Konica Record Camera

Introduced in 1926, the Konica Record Camera represents one of the company's significant early ventures into the burgeoning 35mm still camera market, utilizing film originally designed for motion picture photography. As one of Konica's initial attempts in this format, it marked an important step for the Japanese manufacturer towards establishing itself in the small, high-quality segment dominated by European brands at the time. While specific details about its exact model type (like whether it featured a coupled rangefinder or simple viewfinder) are scarce, the Record Camera was constructed as a practical, compact camera typical of the era, likely featuring a focal plane shutter and a fixed or simple interchangeable lens system, designed primarily for the enthusiast photographer seeking portability and the efficiency of 35mm film.

The camera occupies a notable place in Konica's history as an early milestone in their development of miniature cameras, preceding their more famous later models like the Konica III or the Auto S. It underscores Konica's recognition of 35mm's potential, even if the design itself was not particularly innovative compared to contemporary offerings from Leica or Contessa. Its character was that of a functional, workhorse-like instrument, embodying the transitional period when 35mm was solidifying its position as a viable format for serious still photography, paving the way for Konica's future advancements in camera technology and lens optics.