About Konica Auto S2
The Konica Auto S2, a 35mm rangefinder camera, was introduced in 1965 and quickly gained popularity due to its reliability and solid construction. The camera uses standard 35mm film, which was the preferred format for both amateur and professional photographers at the time, offering versatility and ease of use. Developed by Konica, a Japanese company known for its innovation, the Auto S2 was designed to combine advanced features with user-friendly operation. While specific sales figures are not widely documented, it is estimated that over 500,000 units were sold during its production run. The camera became especially popular among street photographers and photojournalists who valued its quick handling and sharp Hexanon 45mm f/1.8 lens, capable of capturing vibrant and detailed images. One of the unique features of the Konica Auto S2 is its coupled light meter, built into the top plate of the camera, which automatically adjusts exposure based on lighting conditions. The camera also features a parallax-corrected viewfinder, improving accuracy in framing close-up shots. Manufacturing of the Konica Auto S2 continued until 1968, making it a relatively short-lived but impactful model in the photography world. A fun piece of trivia about the Konica Auto S2 is that it was often referred to as the "poor man's Leica" due to its high-quality performance at a more affordable price. Today, the Konica Auto S2 is valued by collectors and film enthusiasts, with prices typically ranging from $100 to $300, depending on condition.
