Konica Auto S2

When it was released back in 1965, the Auto S2 was billed as a “$110 lens complete with a few free components”, and this camera really is all about the optics. The fast 45mm Hexanon is superbly sharp with unparalleled resolving power. Lens tests at the time had it right up there with the equivalent Summicron. But that’s not to say the rest of the camera was an after thought. The functions are easy to operate with a reassuringly solid design, it’s slightly smaller than the QL17, and slightly larger than the Hi-Matics.

The other hero here is the impressively clear and bright viewfinder which makes it quick and easy to achieve sharp focus even in low light conditions. The parallax correction is the most accurate of all of these cameras as the frame lines don’t just move but also contract to match the narrowing of picture angle as the distance between lens and film is increased; “a shifting, expanding/contracting outline that perfectly frames your subject as you focus through its precision rangefinder.”

The ratchet noise made by the cocking lever is the loudest part of an otherwise quiet operation, but is as reassuring as it is satisfying. The reading from the light meter is visible from the top of the body as well as inside the viewfinder. The aperture settings are infinitely adjustable from f1.8 to f16. It’s not as elegant as the Canonets, but it looks and feels like the most professional package. It was launched as a “professional camera with some amateur features.” The amateur feature being price.