Konica Top's AF-300 SP

Photos by JPHB text by JPHB. From the collection of JPHB. Last update 2024-03-02 par Sylvain Halgand.

Manufactured or assembled in Japan from (Before) 1993 to (After) 1993.
Index of rarity in France: Infrequent (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 7664

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Konica

The Top's series comprises compact 35mm cameras that are quite straightforward and share a common feature: the electronic flash tube is positioned vertically.

The Top's replaces the Pop Super starting from 1991. There is a strong resemblance between the two cameras, leading one to wonder whether Konica's engineers obeyed technical necessities or simply those of marketing.
The camera remains very simple. Its activation is triggered by opening the lens protection cover.
The light meter located on the front manages the aperture of the diaphragm and the automatic triggering of the flash according to the ambient light.
Film winding, shutter cocking, and rewinding are motorized. The frame counter, battery charge indicators, self-timer activation, and flash recharge level indicator are all gathered on a small LCD screen near the shutter release, on top of the camera.

The model was also available in red.

The Top's is fixed-focus, and Konica complements its range with an autofocus model, the Top's AF 300, which has a much simpler design.

In early 1993, Konica introduced a range of cameras aimed at vacationers eager to take pictures without fearing raindrops, water splashes, or sand. These cameras are: the Jump-Shot WP, the Top's EF-200 SP, and the Top's AF-300 SP. These are all-weather versions of the previous models. "SP" stands for "Sand Proof," meaning they are resistant to sand, but they are also waterproof.
The JIS (Japan Industry Standard) classification 4 determines that they must withstand 5 minutes of water sprayed at a rate of 10 liters/minute/square meter, over an arc of 180°, at a distance of 30 to 50 cm.
Both new cameras feature a 4.5/34mm triplet lens and accept 100, 200, and 400 ISO films. Film handling is motorized.

The Top's EF-200 is fixed-focus, with a minimum focus distance of 1.5 meters. The shutter is set at 1/125th (with an aperture of 8) under normal conditions and at 1/50th (with an aperture of 4.5) with flash.

Fans of underwater photography could opt for a true waterproof camera: the Konica Mermaid.

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To distinguish the Top's AF-300 from the Top's EF-200, the rim of the lens is silver in color.

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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.

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