Konica FT-11983

History

Released 1983. Production ran 4 years until 1987 when the TC-X (consumer-tier final AR body) launched. The FT-1 was Konica's last serious enthusiast SLR before the brand wound down its 35mm SLR business in the early 90s.

Why It Matters

For Konica AR-mount enthusiasts, the FT-1 is the most-refined K-AR-mount body. Used at $80–200, it's a budget-tier alternative to a Nikon FE2 or Canon AE-1 Program. The Hexanon AR lens system — particularly the 40/1.8 AR pancake and the 57/1.4 AR — pairs well.

The trade-off vs major-brand alternatives is the AR-mount ecosystem (smaller installed base, harder to find lenses outside used markets, no factory service in 2026).

Lenses & Accessories

Konica AR mount: Hexanon AR lenses. Common: 50/1.7 AR (kit), 50/1.4 AR, 40/1.8 AR pancake, 28/3.5 AR, 35/2 AR, 85/1.8 AR, 135/3.2 AR. Standard hot-shoe flashes.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Mid-tier 80s amateur/enthusiast body.
• Featured in 35mmc as "the underrated Konica."

References

• Camera-Wiki: Konica FT-1
• Wikipedia: Konica FT-1