The Minolta Hi-Matic CS II or Minolta Hi-Matic CS is a camera from the Japanese camera manufacturer. It is part of the Hi-Matic series. It was produced in a factory in Japan.
The camera is equipped with a 38 mm lens. This has a maximum aperture of f/2.7. There is no autofocus function or rangefinder. Focusing is done manually by turning the lens. The most important distances are marked with small pictograms. The closest focusing distance is 80 cm.
Taking pictures is made easier by the built-in exposure meter. This automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture. There are no manual settings for these two values. The camera can handle films in the ISO range from 25 to 400.
The built-in flash provides enough light. This can be switched on if necessary. For ISO 100 films, it reaches from 0.8 meters to 5 meters. The output is also printed in a table on the back. A cable release can be connected. Also, the camera can be positioned on a tripod through the thread on the bottom.
Normal batteries serve as the power source for the 35mm camera. According to the manual, two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are needed. Here, of course, you can also reach for rechargeable batteries.
Films for the Minolta Hi-Matic CS II
The Minolta Hi-Matic CS II needs photographic films to take pictures. More precisely, 35mm films are needed. There is no automatic film transport. After each shot, the film must be wound to the next free area with a lever. Thereby the frame counter on the upper side moves. On the bottom side there is a button to release the rewind lock and a crank to transport the film back into the cartridge.
A recommendation for color photography is for example the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A very flexible color film for everyday use or travel. If you want to stay monochrome, the Ilford HP5* is not bad. The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. This development process is offered by most professional labs.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.7 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 0,8 m, 1 m, 1,5 m, 3 m, Infinite |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,8 to 5 Meter / 2.62 to 16.4 Feet |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 53,00 Euro 94864943647936358661 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of September 22, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 63,33 Euro (68.19 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Hi-Matic CS II
Is the Minolta Hi-Matic CS II a point-and-shoot camera?
Yes, it's a simple point-and-shoot camera. It doesn't have autofocus or a rangefinder; you manually focus the lens. The exposure is automatic, though.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
You focus it manually by turning the lens. It has markings to help you focus on different distances, like close-ups or landscapes.
Does the camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash that you can switch on. The flash's range depends on the ISO of your film; it's indicated on the camera body.
What kind of film does the camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. You'll need to advance the film manually after each shot using a lever; there's no automatic film advance.
What type of batteries does the compact camera need?
The camera needs two AA batteries. You can use either standard disposable batteries or rechargeable ones.