The KR-5 featured a built-in, through-the-lens, full aperture CdS exposure meter which measured the light coming through the lens, enabling the photographer to set the proper exposure for a given lighting condition. The correct exposure is obtained by setting the shutter speed and f-stop in the right combination for the type of film, subject, and lighting conditions.
The KR-5 was equipped with a Riconar 55mm f/2.2 standard lens made of 4 elements arranged in 4 groups. The camera had a mechanical metal focal plane shutter with speeds from 1/8 to 1/500th of a second.