Konica's C35 V — compact fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder, programmed auto exposure, 1971.
The Konica C35 V, from 1971, was a simplified model in the compact C35 family of fixed-lens 35mm rangefinders. It was built to a more economical specification than the original C35, aimed at budget-conscious buyers who wanted a small rangefinder.
This is a 35mm coupled-rangefinder camera with a fixed 38mm Hexanon lens and a leaf shutter. Exposure is programmed automatic using a built-in CdS meter that sets aperture and shutter together. The meter and automation require a battery to work, and the original design used a mercury cell.
The C35 V suits travel and everyday photography for users who want a small, light rangefinder with simple automatic operation. Its compact metal body is convenient to carry and easy to use, making it suitable for students and beginners, though it offers limited manual control.
On inspection, test the CdS meter and note the original mercury cell is obsolete, so a substitute may be required. Check the lens for haze and fungus, confirm the leaf shutter operates correctly, and verify rangefinder patch contrast and alignment. Replace perished light seals before use.