Hi Ingrid,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Konica cameras represent a major chapter in Japanese photographic history, rooted in one of the world’s oldest camera companies. Konica originated in 1873 as Konishi Honten in Tokyo, initially supplying photographic materials before producing cameras. By the early 20th century, it became a pioneer in Japan’s domestic camera industry, known for reliable, well-engineered products.

Konica gained international recognition in the postwar period with 35mm rangefinders and single lens reflex cameras (SLRs), notably the Konica Auto-Reflex (1965), the world’s first 35mm SLR with automatic exposure. The company was also highly respected for its Hexanon lenses, regarded for their sharpness and optical quality.

Beyond cameras, Konica played a critical role in advancing photographic film and imaging technology. In 2003, Konica merged with Minolta, forming Konica Minolta, marking the end of the Konica camera brand but cementing its legacy as an innovator that helped shape modern photography.

Konica's Autoreflex T camera, which was introduced in 1968, was one of the first 35 mm SLRs to combine through-the-lens (TTL) light metering with shutter-priority automatic exposure (AE). This means that users would set the shutter speed and the camera’s electronics automatically selected the aperture for a correct exposure based on the light entering through the lens. Unlike earlier Konica models that had external meters, the T's meter reads light through the taking lens, making exposure readings more accurate and intuitive. It also used a vertical-travel Copal Square metal shutter with speeds from B (bulb) to 1/1000 s, which was fast and reliable for the era.

With all that new technology, the model still retained a fully manual setting and helped put Konica on the map with SLR cameras. It was also produced during a very narrow window, between 1968 and 1970 (after 1970, there were updated versions known as T2s that were the main production from 1970-73.

I can't tell from your photos whether you have a Konica Hexanon lens (or what kind) but most similar camera sets are selling at auction for less than $150, less than $100 if incomplete.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Konica Autoreflex T camera
serial number 233021, 1968-70
with original case and some additional parts.
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: possibly incomplete
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$75-125*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia