Topic: Review - Konica Work Cameras.

[Skorj]

Konica workman camera, as seen on all construction sites across Japan. Big, or small, there's always some worker with one around his neck snapping chalkboards next to holes in the ground.



f3.5 with either a 28mm or a 35mm auto-focusing lens, it looks pretty good on paper. Add a major shock-proof case, water proofing, DX-compatible, and a near silent shutter, and you've got a pretty neat stealthy street-shooter (for gray, or cammo version, not orange).



Having seen them for a few years, I was intrigued enough to buy five for JPY1000 from a construction company. Still with their daily use labels, and typical Japanese workman style, they make a great grab camera to throw in the bag for a hike or beach journey. With a hardened glass lens cover, flash, and a few auto-modes (including self-timer) all adding to the fun.



Results? A 28mm version, stuffed with color or B&W, a slight vignette and an accurate exposure system make it a great all-rounder. Not sure if you can get them or similar outside of Japan, but if you see one in a bargain bin, it is certainly worth a closer look. Great for throwing in the glovebox as a grab-camera...











See ya! Skj.

[moominsean]

yeah i was looking at these a few months ago, considered getting one. like you say, moderately interesting...can't even remember how i came across them (that's what she said), but i spent 30 minutes or so researching them. a few color and build variations. mostly neat because of what they are designed for...and the wide-ish lens.

[Skorj]

Some are pretty cheap (and ratty). This one is listed a JPY1:


The 28mm to 56mm zoom has potential as well:


Orange 28mm version:


New in box, about JPY10,000 (JPY39,000 new):


There is also a panorama version:


A date back version:

[Skorj]

<Panorama> lever:

[Francois]

Konica workman camera, as seen on all construction sites across Japan. Big, or small, there's always some worker with one around his neck snapping chalkboards next to holes in the ground.

No such thing around here. Even though I've once seen a Polaroid Construction Camera at a rummage sale (a slightly beefed up 600 in high visibility yellow that sported the Made in the United Kingdom label...), there is generally no such picture taking on the worksites. Usual procedure is build it like you think it should go and if you're wrong, put the blame on the foreman

Though I must say the orange one would fit nicely with my red hair 

[calbisu]

thanks for sharing, as always instructive..

[Skorj]

One more on the pano type, red this time, and just as neat! The Konica 'HG' with a 35mm lens.



Thanks Brian! Skj.

[tkmedia]

Is there any difference between the orange 28WB eco ver. compared the the reg 28WB? I actually found one in a second hand shop in the US. Similar two years ago I found a silver Natura 1.9 in that same shop!

[Skorj]

Is there any difference between the orange 28WB eco ver. compared the the reg 28WB?

The ECO version came with a sticker on the top plate that says 'ECO Flash':



So, I would assume it either is more efficient in flash mode on the battery, perhaps including auto-focused moderated flash intensity. I do know my ECO 28WB makes a great party camera as the flash is particularly effective... Skj.

[rpmdrd]

recently picked up one of these cameras. not sure if I have the camera with 28mm,35mm or 40mm. it looks like the photo below.

[jojonas~]

another beast! looks a bit different from the others.. I wonder if that is the auto focusing bits to the right of the lens?

[rpmdrd]

its said something about infra red focusing. so, yes i think so.  it does have af lock as well. still working on a roll of film.

[rpmdrd]

late post. a sample from the camera.