Konica Autoreflex T3
Introduced: 1973 Discontinued: 1978
Konica Autoreflex T3 is Konica's flagship manual-focus SLR of the 1970s — in production 1973-1976 (replaced by the smaller TC). The T3 used the Konica AR (Autoreflex) bayonet — a unique mount system that was Konica's competing answer to Nikon F, Canon FL/FD, and Pentax K. The Autoreflex name reflected Konica's early commitment to shutter-priority AE as a default operation mode.
Key features
- Konica AR bayonet — unique mount; not compatible with any other major system
- Mechanical vertical metal-blade shutter — 1s to 1/1000 + B
- Shutter-priority AE + manual modes
- TTL CdS metering
- Battery-dependent for AE; mechanical at higher speeds
- Solid construction — brass + steel
Practical notes
- T3 bodies on used market: $100-250 working examples
- Konica AR lens lineup is small but quality is competitive with Nikon/Canon/Pentax
- The 1.35V mercury battery situation applies (use zinc-air alternative)
Related cameras
- Konica Autoreflex TC — successor compact version
- Pentax K1000 / Minolta SRT-101 — mechanical-SLR competitors
- Canon AE-1 — shutter-priority AE competitor
Native lenses
Konica Hexanon AR-mount lenses (no stubs in current st-photography catalog; future content opportunity)