Konica FT-1 SLR (1983)

Introduction

The Konica FT-1 is a 35mm SLR offering both manual and automatic exposure, ideal for advanced amateurs and professionals.

Camera Overview

Film Type: 35mm

Lens Mount: Konica AR

Shutter: 1s – 1/1000s

Metering: TTL

Viewfinder: SLR

Getting Started

Load 35mm film cartridge:

Open the Camera Back

Push down the back cover release latch located on the left-hand side of the camera body.

The rear door will spring open.

Insert the Film Cartridge

Place the 35mm film cartridge into the left film chamber.

Push the rewind knob down to hold the cartridge securely in place.

Pull the Film Leader

Draw the film leader across the film gate toward the take-up spool on the right-hand side.

Insert the film leader into one of the slots on the spool.

Advance the Film

Lightly press the shutter release button once; the built-in motor advance will engage.

Confirm that the film leader wraps around the spool and that the sprocket teeth engage the film perforations.

Press the shutter button again if needed to ensure the film is taking up smoothly.

Close the Camera Back

Swing the back cover closed until it clicks shut.

Advance to First Frame

Press the shutter release button repeatedly. The motor will automatically advance the film.

Watch the rewind knob: it should rotate as film is transported, confirming proper movement.

The frame counter will advance to “1.”

Set Film Speed (ASA/ISO)

Lift and rotate the outer ring of the shutter speed dial on the camera top.

Align the ASA/ISO rating (from your film box, e.g., 100, 200, 400) with the index mark.

Ready for Shooting

The frame counter now reads “1.”

Your camera is properly loaded and ready to capture photographs.

Shooting

Frame through SLR; focus lens.

Set shutter/aperture or use auto mode.

Press shutter release; advance film.

Film Rewinding & Unloading Instructions

Reach End of Roll

When the film counter reaches the maximum exposure number on your roll (usually 24 or 36), the motor will stop advancing.

Do not attempt to shoot further — the film is finished.

Prepare for Rewind

Press the rewind button located on the camera bottom plate.

Slide the rewind switch (top right of camera) to the R (rewind) position.

Automatic Rewind

The built-in motor will rewind the film automatically.

Watch the rewind knob on the top left: it will rotate backwards as the film is rewound into the cartridge.

When rewinding is complete, the motor will stop automatically.

Open the Camera Back

Press the back cover release latch on the left-hand side.

The back will spring open.

Remove the Cartridge

Take out the rewound film cartridge.

Process or store as desired.

Maintenance & Notes

Compatible with AR-mount lenses.

Keep lens and mirror clean.

Scan negatives for digital use.