The Wards SLR 700 is a SLR camera. It was sold by Montgomery Ward in the USA and was introduced in the 1960s. It was manufactured by Konica in Japan as “Konica FP“. Montgomery Ward was a department store chain and is considered one of the first to offer the order by mail. The company was founded in Chicago in 1872 and ceased operations in 2001.
The lenses of the SLR camera can be changed. Lenses with a Konica F bayonet can be used. You have to focus the lens by hand. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus function.
The Wards SLR 700 has no built-in exposure meter. However, there is an additional attachment available with a meter for the exposure. The desired exposure time as well as the number of f-stops can be set by the user.
Bulb mode is available for long exposures. The use of a flash is possible via the PC flash socket.
Films for the Wards SLR 700
The Wards SLR 700 was built for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still offered by various manufacturers. A nice film for color prints is the Kodak Portra 160* and for black-and-white shots of the Kodak TRI-X 400*.
The color film is designed for development in the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab.
The Wards SLR 700 can be triggered by a self-timer or an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available. At a size of 750 grams the weight of the camera body is 14,5 x 10,25 x 4,5 cm. The 35mm camera is mechanical and can take photos without batteries.
The 35mm camera you can only buy used. The condition and functionality of the camera determine the price for a used copy.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Konica F mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Size | 14,5 x 10,25 x 4,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 4.04 x 1.77 inches |
| Weight | 750 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Konica |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 127,81 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 8, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 159,53 Euro (172.10 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Wards SLR 700
Is the Wards SLR 700 an automatic camera?
No, the Wards SLR 700 is a manual camera. It doesn't have autofocus and requires manual focusing and setting of exposure settings. You'll need to adjust the aperture and shutter speed yourself.
What kind of film does this camera use?
The Wards SLR 700 uses standard 35mm film. Many manufacturers still produce 35mm film, both color and black and white. This is a common and readily available film format.
How do I take long exposure shots with the camera?
The camera has a bulb mode for long exposures. This allows you to keep the shutter open for as long as you need, giving you control over light exposure for nighttime photography or similar effects.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
No, the Wards SLR 700 doesn't have a built-in light meter. However, you can purchase a separate light meter attachment to help determine the correct exposure settings.
Can I use a flash with this old camera?
Yes, the Wards SLR 700 has a PC flash sync socket, which allows you to connect and use external flash units. This enables you to take photos in low-light conditions.