Konica
made several ultra compacts in different lines. The non-zoom optics are
all moderate wide angles of 35mm focal length. Only the Big Mini F
opens up to F2.8. As it is also the smallest of the Konicas, it's the
most expensive. The A4 is much cheaper, so it's a good alternative. And
then there is the Lexio 70. It goes from 28 to 70mm and it has
impressing data at the wide end: F3.4. So it's as good as the other
28mm premium ultra compacts which all open up to F3.5.
The
Z-up 110 VP shown here is one of a mid range series, Z-UP series has
several models and style variants. This one was lauched in 1998. Its main features are:
38-110mm F3.6-9.8 Konica lens, 6 elements in 5 groups, autofocus with focus lock, min. focus 0,8m Electronic shutter, 1-1/300 Size 120x67x57, Weight 275 gr. with battery 25-3200
ISO, automatic DX coding, self-timer, automatic film advance, exposure correction +1.5EV, infinity lock
Camera
front closed.
Camera
back. On top: Viewer. Film indication window.
Camera swithed on. The lens only moves out a little to wide position.
Lens moved out to tele position.
View from above. Mid roll rewind, mode button, LCD
screen (flash off set), power button, shutter release.
Camera sets auto flash
as default. Flash
guide number ~20 (!) (m/ISO 100). Tele/Wide switch at the edge. Back open. The film leader is safely engaged when you close the back.
View from the bottom. Tripod socket. Battery compartment. Takes a CR123 battery.
This
camera is easy to use.
Autofocus is responsive and works well. Putting a film is easy as well,
you drop the film, tear the film leader up to the mark and that's it. The
camera winds it automatically. It has some manual settings if needed,
the menu is very easy to access on a big clear LCD screen.
In
comparison to the other ultra compacts, this is only mid range quality.
The lens is a bit dim at the wide end. The camera is bulkier and
heavier than it seems. There are better ones from Konica, like the
above mentioned Lexio 70.
It's
nevertheless a good point and shoot camera
with a moderate wide angle zoom lens, good picture quality and nice
finish.
