Recommendations

The Wards EYE uses 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*) in half-frame format, allowing twice the number of images on a 36-exposure roll. Film sensitivity must be set manually in the range of ASA 10 to 400 (equivalent to DIN 11 to 27).

Since there is no DX code recognition, this value must be adjusted manually. The camera’s exposure latitude depends on the set film sensitivity.