Konica Koni-Omega Rapid 1001968

History

Konica introduced the Rapid 100 in 1968 as the first major revision of the Koni-Omega press camera concept. The "100" designation reflected both the revised model numbering scheme and a nod to the 100-series update philosophy then common in Japanese camera manufacturing. Key changes from the original Rapid were an improved film-back locking mechanism to reduce light leaks, a revised advance mechanism with firmer detents, and a cleaner lens-release system.

The Rapid 100 sold alongside the original Rapid for a period, then became the primary press camera offering until the introduction of the Koni-Omega 200 in the mid-1970s. The 200 brought electronic automatic exposure to the line — a significant shift in philosophy. The Rapid 100 remained in use in professional settings where fully manual operation was preferred.

Why It Matters

The Rapid 100 represents the mature form of the push-pull Koni-Omega concept before the line moved toward automation. It is interchangeable with the original Rapid's lenses and backs, making it part of a unified system that photographers could build up over time. Today it offers a relatively affordable path to 6×7 medium format with a sharp Hexanon lens and full-speed flash sync — advantages that remain practically useful for film photographers.

Lenses & Accessories

Same lens family as the original Koni-Omega Rapid:

• Hexanon 90mm f/3.5 — standard, excellent all-round performance, integral Seikosha shutter
• Hexanon 58mm f/5.6 — wide-angle, some vignetting wide open
• Hexanon 135mm f/4.5 — short telephoto, portrait-suitable compression

Film magazines are interchangeable for 120 and 220 film. Backs from the original Rapid are compatible, though sealing quality may vary between generations.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Continued use by North American commercial and editorial photographers following the original Rapid's success.
• Appeared in advertising and architectural work where 6×7 resolution was needed in a handholdable format.
• Collected today alongside the original Rapid as part of a functioning Koni-Omega 6×7 system.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Koni-Omega Rapid 100