Pioneering 1965 Konica SLR — the first camera with full-aperture TTL autoexposure.
The Konica Auto-Reflex is a groundbreaking 35mm SLR from 1965 that was the first camera to offer full-aperture TTL metering with automatic exposure. This technological achievement placed Konica at the forefront of SLR innovation, predating similar systems from other manufacturers by several years.
The camera uses the Konica AR bayonet mount, giving access to the excellent range of Hexanon lenses that are widely regarded as among the finest optics of the manual focus era. The automatic exposure system couples with the lens's maximum aperture for accurate metering without the need to stop down.
Build quality is substantial with a heavy, solid metal body that inspires confidence. The large, bright viewfinder provides a clear view for composition and focusing. The mechanical shutter is reliable, and the electronics powering the autoexposure have proven reasonably durable over the decades since manufacture.
An important camera in SLR history, the Auto-Reflex appeals to collectors interested in technological firsts and to photographers wanting to use Hexanon lenses on their original platform. On the used market it offers a historically significant shooting experience at very modest prices compared to equivalent Nikon or Canon bodies.