"C" stands for Compact, and "EF" stands for Electronic Flash.

In mid-1977, during its announcement in France (the camera had already been introduced at Photokina 1974), the camera was innovative in having a built-in electronic flash. This feature was previously reserved for 110 cameras and a few other rare models. Moreover, when the flash is used, there is automatic aperture adjustment based on the focus distance and ambient light.

The metering system consists of a CdS cell, located just above the front lens of the camera. Behind this cell, a series of circular diaphragms is coupled to the film sensitivity adjustment ring (this ring is concentric with the front face of the lens) to modify the amount of light received by the cell. In the viewfinder, on the left, there is a reminder of the focus distance. On the right, an arrow moves in relation to the aperture scale. As long as this arrow stays on a value, the exposure is correct. If the needle reaches the overexposure (top) or underexposure (bottom) zones, a gray filter must be added or the flash should be used. If the arrow remains in the underexposure zone, even in bright conditions, it indicates that the mercury battery (PX 675) needs to be replaced. The battery compartment for the meter is at the back of the camera, covered by a round cap. Partially pressing the shutter button allows for exposure memorization and view adjustment to handle backlit situations, for example. Note that there is no switch for the meter. It consumes electricity as long as it is exposed to light. It is important to quickly reposition the lens cap after taking a shot.

The shutter has only two speeds (1/60th and 1/125th) and no bulb mode.

Due to the limited coupling of the meter, the use of flash will often be necessary. The flash is activated by pressing the button adorned with an arrow at the base of the lens. The flash then lifts by 14 mm. The "ON" indication on the front of the flash aligns with the arrow on the right side of the lens. Pressing the top of the flash returns it to the rest position. The flash uses AA batteries, and a set of alkaline batteries provides approximately 250 flashes. Flash recharge time is 5 to 7 seconds. The flash guide number is 14.

Film loading, advancing, and unloading are entirely manual.

History

1873 Establishment of the Konishi-ya company. Initial implementation of photographic and lithographic materials.
1876 Relocation to Tokyo. The company is renamed Konishi Honten.
1882 Three factories are established in Tokyo, producing photographic equipment, coated paper, and lithography equipment.
1897 Introduction of the first cinematographic cameras in Japan, enabling the production of Japanese films.
1902 Establishment of a new factory in Tokyo dedicated to the production of photographic plates and papers. This factory is considered the birthplace of the Japanese photographic industry.
1903 The first photosensitive paper produced in Japan, Sakura Hakkin type paper, and the Cherry camera are introduced to the market.
1909 Opening of the Osaka Agency. Introduction of the LiIy camera.
1919 Consolidation of factories in Tokyo, forming Japan's first modern photographic organization.
1921 This organization becomes the Konishiroku Honten Company (Honten = headquarters).
1925 Introduction of Pearlette cameras.
1929 Launch of Sakura films (Sakura = Japanese cherry blossom).
1933 Expansion of the headquarters.
1936 The company becomes Konishiroku Co., Ltd. Opening of an agency in Hino, and relocation of the Sensitive Materials Production Division.
1938 Introduction of the Semipearl camera.
1940 Announcement of the production of the first Japanese color film, Sakura Natural Color Film.
1943 The company adopts its current name, Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd., and the factories are renamed.
1944 Merger with Showa Photo Industries Co., Ltd., adding the Odawara and Koyama factories to the company.
1945 End of the war, leading to a chaotic economic situation. A major reorganization is undertaken to enable the company to survive this tumultuous period.
1948 Sale of the first KONICA-branded cameras and resumption of exports.
1963 Inauguration of the large factory for the production of photographic equipment.
1967 Introduction of the world's great innovation, the SAKURACOLOR N-100, along with the world's first automatic reflex, the KONICA AUTO-REFLEX.
1968 The first automatic reflex camera (EE) incorporates through-the-lens (TTL) metering: it becomes the KONICA AUTOREFLEX T. Production of the first Japanese 24 x 36 compact rangefinder camera, the KONICA C35, in the same year.
1969 Development by Konishiroku of the world's first compact holographic camera.
1970 Start of the sale of U-Bix electrostatic dry photocopying machines. Introduction of SAKURA High Resolution Plate, ultra-fine grain, high-resolution sensitive material essential for Integrated Circuit manufacturing.
1971 Introduction of the new SAKURACOLOR. Commencement of U-Bix MARK I export.
1973 Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the company. Adoption of the new logo. Departure for a new century with renewed enthusiasm.