The Minolta P’s is a compact camera with panorama function that was sold mainly to amateur photographers in Japan. It was introduced by the Japanese company in the early 1990s. The camera was also sold in the market under the name “Minolta Riva Panorama” and “Minolta Freedom Vista“.
A fixed focal length lens is provided for this 35mm photo camera. The lens has a focal length of 24 mm. The maximum aperture is f/4.5. The focus of the 35 mm camera does not need to be adjusted, as it has an autofocus system.
Taking pictures is made easier by the built-in light meter. The light meter is designed for 35mm film from ISO 100 to ISO 400. Film speed is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge. If this code is not present, a value of ISO 100 is always selected. The exposure settings are automatically controlled and adjusted by the electronics.
The camera model is also equipped with a built-in flash. At ISO 100, the range is up to 2.7 meters. The camera has a self-timer with a lead time of ten seconds. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom and an eyelet for a camera strap on the side.
A CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*) is responsible for the power supply. One battery charge is enough for about 600 pictures. The batteries are still easy to find today and cost only a few euros.
The camera comes with a function to imprint the shooting time in a corner of the pictures. This makes it very easy to determine the age of the photo. Of course, the date in the picture is not necessarily visually appealing, but you don’t have to buy additional
For the built-in clock you still need a CR2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*). However, the battery can also be omitted and deactivate the function, especially since the calendar only lasts until 2019 anyway.
Films for the Minolta P’s
The Minolta P’s is designed for 35mm film. The special feature of the model is the choice of negatives. These have an aspect ratio of 3:1 rather than 3:2, so the image occupies an area of 12.2 by 36 mm on the film. This creates the impression of a panorama.
The film is automatically transported to the next image by a motor. The number of frames taken is displayed on the top. The film is also automatically rewound. This process can also be triggered manually if you want to remove the film first.
35mm films are still manufactured today. They can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the Minolta P’s are the Kodak Gold 200* for color images and the Ilford XP2 Super* for black and white images. Other suitable films are also offered by Foma, Rollei and Adox, among others. It is important that the film is in the ISO 100 to ISO 400 range and that the DX encoding is present on the cartridge.
The color film is processed in the C-41 process. This developing process is done by all photo labs that offer developing of 35mm film. You can also drop off your color film at many drug stores for development. B/W film must be developed in a black-and-white developer.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 12,2 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 24 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 90 cm / 2.952 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 5 elements in 5 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second to 1/4 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Panorama function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,9 to 2,7 Meter / 2.95 to 8.86 Feet |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x CR123A battery |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 158,01 Euro 2812581471299139279141747182 Estimate based on used prices of 68 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of September 22, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 73,75 Euro (79.02 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 158,00 Euro (171.02 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta P's
What kind of photos does the Minolta P's take? Is it just normal pictures, or something special?
The Minolta P's creates panorama-style photos. Instead of the usual rectangular shape (3:2), it makes wider images with a 3:1 aspect ratio. This gives a more panoramic view even though it uses standard 35mm film.
I'm new to film cameras. Do I have to focus the lens myself on this camera?
No, you don't have to manually focus this compact camera. The Minolta P's has an autofocus system, so the camera will automatically focus on the subject for you. This makes it easier to take sharp pictures, even if you're a beginner.
Does the Riva Panorama need batteries? How long do they last?
Yes, it needs two types of batteries. A CR123A battery powers the camera itself, and one battery charge is enough for around 600 pictures. You can also insert a CR2025 battery, for the clock function, but the camera will work fine without it.
I often forget when I took my photos. Does this little camera help with that somehow?
Yes, this camera has a feature to imprint the date and time on the corner of the image when the picture is taken. This can be really helpful for remembering when photos were taken, though some might find the date on the photo visually unappealing.
What ISO should my film be if I want to use the automatic settings?
The Minolta P's exposure meter is designed to work best with films ranging from ISO 100 to ISO 400. The camera reads the DX code on the film cartridge to determine the ISO, or it defaults to ISO 100 if there's no DX code.