Konica C35 AF (1977)
The world's first mass-produced autofocus 35mm camera, introduced in November 1977.
Overview
The Konica C35 AF, also known as the "Jasupin," is a 35mm viewfinder camera and a milestone in photographic technology. Released in November 1977 by Konishiroku of Tokyo, Japan, it was the first mass-produced consumer camera to feature automatic focusing, marking a turning point in camera automation. It was developed as part of Konica’s C35 series of compact cameras, building on the legacy of earlier models with the addition of groundbreaking autofocus capability. The camera uses the Honeywell Visitronic autofocus system, a technology licensed and integrated by Konica, which became the standard among early autofocus cameras before Canon's CAF system emerged.
Specifications
| Lens | Hexanon 38mm f/2.8, 4 elements in 3 groups |
| Shutter | Lens leaf shutter with speeds at 1/60, 1/25, and 1/250 seconds |
| Film speed | Accepts film speeds from ISO 25 to 400 |
| Autofocus system | Visitronic AF system |
| Features | Shutter locked when battery is dead, underexposure warning lamp |
Design
The Konica C35 AF incorporates the Honeywell Visitronic autofocus system, designed by Honeywell and licensed for production by Konica. This system was the preferred autofocus solution among early adopters in the camera industry before the arrival of Canon’s competing technology.
Context
The Konica C35 AF was the world's first mass-produced autofocus camera, launching a new era in consumer photography. It was an addition to Konica’s compact C35 camera line, extending the series into automated focusing while maintaining the compact, user-friendly design principles of its predecessors.
Market
Originally priced at $283 at launch, the Konica C35 AF has gained collector interest over time. A near-mint example was listed for $69.99 on eBay, while another was priced at $150 on Instagram, reflecting its status as a historically significant model.
eBay Listings
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