Photo thanks to D. White
[email protected]
Related Links:
Konica 2 Press Camera (local page)
Rapid
100/200 Manual Online!
Koni
Omega 200 Review
Comparison of
Koni-Omega with Graflex XL and Mamiya Press
(with facts on Rapid, Rapid M, Rapid 100, Rapid 200)
Hank Green's Konica
Press 2 Camera
Discussion of above table
Using a Koni-Omega 200 for
Storm Chasing
Related Local Articles:
Koni Omega Rapid Press Cameras
Mamiya Super 23 Press Rangefinder
Mamiya Universal Press Rangefinder
Medium Format on a Budget FAQ
We have a lot of related notes on the Koni Omega and Omega 120 cameras at the above
pages and links, so we won't repeat them here.
Our Koni Omega RF Camera
pages has extensive notes on lenses and model differences to supplement the material
and postings below. I have noted that a number of the later models, with interchangeable
backs (KO-200..), are terrific buys on the used market today (often $150-200 with lens
and interchangeable backs). These cameras were the ideal wedding photographer's camera
kit, with fast easy to focus rangefinder, high quality leaf shutter optics (for flash), very fast
push-pull film advance, and interchangeable (preloaded) film inserts or interchangeable
backs. The lens lineup is limited to 4 optics, but they are very highly rated lenses
at surprisingly low cost (except the limited production period 135mm portrait lens).
The lens has Konica Hexanon 1:3.5 f=90mm. Next ring has B to 500. Next ring has 3.5 - 32. The whole assembly moved forward by a dial on the side with lots of numbers on it. The owner says that the photographer need only set it on 15 and click away at the bride walking down the aisle.
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: DunfeyPub [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [KOML] M or Rapid M
you wrote:
I always thought the Koni-Omega models were the Rapid and Rapid M. Mine
has Rapid M written just below the rangefinder window on the front of
the camera. I was looking at a picture of a Koni-Omega for sale on the
Ebay auction site and it has just the letter M written below the
rangefinder window. Is there a difference between the M and Rapid M?
I have both the Rapid M and the M models. My M has markings for
all four lenses (60, 90, 135 and 180) on the focus knob and frame lines
for the 135 in the rangefinder window while my Rapid M only shows markings
for the 60, 90 and 180 lenses on the focusing knob and no frame lines for
the 135 in the rangefinder window. Other than that they appear to be
identical.
Take care,
Kenan
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: Jim Richey [email protected]
Subject: Re: [KOML] M or Rapid M
Yes, I'm fully aware of the Rapid Omega equivalents to the Koni-Omegas as I'm sure most people on this list are by now. However, based on Kenan's experience it appears that there were actually three Koni-Omega models; the Rapid, Rapid M, and the M , with the M actually being a direct equivalent to the Rapid Omega 200 in that it has the frame lines and distance scale for the 135mm lens.
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [KOML] M or Rapid M
My KO says Rapid M on the front and has the knob markings and the corner
dots in the viewfinder for the 135. I handled a plain M once and it
appeared to be identical to my Rapid M though I didn't notice if it made
provisions for the 135.
Peter Caplow
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: "Kotsinadelis, Peter" [email protected]
Subject: RE: [KOML] M or Rapid M
Sarcasm is not necessary. Basically the M and Rapid M are the
same. Konica added the word Rapid later on for clarification
to indicate the speed of camera.
Peter K.
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [KOML] M or Rapid M
In short, there were several models. Intially made by Konica
the Koni Rapid later became an improved Koni Omega M.
Mamiya took over the factory from Konica produced the Koni
Omega M as the Rapid Omega 200. They also added a Rapid Omega
100 which did had interchangeable backs but not full magazines
as the 200 and M had. Components are interchangeble for the
most part, except the backs are unique to the original Koni
Rapid noted by an absence of a dark slide slot in the back and
no flip up door to cover the locking key on the back.
Peter K
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: Clive Warren [email protected]
Subject: Re: [KOML] M or Rapid M
Dear All,
Here they all are in their glory:
Koni-Omega Rapid
Koni-Omega Rapid M
Koni Omega M
Koni-Omega Press
Koni Rapid Omega 100
Koni Rapid Omega 200
Remember the Koni-Omega Press - that makes four as it is also an M/200 type.
My running total is 6, and the prototype Simmons makes 7. Any more for any
more?
Still working on that web site......
All the best,
Clive http://clive.bel-epa.com
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [KOML] (no subject)
If you mean the Simmons Omega B2 that would be the founder.
I sincerely hope no one finds an earlier one at this point.
There are no titles left.
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: Hank Green [email protected]
Subject: Re: [KOML] (no subject)
Well here is my 2 cents worth :-)
My Press 2 has the following:
Markings for the 58, 90, 135, and 180 on the focus knob.
Framing lines for the 90, 135, and 180, of course you need the eye piece for
the 58.
Hank Green
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: "Kotsinadelis, Peter" [email protected]
Subject: RE: [KOML] (no subject)
Well, I stnad corrected. I checked with Greg Weber (who knows
more about the rapid and Koni that anyone I ever met) was told
that the Press 2 is a Japanese version of the M.
Greg also indicated that the late Ms and late Press 2s did have
135mm marks, carried forward on the Rapid Ms. The 135mm lenses
were only made 2 to 2.5 years, but the markings for them on the
cameras went on.
Hope this helps.
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 1998
From: JDavis9077 [email protected]
Subject: Re: Re: [KOML] M or Rapid M
My Rapid M also does not have the 135 frame lines. It has all the others
-- at first I thought it was a defect -- but earlier posts have caused me
to come to the conclusion that the earlier "Rapid M" did no thave the 135
lines. I think someone added that the 135 was probably not in production
when the Rapid M came to be.
Great discussion.
Shooting away in Missouri,
Jeff.