The Minolta AF-E II / Minolta AF-E 2 is a point-and-shoot camera. It was produced by Minolta and introduced in the 80s. The 35mm photo camera was also offered under the name “Minolta Freedom 200“.
The lens of the 35mm camera is fixed. The focal length is unchangeable and is 35mm. The largest available aperture is f/4.5. Focusing is facilitated by a built-in autofocus. The closest focusing distance is 95 cm with this lens.
The camera has a built-in light meter. This is designed for color negative films in an ISO range of 100 to 1000. When using slide films, only ISO 100 and ISO 400 are possible. The film speed is determined via the DX code on the film cartridge. If the film does not have DX coding, the camera automatically sets ISO 100. The aperture and exposure time are set automatically and cannot be changed. There is no manual mode.
A flash is installed for snapshots in low light. The power reaches up to 3.3 meters at ISO 100. The flash has an automatic and cannot be turned off. The charging time is about 1.2 to 1.8 seconds.
Measuring 13.2 x 6.9 x 4.8 cm, the Minolta AF-E II weighs 250 grams. There is no tripod socket or self-timer. The power source of the Japanese camera is a DL223 battery (eBay / Amazon*). However, four AAA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) can also be used. Depending on the battery type, up to 1296 pictures can be taken.
Films for the Minolta AF-E II
The Minolta AF-E II is designed for the 35mm format. There is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images for this film format. Nice 35mm films for color or black and white images are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Kodak TRI-X 400*. Of course, you can also use films from other manufacturers. However, the films should be within the ISO range supported by the exposure meter.
The film transport is motorized. After each exposure, the film is automatically transported to the next free area. The return transport at the end of the film is also done by the motor. The number of captured frames is displayed on the top.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 95 cm / 3.116 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 4 groups |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 1000 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,95 to 3,3 Meter / 3.12 to 10.83 Feet |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x DL223 battery |
| Size | 13,2 x 6,9 x 4,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.20 x 2.72 x 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 250 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 59,99 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 84 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 43,57 Euro (46.54 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 56,29 Euro (60.61 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 55,83 Euro (59.53 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta AF-E II
What kind of pictures is the Minolta AF-E II good for?
This camera is designed for taking quick and simple snapshots. It's meant to be easy to use and capture everyday moments without needing to adjust a lot of settings. Think of it as a camera for capturing memories spontaneously.
Can I change the lens on this camera?
No, the lens on the camera is fixed, meaning you can't remove or replace it with another lens. It has a focal length of 35mm, which is good for general-purpose photography. This makes the point-and-shoot ideal for those who prefer simplicity.
Does the camera need batteries, and how long will they last?
Yes, this photographic device requires a DL223 battery or four AAA batteries to operate. Depending on the type of batteries you use, you can take up to 1296 pictures. Make sure you have enough power for the pictures you want to take.
How do I adjust the brightness or darkness of the pictures I take with the Freedom 200?
The brightness and darkness, which relate to the aperture and shutter speed, are automatically set by the camera. It has a built-in light meter that chooses the settings for you, so there aren't any manual controls to adjust the exposure. This feature makes it an easy option for people that don't know much about aperture and shutter speed.
What happens if the film I use doesn't have the DX-Code?
If the film doesn't have a DX-Code, the camera will automatically set the ISO to 100. This means that the camera will assume the film sensitivity is ISO 100 when determining the appropriate exposure settings. Its important to know this to avoid problems when shooting pictures.