Fresh from the garden – Konica Tomato!

November 8, 2022November 8, 2022Chris and Carol 3 Comments

We love collecting cameras that we perceive as “fun” or unusual and this wonderful camera from Konica is that and more. A couple of other cameras that I’d put in this category are the Fuji Pet and the Konica Kanpai (Kanpa!). How could you not fall in love with this cute little Tomato at first sight?

We love the glossy bright red finish and of course, the cute logo but the Tomato is more than just a pretty face. The store display card is a nice bonus and a reminder of just how much the camera set cost back in 1985 (about $99) and the case another $10.

If you’ve been a follower of our blog you undoubtedly know just how much we enjoy collecting cameras that come with their original boxes and have all of the goodies that came with them when new.

We’ve added the Fujicolor film for, well, color! The box looks like it came from the produce department of your local grocery store. Well done Konica!

It’s all there – a user’s guide, service guide, warranty/registration card, and a neat brochure on how to join the Sakura Film Club.

It comes with this super cool camera case that was an accessory when new.

Some specs. Features a fixed focus 35mm f/4 Konica lens (multicoated, 4 elements/4 groups) which I believe is glass. Selectable ISO settings of 100, 200, and 400, and on the left, a switch for using the flash when the subject is between 1.5 to 2 meters from the camera. The flash can be turned on and off which wasn’t a typical feature with compact point & shoot cameras during the 1980s.

The body of the camera is finished in a smooth glossy red and even though it’s plastic it’s a high grade of plastic that doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy in your hand. Another nice feature is the sliding lens cover that is also quite stout, unlike some other designs that feel like they’ll break after a few uses.

Auto Date – what’s up with that? Shown here with the time display (14:41 = 2:41 PM). The date display is accurate up to December 31, 2019. The date or time will be imprinted on your pictures unless you select “off”. According to the instructions, the date/time module is smart enough to know when it’s a leap year.

There’s a neat sticker inside reminding you to use either Sakura or Konica film. I installed a new CR2025 battery (far right) for the date/time feature. The camera uses a single AA battery that powers the flash and the underexposure warning light (just to the right of the viewfinder).

We consider the Konica Tomato a “Modern Classic” and part of our “Plastic Fantastic” collection. If you’re interested in purchasing this set, it’s available in our online camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com which is hosted by Etsy. Thanks for stopping by! Chris

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Comments are always welcomed as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by, and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, is this blog’s property and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

Happy SUNday! – Minolta Madness

November 6, 2022November 6, 2022Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Another beautiful Minolta has found its way into our collection and to be quite frank, we have more SLRs than we could ever possibly shoot with or even display. So, this lovely Minolta X-700 MPS is available in our camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Minolta X-700 MPS (Minolta Program System) with sharp Rokkor MD 50mm f/2 lens.

This Minolta can be shot on full automatic exposure, aperture priority, or fully manual where you set both the shutter and aperture.

The X-700 is super easy to use and to me is lightweight enough to carry around all day.

The full-color brochure (over 40 pages) is filled with charts, tables, lists, and features of every Minolta lens and accessory available. The brochure is rather har-to-find and it’s included with the camera.

The Minolta X-700 is truly the heart of a complete system (MPS) of data backs, motor drives, flash units, lenses, focusing screens, close-up and macro accessories, meters, and cases. It’s one of our favorite 35mm SLRs to use. If you’re interested, pop on over to our shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com which is hosted by Etsy. Thanks for stopping by! – Chris & Carol

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Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8 Lens Test

November 5, 2022November 5, 2022Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Canon New FD 50mm f/1.8 Lens – ISO 200, 1/200 at about f/2.8

I enjoy shooting with my classic (vintage) lenses on my mirrorless cameras as it reminds me just how special these lenses were and still are. They almost have the same look as a film image. Here I mounted the Canon lens to my Fujifilm X-A10 mirrorless digital camera body using a Fotodiox Pro FD-FX adapter. The X-A10 is a 16.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor camera. I simply set the camera to aperture priority and make a few adjustments in the camera’s menu (manual focus) and start enjoying using your old glass again. If you own a Fujifilm mirrorless digital X-Series camera, here is a link that can get you started. I have no affiliation with Fotodiox other than I like using their adapters. https://fotodioxpro.com/collections/fujifilm-x-adapters?page=1

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

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Minolta Maxxum AF Zoom 70-210mm Lens Set

November 5, 2022November 5, 2022Chris and Carol 1 Comment

This is the more desirable constant aperture f/4 lens that will mount with all Sony Alpha digital bodies and of course, Minolta AF mount cameras.

Minolta Maxxum AF Zoom 70-210mm f/4 Lens
for 35mm Minolta SLR Cameras
and Sony Alpha Digital Cameras

– Minolta AF Lens Mount
– Fits Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
– SN 19104170
– 12 elements in 9 groups
– 55mm Filters
– Internal Focusing & Zoom
– Constant f/4
– Macro
– Known as the ‘Beercan’

* The lens can be adapted for use on digital cameras.
* This is a high-quality lens that is well-built.

*The condition is overall near mint with just a few very
minor paint wear areas on the lens barrel.

*The lens is super clean – no dirt anywhere and only
some minor specs of dust. No mold, no fungus
that I can see with a bright LED light.

*The lens functions perfectly. The aperture blades are clean
and snappy, the lens mounts securely, and the focus is smooth
and spot on.

*The set includes the original Minolta lens caps, a Minolta
lens hood, and a Toshiba 55mm screw-in Skylight (1A)
metal and glass filter with Toshiba plastic case.

It’s a one-owner lens that has never been
offered for sale before.
I believe the lens was built in 1985 in Japan.

Includes the lens, a Minolta lens hood, Minolta front and rear lens caps, and a Toshiba 55mm screw-in Skylight 1A filter.

This wonderful lens set is available in my online camera shop http://www.ccstudio2380.com which is hosted by Etsy. It mails nearly Worldwide so if you’re interested pop on over and check it out. Additional pics are listed with the lens.

Thanks for stopping by! – Chris

Follow me on Instagram at @ccphotographyai