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Konica Z-up28W Camera Review | Herb Kateley

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Konica Z-up28W Camera Review

This review continues on the theme of inexpensive but good quality film cameras. The Konica Z-up28W is interesting because not many point and shoot zooms start at a wide angle of 28mm. It zooms to only what would be considered a normal focal length of 56mm.

For me, this is a very useful range. I tested this with a roll of Kodak Portra 400. I got consistently good exposures and sharpness. When shooting SLR's, I often want 28mm or wider, so the wide angle was very welcome on a point and shoot. 

I was not able to find a manual. Here are the few specs that I could gather.

  • Zoom: 28-56mm
  • Aperture: f3.5 – f6.6
  • ISO range: 50-3200
  • Original list: $369.00 (shocking, isn't it?)
  • Current cost: I couldn't find any for sale online at this time. I got the one for this review for about $5.

Unusual features:

  • 28mm wide angle
  • Quick snap function. Apparently for quick shots with limited depth of field, 3 to 12 feet. I did not test this.
  • 1 button zoom
  • Zoom scale on top of lens barrel.

Things I liked:

 

  • 1 button for zoom, located right behind the shutter button. Goes out, then comes back. This would be a pain if the camera had one of those crazy long zoom ranges, but for 28 to 56, it's no problem and is actually quite handy in operation. 
  • Infinity lock. For shooting through windows for example.
  • Macro setting.
  • Quiet shutter
  • Easy to turn off flash
  • Lens seems good and sharp.
I was standing on the sidewalk not far from the sign. 

I was standing on the sidewalk not far from the sign. 

Things I liked less:

 

  • 2cr5 battery. Not hard to get, but a little expensive, and if you are using the camera a lot, you will want
  • to carry an extra. Not really a big deal.
  • A bit big, won't fit in a shirt pocket, but it has a nice ergonomic feel. I usually prefer a smaller camera,
  • however the larger size can make it easier to hold steady, and it has neck strap.
This was hand held, close the tree in strong shadow. The camera selected just the right exposure. 

This was hand held, close the tree in strong shadow. The camera selected just the right exposure. 

Conclusion: An excellent flexible camera with good quality and useful features. This is would be a good camera for casual events, a bit of street shooting, or just all around use. 


Herb Kateley