Nowhere on this camera does it say “T2”. In fact, I’m not even sure Konica intended it to be called that by the public. It appeared to be only a minor upgrade to the Autoreflex T. The eventual release of the T3 seems to indicate that Konica had embraced the designation and just went with it. Only a couple of visible external changes differentiate this from the original “T”.
The second iteration of the Autoreflex T series is distinguishable from the first by the following features: First, the switch that turns on the meter is around the shutter release button. On the T it was located on the back of the camera. It also serves as a shutter button lock. Second, the T had an “Override” switch under the shutter speed dial, and due to an upgraded meter system, it was no longer necessary. I believe there was a very slight change to the texture on the shutter speed dial as well. Other internal changes made the camera more serviceable. Options available were a chrome or black finish, and a split image or microprism focus screen.
The T2 has at its heart the legendary “Copal Square” shutter, the same metal-bladed vertical shutter which resides in many early Nikon/Nikkormat SLRs, Topcon, Chinon and Ricoh/Sears TLS models. Shutter systems were evolving rapidly in this era, and Konica was at the leading edge of design at the time with their “High Synchro” FP shutter. The Copal Square shutter employs much of that design theory and has proven itself worthy for decades. Moreover, since the Copal shutter came packaged as a drop-in unit, camera companies could focus on building the camera around it.
Many of Konica’s AR mount lenses have a setting on the aperture ring designated “EE”. This stands for “Electric Eye”, which is Konica’s moniker for their metered shutter speed priority mode. With the aperture ring set to EE, the T2 will choose the appropriate aperture for a given shutter speed. There is a fixed range of exposure values in which this operates correctly (EV1.5-18 with f1.2 lens). I was hoping to test the meter with more commonly available 1.5v EPX76 batteries, but it appears the meter in this camera is no longer functioning. That will be a project for another day. I usually use a trusted handheld light meter with vintage cameras, so it is not a game changer for me.
This camera was born at a time of fierce competition, with the “single lens reflex” design quickly gaining ground over the rangefinder. Many cameras built in this era were elegant machines of metal and glass, dressed in black leather, and built to last at least one lifetime. Konica’s manufacturing philosophy at the time was right in line with that thinking. I would like to have seen Konica evolve into more than just a camera maker for enthusiasts. The brand never really broke into the professional market, despite having an excellent product. The Autoreflex series’ reliability and overall quality cemented Konica’s place in the market for a long time.
Other than the automatic EE mode and flash sync at 1/125 second, there is nothing exotic or exemplary about this camera. It is simply a hard-working machine with specifications similar to many of its contemporaries. It appears well-built, mechanically solid, reliable and fun to use. Ergonomically, I have no complaints, as I accept its origin and age as being what it is. Nothing really seems out of place, and it does everything it needs to do. When paired with Konica’s excellent lenses, this camera is a very capable instrument.
I’ll admit that for years I didn’t really associate Konica with quality SLRs. I knew their rangefinders and lenses were good, but I had never owned one. Owning and working on this camera and a couple of Hexanon lenses caused me to change my uninformed opinion of Konica. Studying their history and design philosophy brought respect. Handling this camera challenged my preconceived notions, and I feel confident that I will always have at least one somewhere in the collection.
Specs, as usual:
Designation: Konica Autoreflex T2 35mm SLR
Introduced: 1970
Weight: 739g (1lb, 10oz)
Shutter: Copal Square, vertical metal blades, mechanical
Shutter Speed range: 1-1/1000 second plus bulb
Flash Sync: 1/125 second
Automatic Mode: Shutter priority with Konica EE lenses
ASA range: 25-1600
Hot shoe: No. PC cord sockets only for flash bulbs (M) or electronic flash (X)
Meter: Match needle, center-weighted dual CdS
Battery: 2 x EPX675 1.3v mercury batteries (discontinued)
Self-Timer: Yes
DOF Preview: Yes
Mirror lockup: No
Film used in photos: Color film was Cinestill 800T, sometimes with an 85b color correction filter. Black and white film was Kentmere 200.
