The Minolta AL is a 35mm camera from the 1960s. It belongs to the rangefinder camera group. The model was introduced in 1961. It was produced in a factory in Japan by Chiyoda Kōgaku Kōgyō, Minolta’s company name at the time.
The still camera comes with a lens that cannot be changed. The lens is called “Minolta Rokkor PF”. The focal length is 45 mm and the maximum aperture is f/2. A filter can be screwed in front of the lens. The filter has a 40.5 mm thread in the best case.
The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus. Focusing is manual. The rangefinder helps with focusing and indicates whether the correct distance has been set. The closest focusing distance is 91 cm.
The Minolta AL has a built-in light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 10 to ISO 800. It is a selenium exposure meter. It can measure light with the help of a chemical reaction. No batteries are needed for this. However, over the years, the accuracy may decrease or the functionality may end completely.
The shutter speed and aperture can be selected by the photographer. The Optiper Citizen MLT shutter allows exposure times from 1/1000 second to 1 second. A Bulb setting is available on the 35mm photo camera. In this case, the shutter remains open as desired.
The use of an external flash is possible via the PC flash socket. The flash unit can be attached to the hot shoe on the top. The 35 mm camera has a thread for a tripod and cable release. A self-timer is also included. This has a lead time of up to 9 seconds.
No batteries are needed for the exposure meter. The rest of the camera works mechanically without electricity. The film is rewound with a quick-release lever on the top side.
Films for the Minolta AL
The Minolta AL requires 35mm film. 35mm film is still readily available today and is developed by most photo labs. Nice 35mm films for color or black and white photography are the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Kodak TRI-X 400*. According to various reviews, they are good for everyday shooting and deliver solid results. Of course, you can also use films from other manufacturers.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Quick release lever |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Minolta Rokkor PF |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2 |
| Minimum focus distance | 91 cm / 2.9848 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Filter thread | 40.5 mm |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 10 to 800 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 9 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 89,78 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 22 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 88,83 Euro (95.25 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 88,50 Euro (95.25 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 82,96 Euro (88.76 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta AL
Is the Minolta AL a digital camera or a film camera?
The Minolta AL is a film camera, specifically a 35mm rangefinder camera. It uses traditional film rolls, which need to be developed after shooting. It's a classic camera from the 1960s.
How do I focus the camera?
The Minolta AL has a manual focus. You'll adjust the focus ring until the image is sharp in the rangefinder. The rangefinder helps you see when it's in focus. There's no autofocus.
Does this camera need batteries?
No, the Minolta AL doesn't require batteries. Its light meter is a selenium type, meaning it uses a chemical reaction to measure light. However, over time, its accuracy might decrease.
Can I use different lenses with the Minolta AL?
No, the Minolta AL has a fixed lens; the Minolta Rokkor PF 45mm f/2 lens. You can't change it to another lens. This means you will always have a 45 mm lens.
What type of flash can I use with this rangefinder camera?
You can use an external flash with the Minolta AL. It has a PC flash sync socket and a hot shoe on top for attaching a flashgun. The flash is not built into the camera body itself.