Konica's first 35mm SLR system.
KONICA F-SERIES CAMERAS:
- F - a groundbreaking model with proprietary bayonet-type mount, vertically-running metallic focal-plane "Hi Synchro" shutter with top speed of 1/2000th of a second, a quick-return mirror, a built-in exposure meter of the non-TTL type, interchangeable viewfinder, and support for automatic diaphragm;
- FS - as F, but with reduced top shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second, non-interchangeable viewfinder, and without a built-in exposure meter;
- FSW - a FS with a built-in data back;
- FP - as FS, but with Copal shutter instead of the "Hi Synchro", and "microdiaprism" focusing spot;
- FM - as FP, but with a built-in exposure meter of the non-TTL type.
KONICA HEXANON LENSES:
Konica produced a useful range of HEXANON lenses for this system, from the moderate wide-angle 35mm to the super telephoto 800mm.
The 35/2, 52/1.4 [I], 85/1.8 and 135/2.8 lenses were cross-coupled with the built-in exposure meter of the Konica F camera. The aperture control lever on these lenses had to be turned to align exposure meter needle with meter index mark.
The 35/2.8, 100/2.8 and 135/3.5 lenses were originally available with fully automatic diaphragms, however, preset versions became available a couple of years later. Optical design and performance of these two types of lenses were completely identical.