The Minolta Weathermatic-A is an underwater camera. It was introduced in 1980. The yellow pocket film camera can be used for dives up to 5 meters.
The lens of the Minolta Weathermatic-A cannot be changed. The lens is named “Minolta Rokkor 1:3.5 / 26 mm”. The focal length is 26 mm. The largest aperture is f/3.5. The focus of the lens has to be adjusted manually in five steps with a switch. There is no autofocus system. The minimum distance to the subject is 90 cm.
The Minolta Weathermatic-A does not have an automatic exposure. The exposure time is fixed at 1/200 second. The aperture can be set to one of three settings (sunny, cloudy, flash). The Minolta Weathermatic-A has a built-in flash. This has a range of up to 6.3 meters, depending on the sensitivity of the film.
The Minolta Weathermatic-A takes its pictures on pocket films. For this reason, the plastic camera is also quite compact. There is no automatic film transport. The film has to be rewound by hand.
The required power for the Japanese camera comes from an AA battery (eBay / Amazon*).
The pocket film camera is part of the Weathermatic series, along with the Minolta Vectis Weathermatic Zoom and the Minolta Weathermatic 35 DL.
Films for the Minolta Weathermatic-A
Photographic films are exposed in the Minolta Weathermatic-A, more precisely pocket films. Pocket films are being made again today. It is also still possible to develop it. Lomography offers films for the 110 format. One possible film for color images is the Lomography Tiger 110*. A possibility for B&W images is the Lomography Orca 110*.
Color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. C-41 film is developed by almost all photo labs, but not every lab develops pocket film. Black and white film cannot be developed in the C-41 process, but must be processed in a black and white developer.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Underwater camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Focal length | 26 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 90 cm / 2.952 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/200 s |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x AA battery |
| Estimated value / Used price | 42,48 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 11 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 45,36 Euro (48.71 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 48,00 Euro (51.96 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 41,69 Euro (44.38 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Weathermatic-A
How deep can I take this underwater camera?
The Minolta Weathermatic-A is designed for underwater photography up to 5 meters. It's a compact, yellow camera perfect for shallow dives or snorkeling.
Does the yellow camera have autofocus?
No, the Minolta Weathermatic-A uses manual focus. You adjust the focus using a switch with five different settings. It doesn't have an autofocus system.
What kind of film does this small camera use?
This Minolta camera uses 110 format film, also known as pocket film. You have to advance the film manually; there's no automatic film advance.
How does the exposure work on this underwater camera?
The Minolta Weathermatic-A has a fixed shutter speed of 1/200th of a second. You select the aperture based on the lighting conditions: sunny, cloudy, or flash.
What type of battery does the camera need?
The Minolta Weathermatic-A runs on a single AA battery. This is readily available and makes the camera easy to power.