1977
World's first AF
Hexanon glass

Konica C35 AF

Name: Konica C35 AF
Brand: Konica
SKU: SHOP_CAM_VINT_KONICA_C35AF
Price: 500.0 AED
Availability: OutOfStock

The first autofocus camera ever made.

The C35 AF was the first production camera to ship autofocus. Honeywell's Visitronic module, licensed by Konica in 1977, looks at the scene through two side-by-side windows, compares the difference, and sets focus before the shutter fires. Every autofocus camera since owes something to this body.

The lens is a Hexanon 38mm f/2.8 — four elements, the same kind of compact lens design that made Konica's reputation through the 60s and 70s. Programmed AE handles exposure. You frame, you press — the camera focuses, meters, and fires. By 1977 standards that was science fiction; by today's standards it's exactly what you want.

If you're collecting photographic firsts — or just want a competent point-and-shoot with real glass — this is both.

Match

Who this is for

Good for

Camera-history collectors
Travel
Walk-around

Not for

Fast moving subjects (the AF takes its time)

Character

What it feels like to shoot

The autofocus is audible — a small mechanical whirr just before the shutter fires. The lens is sharper at f/4 than you'd expect from a budget compact of this era. Frame, half-press to focus, watch the distance scale move in the viewfinder, then fully press. Less point-and-shoot than point-and-wait-half-a-beat-and-shoot.

Born 1977

History of the Konica C35 AF

Released by Konica in 1977 as the first production autofocus camera, branded "Konica Jasupin" in the Japanese home market. Built on the existing C35 compact platform. The Visitronic AF module was developed by Honeywell and licensed to Konica.

Technical specifications

MFG. 1977

Format

35mm autofocus compact

Manufacturer

Konica · Japan

Production

1977

Lens

Hexanon 38mm f/2.8 (4 elements / 3 groups)

Metering

CdS programmed AE

Viewfinder

Reverse-Galilean with bright frame, parallax marks, and AF distance scale

Shutter

1/60s – 1/250s (programmed)

ISO range

ASA 25 – 400

Flash sync

All speeds (hot shoe)

Exposure modes

Programmed AE

Dimensions

126 × 80 × 56 mm

Weight

410 g

Power

2 × AA cells

Original manual · Konica C35 AF

Get the factory user guide as a PDF. We'll also drop you a note with film + dev tips for this body.

Thanks. → Download the Konica C35 AF manual (PDF)

Backed by GPP

Service & guarantees

Every analog camera ships through our bench

This unit has been bench-tested by GPP. Shutter speeds verified across the range, light seals replaced where age had taken them, meter calibrated against a known reference. Cosmetic condition is reflected in the listing photos — knicks and dings consistent with a working camera body. Mechanically, it's good to shoot.

Comes with our 7-day functional return policy: if anything we declared isn't working as described, we'll exchange or refund.

CLA'd by GPP — shutter speeds checked, light seals replaced where needed, meter calibrated against a known reference.
7-day functional return — if it doesn't work as we declared on this listing, we exchange or refund. Wear-and-tear consistent with the listed condition isn't returnable.
UAE & worldwide shipping — Domestic next-day, international tracked. Insurance can be added to any order on request. Customs and import duties are the buyer's responsibility on international orders.
Walk in to inspect — Warehouse D36, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Mon–Sat, 10am–7pm. Bring a roll if you'd like to test-fire on the spot.

Questions

Things people ask

What film does it take?

Standard 35mm film. We carry the widest selection in the Middle East — colour, B&W, slide — across consumer, professional, and cinema stocks. Need a recommendation for this body? Just ask us.

Is the camera serviced before sale?

Yes — every analog camera at GPP goes through our bench before it goes on the listing. Shutter speeds verified, light seals replaced where needed, meter calibrated against a reference.

What's your return policy?

7-day functional return. If anything we declared isn't working as described, contact us within 7 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange.

Can GPP develop and scan the photos I shoot with this?

Yes — our in-house film lab handles colour, B&W, and slide development with scanning. 24-48 hour rush available. More on the film lab.

Can I see the camera before I buy?

Always welcome. Visit Warehouse D36, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am–7pm.

Reading

Further reference

Camera-Wiki entry on the Konica C35 AF

Wikipedia article on the Konica C35