Konica AutoReflex TC & 40mm f/1.8 Review and Buying Guide

The Konica AutoReflex TC: A 1976 Icon Revisited

The Konica AutoReflex TC arrived in 1976, at a time when 35mm SLRs defined serious photography. Compact, straightforward, and built around Konica’s excellent AR mount system, the AutoReflex TC quickly became a favourite for enthusiasts who valued reliability over bells and whistles.

Paired with the 40mm f/1.8 Hexanon lens, it forms a nimble kit that still feels surprisingly modern. The 40mm focal length sits between classic 35mm and 50mm, making it ideal for everyday shooting, travel, and environmental portraits.

My own understanding of exposure changed the first time I picked up a fully mechanical camera. Suddenly, there was no safety net: aperture, shutter, and ISO became tangible decisions instead of menu items.

With no auto mode to hide behind, I began to see light as something I could shape, not just record. Every frame with that mechanical shutter felt deliberate.

Technical Highlights That Stand the Test of Time

Mechanical shutter, battery-dependent meter

The Konica AutoReflex TC uses a mechanical focal-plane shutter, which means the camera will happily fire even without batteries. The battery only powers the built-in light meter, giving you a dependable backup when electronics age.

40mm f/1.8 Hexanon: compact and characterful

The included 40mm f/1.8 Hexanon is one of Konica’s underrated gems. Wide open, it delivers a warm, slightly vintage rendering with pleasing bokeh; stopped down, it is sharp enough for landscapes and street work. Its compact size keeps the whole setup discreet and easy to carry all day.

Ideal film speeds for the meter

The AutoReflex TC pairs especially well with mid-speed 35mm films. ISO 100–400 stocks like Kodak Gold 200 or Ilford HP5 give you enough flexibility for daylight and low light while staying within the strengths of the built-in meter.

Why It Still Matters in 2025

A tactile antidote to screen fatigue

In 2025, the Konica AutoReflex TC feels almost rebellious. No menus, no instant review, no autofocus. Instead, you get a bright viewfinder, a smooth film advance, and a precise shutter release. Each frame costs money and time, which naturally encourages more thoughtful composition.

A sustainable, second-hand classic

Buying a second-hand Konica AutoReflex TC extends the life of a well-built camera and keeps it out of landfill. Combined with a reusable metal body and manual operation, it is an inherently sustainable choice: one camera, many rolls, minimal waste beyond film and chemistry.

Using the Konica AutoReflex TC in Modern Workflows

Shooting film with intention

The AutoReflex TC excels as an everyday film camera. Load a versatile stock, pre-set your exposure, and let the camera disappear in your hands. For street photography, zone focusing at f/8 with the 40mm lens is a powerful technique: set a focus distance, stop down, and capture fleeting moments with minimal fuss.

• ✔ Load ISO 100–400 film like Kodak Gold 200 or Ilford HP5.
• ✔ Test shutter speeds and ensure smooth film advance.
• ✔ Try adapting the Hexanon 40mm for mirrorless systems.
• ✔ Experiment with zone focusing at f/8 for street work.
• ✔ Use proper adapters and flare control accessories.
• ✔ Check shutter speed timing between 1/8s and 1/1000s.
• ✔ Verify meter movement and battery contact cleanliness.
• ✔ Examine lens glass for haze or separation.
• ✔ Confirm light seal integrity.
• ✔ Ask seller for sample negatives or test shots when possible.

Adapting the Hexanon 40mm to digital

The 40mm f/1.8 Hexanon is not just for film. With the right Konica AR to mirrorless adapter, it becomes a distinctive prime lens on Sony, Fuji, and Blackmagic systems. On digital sensors, the lens retains its warm, filmic rendering and smooth falloff, making it excellent for video work, environmental portraits, and documentary projects.

Pair it with a simple lens hood to tame flare, and consider modern photography accessories like variable ND filters when shooting video wide open.

Second-Hand Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Commit

Body: mechanics, meter, and seals

When evaluating a Konica AutoReflex TC, start with the basics. Advance the film lever several times and pay attention to how it feels: it should be smooth and consistent, with no grinding or excessive resistance. Fire the shutter at different speeds—especially between 1/8s and 1/1000s—and listen for clear differences. A sticky slow speed can indicate old lubricants or mechanical issues.

Next, check the meter. Insert a fresh battery, half-press the shutter, and look for meter movement in the viewfinder. Compare its reading with a trusted light meter or smartphone app. Slight differences are acceptable; wild inconsistencies may require service. Finally, inspect the light seals around the film door. Crumbling or sticky foam should be replaced to avoid light leaks.

Lens: glass, focus, and aperture

Hold the 40mm f/1.8 Hexanon up to a light source and look through it from both ends. You are checking for haze, fungus, separation (a rainbow-like pattern between elements), and heavy scratches. Minor dust is normal; serious haze or separation can affect contrast and sharpness.

Rotate the focus ring from minimum to infinity. It should feel smooth and even, not loose or gritty. Move the aperture ring through the f-stops and confirm that the blades close and open cleanly without oil or hesitation.

Final Thoughts: A Gateway to Slower, More Intentional Photography

The Konica AutoReflex TC with 40mm f/1.8 Hexanon stands as a quiet classic. It is not the flashiest SLR, nor the most collectible, but it rewards anyone willing to slow down and trust their eye. Its mechanical reliability, compact form factor, and adaptable lens make it a perfect bridge between traditional film workflows and modern digital setups.

If you are curious about film or want a characterful manual lens for your mirrorless body, this combo is an excellent starting point. Explore our curated range of camera lenses and related photography accessories to build a sustainable, second-hand kit that suits your style.