Introduction

In the world of film photography, certain camera ranges have left their mark on the collective imagination, such as the Olympus µ[mju] or the Yashica T4. But other, more discreet series are well worth rediscovering. This is the case of the Konica Z-up, compact film cameras with automatic zoom produced from 1988 to 2003, designed to offer versatility, automation and creativity, all in an accessible format.

By targeting the general public while integrating advanced features usually reserved for expert models, the Z-up series has succeeded in creating a true intermediate range between basic compacts and bulky SLRs. Today, with the return of film photography, these cameras are resurfacing in the camera bags of curious people, students and enthusiasts looking for a complete 35mm experience.

A fifteen-year story: Konica Z-up, the choice of versatility

Back to basics: Konica changes course in the 1980s

Faced with the overwhelming dominance of major manufacturers like Canon, Nikon and Minolta in the autofocus SLR market, Konica made a strategic shift at the end of the 1980s. Rather than pursue a losing battle, the brand decided to refocus on a more promising niche: that of 35 mm film compacts with autofocus, with integrated motorized zoom.

It was in this logic that the Konica Z-up series (short for Zoom Up) was born, with a first flagship model launched in 1988: the Z-Up 80. The latter inaugurated the philosophy of the range: a simple-to-use camera, but equipped with advanced functions and a motorized 40–80 mm lens, all in an ergonomic body with pop-up flash, date stamp and fast electronic shutter.

💬 French advertising from the time: "He knows everything, he does everything" — a slogan revealing the series' positioning.

A range that has been constantly evolving over fifteen years

Between 1988 and 2003, Konica marketed at least 15 different Z-up models, with numerous variations depending on the market. Each model quickly succeeded the previous one, sometimes with annual renewals. This allowed the brand to adapt its devices to trends (remote control, design, creative features, etc.).

The evolution is also visible in the zooms: from the modest 2x (40–80 mm) of the first model, we move to much wider focal ranges such as 38–150 mm (Z-Up 150), without sacrificing portability. Through these variants, Konica covers all needs: family photography, portrait, landscape, travel, macro photography, and even long exposure.

Generation Z-up: between sophistication and miniaturization

Ambitious beginnings (1988–1990)

The Konica Z-Up 80 marks the series' debut with a clearly stated ambition. Although bulky, it introduces SLR-style ergonomics, with a wide grip, optical viewfinder, pop-up flash, and numerous controls. Konica quickly released improvements to this model.

Since 1989, the Z-Up 80RC has pushed innovation even further with:

• Detachable infrared remote control, housed in the handle,
• Infinite mode, very useful for landscapes,
• Burst mode, double exposure, macro, programmable B pose up to 99h (!),
• And above all an intervalometer, rare for a compact of this era.

These models prefigure compact bridge cameras, halfway between classic compacts and amateur SLRs, at a time when this concept was not yet established.

The boom of the 1990s: diversity and innovation

In the 90s, Konica expanded its range to meet all profiles:

• Z-Up 28W : Offers a 28mm wide-angle lens, perfect for street, architectural or travel photographers.
• Z-Up 60 / 70 / 80 Super : more classic compacts, but well equipped.
• Z-Up 110 Super / 130 / 135 Super / 140 Super : Focus on more powerful zooms, to capture distant scenes.

Each model brings its share of small technical or ergonomic improvements, and the diversity of options offered allows everyone to find their Z-up according to their priorities (wide angle, telephoto zoom, design, lightness, etc.).

End of series (1999–2003): towards compactness and ergonomics

With the rise of the APS format and growing competition from digital cameras, Konica is modernizing its compacts. The "VP", "Super" and "e" models feature a more rounded design, two-tone metallic housings, and a simplified interface. Also noteworthy:

• Lightweight cases, sometimes with non-slip coating,
• Sliding lens covers,
• Clear LCD screens, more convenient to use.

The Z-Up 115e, 120 VP, 150 VP represent the culmination of the series: powerful, lightweight, reliable and very complete zoom cameras, perfect for demanding amateurs.

On-board technology: automation, zoom, creativity

An automatic compact… but far from basic

All Z-ups share a common technical base:

• Format 24x36 mm,
• Infrared or active detection autofocus,
• Built-in multifunction flash (auto, forced, deactivatable, slow sync, etc.),
• Film advance/rewind motor,
• DX film reading (100 to 3200 ISO),
• Fully automatic exposure, very reliable.

But some models — notably the Z-Up 80RC, 80 Super, 115e — go well beyond:

• Macro mode, manual flash, exposure compensation, programmable bulb, double exposure, intervalometer…
• Dioptric correction viewfinder for eyeglass wearers,
• Full LCD display, function buttons,
• Panoramic mode on recent models.

Neat optics, despite ambitious zooms

Konica Z-up lenses vary by model, with ranges from:

• 28–56 mm (Z-Up 28W),
• Up to 38–150 mm (Z-Up 150 VP).

The apertures are typical of zoom compacts: f/3.5 to f/7.8, or even f/13 at telephoto. The optical formulas are neat, with sometimes 11 elements in 9 groups and aspherical lenses, guaranteeing a sharp rendering, little aberration and good contrast, especially in the center of the image.

Who is the Konica Z-up range for?

The ultimate versatile film compact

Versatile, accessible and reliable, the Z-up range is aimed at:

• Beginners in film photography,
• Families and travelers,
• Occasional photographers,
• But also curious creators looking for inexpensive creative functions.

Z-ups can be used in both point & shoot mode and creative settings, with a tripod, long exposure, or double exposure. Thanks to their integrated zoom and efficient auto mode, they can adapt to all types of scenes without stress.

Reputation, feedback and comparison with the competition

An underrated device, but appreciated by connoisseurs

At the time, Z-ups were not the stars of the market, but today, enthusiasts point out:

• The robustness of the first models,
• The optical quality is correct, especially in the center,
• The autofocus speed (excellent on the Z-Up 28W),
• And above all, the wealth of new functions (notably on the Z-Up 80RC).

Some models are now cult in circles of film enthusiasts.

Facing competition: the choice of reason

Konica had to compete with giants:

• Olympus mju Zoom, elegant design and sharp optics,
• Canon Sure Shot, simple ergonomics and reliability,
• Minolta Riva Zoom, many different models,
• Pentax Espio, an excellent technical compromise.

Faced with this, the Z-ups proposed:

• More features for often a lower price,
• Good value for money,
• Reliability recognized over time.

Even today, a Konica Z-up remains a relevant alternative for shooting film without breaking the bank.

Why choose a Konica Z-up in 2025?

The Z-up range ticks all the boxes for a successful return to film photography:

• ✅ Complete automation, ideal for beginners,
• ✅ Motorized zoom, for more flexibility,
• ✅ Advanced functions (double exposure, Bulb, macro, etc.),
• ✅ Compatibility with current 35mm films,
• ✅ Affordable price on the second-hand market.

In short, Z-ups allow you to (re)discover film photography with ease, while still being able to explore creative techniques.

Conclusion

The Konica Z-up series, unfairly overshadowed by its better-known competitors, has now proven to be an essential line for anyone looking to explore film photography. Robust, well-designed, and sometimes innovative, it has survived the decades without losing its relevance.

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