The Minolta AF-C is a compact camera. It was built by Minolta in a factory in Japan. It was first sold with a black body. Later there was also a version with silver housing with the Minolta AF-C Silver 1000 Edition. There was also a Quartz Date model. This model can imprint the shooting time into the pictures.
The 35mm camera comes with a fixed focal length. This is a 35 mm lens. The lens is composed of six elements in six groups. The maximum aperture is f/2.8, and the aperture can be closed to f/17. The closest focusing distance is 90 cm. The focus is automatically set by an infrared autofocus system.
The Minolta AF-C sets the shutter speed and aperture automatically. The exposure meter adjusts the settings based on the selected ISO settings. Choices range from ISO 25 to 400, and later models allow film speeds up to ISO 1000.
The 35mm camera has an electronic self-timer and a thread for a tripod on the bottom. In addition to the tripod, a flash can also be attached to the side. This proprietary flash was sold for the camera at the time. In terms of design, the flash resembles that of the Olympus XA. According to the manual, the dimensions of the housing are 10.5 x 6.7 x 4.2 cm. The camera weighs 215 grams. Power is supplied by four S76 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) or LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Minolta AF-C
The Minolta AF-C is loaded with 35mm film. The film advance is manual. There is a thumbwheel on the back for this purpose. After each image, the film must be rewound. During this process, the display of the frame counter also changes. A crank is used to feed the film material back into the camera at the end of the roll.
Available photo films for the Minolta AF-C that are easy to get are the Ilford Delta 100* for black and white images and the Kodak Gold 200* for color images. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday life. Of course, there are many more films that can be exposed with the Japanese camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 90 cm / 2.952 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 6 elements in 6 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/430 second to 1/8 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 1000 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 4x S76 batteries |
| Size | 10,5 x 6,7 x 4,2 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.13 x 2.64 x 1.65 inches |
| Weight | 215 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 232,97 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 9 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 167,66 Euro (180.76 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 167,24 Euro (180.76 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 183,79 Euro (198.08 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta AF-C
Is the Minolta AF-C a simple camera to use, or is it complicated?
The Minolta AF-C is a point-and-shoot camera, meaning it's designed for ease of use. Most settings are automatic, though you do manually advance the film. It's a good choice for beginners.
What kind of lens does this compact camera have?
It has a built-in 35mm fixed-focal-length lens. This means you can't zoom, but the 35mm focal length is versatile for many types of photos.
How do I focus the camera, and what type of focusing does this little camera use?
The Minolta AF-C uses an infrared autofocus system, so focusing is automatic. You don't need to manually adjust anything. It takes care of it for you.
What type of film does the Minolta AF-C use, and how do I load it?
It uses standard 35mm film. Loading is manual; you advance the film using a thumb wheel after each shot and rewind it with a crank at the end.
What batteries does the camera need, and where can I get them?
The camera uses four S76 or LR44 batteries. These are common and widely available at most stores selling electronics or camera supplies.