rmgood's Full Review: Konica Minolta Z-up 110 VP 35mm Film Camera
I admit it -I am a camera fanatic! I love taking pictures. (One of two reasons you rarely ever see me IN a picture but that's off topic!) I'm a firm believer in the saying "Take a picture -it lasts longer!" And therefore, I think everyone should have a good camera. As for myself, I have several.
My "main" camera, if you will, is a Canon Rebel which I cannot rave enough about. However, the Canon itself is a good size camera. Add to it the multiple lenses and enormous flash I have and I'm carrying around quite a load. As much as I love the quality of my Canon pictures, there are times when a simply need a point-and-shoot camera. Its not always practical to carry around five pounds of camera equipment touring a busy theme park! But once you get used to such high quality pictures, its hard to accept anything less.
So my search began. I was willing to spend a decent amount of money to get a high quality point-and-shoot camera, but not break the bank. After all, this was to be a secondary camera. One I could carry around with ease and whip out to take a quick picture when time or patience wouldn't allow me to take out the Canon, attach the appropriate lens, hook up a flash and frame my shot. My budget was about $100, give or take several dollars depending on what's available.
My first instinct was to stick with the Canon brand. After all, I have had nothing but good luck with the Rebel. However, I went to the camera "pros" at National Camera and asked their advice. My requirements: small body, lightweight, built-in auto flash, red-eye reduction and a small zoom lens. Oh, and of course, a camera that will produce high quality photographs. Their response: "The Konica brand is the best value on the market!"
I compared all the cameras with their long list of features and prices varying anywhere from $70 to $300. When it was all said and done, I took their expert advice and purchased the Konica Z-up110 VP. The pictures were superb and for the first several months I was very pleased with my purchase. A purchase by the way which ran me $120.
Konica Z-up110 features:
*Automatic film loading, advancing and rewinding
(and the film speed is automatically recognized when loaded)
*Auto flash with options of turning on or off as needed for special photos
and an optional red-eye reduction mode
*Self-timer which gives you about 10 seconds from the time your finger is
released from the shutter
*Auto-date for printing a date directly onto your photos
*Auto focus (and an option called "Infinity Mode" for maximum sharpness
when taking pictures through glass or distant landscapes.)
*A 38-110mm zoom lens
My Problem:
Not more than six months after purchasing the camera and after minimal use, I dropped the camera (which was still in a lightly padded camera bag) on the kitchen floor (which has vinyl flooring). The slider button for the zoom which protrudes slightly out of the back of the camera broke off. The result -the zoom function becomes completely unfunctional. Now the camera comes with a one year manufacturer warranty. Unfortunately, it also comes with a disclaimer that negates the warranty if the camera shows signs of abuse or mishandling. Apparently, dropping it once falls under this disclaimer. So off I trotted back to National Camera thinking I would just spend the few dollars to have it fixed. The cost of such a repair: $100 for the part alone, not including any labor! So my Konica sits on a self now, still broken and hardly ever touched. The zoom is set at 38mm so the camera does still work for taking pictures without the zoom, however the whole situation has sent me off looking for a replacement camera once again.
Overall Impression:
The Konica camera has very little durability and doesn't hold up to its price tag. However, it does produce high quality pictures and is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. As far as all the extra features go, I did not find they were worth the added costs. I never add the printed dates to my pictures as it prints on the front on the photo which often takes away from the rest of the photograph. The other advance features (with the exception of red-eye reduction mode) are too much to bother with when trying to snap a quick picture.
My Recommendation:
If you are looking for all the extra "advanced" features in a camera, consider spending the extra money for a SLR camera (single lens reflux) and you will be much happier with your purchase. If you are looking for a simple point-and-shoot camera, the extra money for a small zoom is often worth it but don't concern yourself with all the "extras". And I would suggest steering clear of the Konica brand.
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