Konica III
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| Style, film format | 35mm with coupled rangefinder |
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| Lens, shutter | Coated 48mm f/2.0 Hexanon, Konirapid |
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| Photo quality | Excellent |
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| Ergonomics | Very good; uses a two-stroke trigger to advance film and cock shutter |
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The Konica III was the third model in a series of fixed-lens rangefinder cameras. The Konica III is a solidly constructed, heavy camera that is capable of producing excellent photographs.
It uses a left-handed two-stroke trigger to advance the film and tension the shutter, reminiscent of the older Zeiss-Ikon Tenax square-format cameras of the late 1930s.
The Konica III came in several body styles, some with meters and some with slightly different aperture/shutter rings.
The Konica rangefinder cameras are quite interesting, with successive models offering more features and being more refined.
The lens is a coated 48mm f/2.0 Hexanon set in a Konirapid shutter with M/X synchronization. There also is a self-timer, as can be seen in the photo.
The viewfinder is bright and contrasty, and the camera's finish is first-rate. In most cases, it will need to have the viewfinder cleaned and the shutter serviced, but probably not much else.
It's an excellent choice for those thinking about trying rangefinder photography.
The weight might dissuade some users, but in this case, the heavy camera lends itself to a more-stable shooting platform. The shutter release requires just the right amount of pressure.