Konica I, ready for film...

[scott]

Hi all -

The new project camera, a circa-1950 Konica I type 1(F) rangefinder, came in Wednesday. Needed a good shutter cleaning and some fettling to get it back running consistently. Have had some hiccups with things being slightly bent out of alignment, but enough that it impacts operation. Think it's worked out, mostly, now. At least it seems lined out for the time being. Glass was perfect, though - an f/3.5 Hexar, Tessar-design. The film advance is basic, but the frame counter was DOA. Took some experimentation but it's happy now. I have a roll of film to throw in it, but I'm thinking I might put a ground glass against the rails and check the rangefinder before I do. Only other thing, barring any setbacks, is removing the damaged leatherette from the back and replacing it with the good one I have on a donor body. Need to figure out how to do that - I've never been successful removing leatherette in one piece. Tried a hair dryer to loosen the glue, to no avail. Anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Anyway,here is the beast in its current glory (minus pictures of the back leatherette):

Konica I Rangefinder by Scott, on Flickr

Konica I Rangefinder by Scott, on Flickr

Even have the press-on hood I used on one of these years ago:

Konica I Rangefinder by Scott, on Flickr

Some experimentation coming. If everything pans out, I may troll for a case for it (the 'I' didn't have strap lugs) or I'll get a wrist strap and attach it to the tripod mount. I've wanted a 35mm rangefinder for some time; this may do the trick. Even if it doesn't, I've had a lot of fun working on a camera again.

Thanks for looking.
Scott

[melek]

I love this camera. I had a I - Rose has it now. I then bought another.

There were two versions - one with an f/3.5 lens and a second with an f/2.8 lens.

The lens on this is really sweet!

[Brazile]

Looking good! Agree that you should check the rangefinder first. It will just make you grumpy to shoot a roll and find half the shots front- or back-focused. Ask me how I know.

Robert

[scott]

I need to cut up one of my 6x6 testing ground glasses to fit the lil' tiny 135 rails. Boo. Have to do it, though. I'm just happy it's still purring along. Weather should be good tomorrow; would like to go walk around Birdsboro or something to run a roll of film through it. My last roll of film, too. And it's Kentmere. Boo, again.

[scott]

Aha - found an old CD jewel case. Some kitchen shears and 600 grit and I have a little 135-sized ground glass. Just have to wait for daylight now, though the image of the kitchen lights looks cool!

[PFMcFarland]

That's why I hang on to all my broken CD cases. The camera looks great, Scott.

PF

[scott]

Thanks PF!

Good news is the rangefinder seems spot-on all across the range. Bad news is I only have one roll of 135 left. Looks like I'm going to be placing an order with B&H today.

[LarryD]

Chrome is pretty. You should shoot some e6 in it. Then it is chrome in chrome.