The history and functions of self-timers on analog still cameras are diverse and have evolved over time. Early mechanical cameras often did not have built-in self-timers, but it was possible to connect external self-timers. These were often powered by clockwork mechanisms that created a delay between the shutter release and the shot being taken. Often this accessory was attached to the cable release connector. This gave the photographer enough time to position himself in the picture or to avoid camera shake with longer exposure times.
Later, cameras with built-in self-timers came onto the market. In most cases, the self-timer had to be cocked. By pressing the shutter button, the mechanics ran and the recording was captured on the film material.
In analogue cameras with integrated electronics, which came onto the market later, the triggering was then triggered by an electronic signal. In the 1990s, most 35mm cameras had a built-in self-timer. The lead time, i.e. the time between the start of the self-timer and the recording, was usually ten seconds. Some models also offer the option of taking several pictures in a row.
Areas of application for a self-timer
There are many different uses for the self-timer on analogue cameras. Here are some of the most important:
Group photos
When trying to take a group photo, it is often difficult to get everyone in position before the photo is taken. With the self-timer you can put yourself in the picture after placing the camera on a tripod or a stable surface.
Self-portraits
When trying to take a self-portrait, it’s often difficult to release the camera’s shutter button in time while staying in position. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then go into the picture in peace.
Long exposures
When you want to take a long exposure, you often have to hold down the camera’s shutter button for several seconds or even minutes. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then activate the self-timer. This allows you to let go of the camera while the photo is being taken.
Avoiding camera shake
Holding the camera by hand can easily result in camera shake, which blurs the image. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then activate the self-timer. This way you can avoid camera shake and take sharp pictures.
Experimental Photography
The self-timer can also be used for experimental photography. For example, you can place the camera on a tripod and activate the self-timer before dropping the camera or exposing it to some other unforeseen event. In this way, interesting and unusual images can be created.
Model overview
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 2xi
The Minolta Dynax 2xi is a 1990s 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses and autofocus for the entry-level market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 3
The Minolta Dynax 3 is a modern SLR camera for the 35mm format from the 2000s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 30
The Minolta Dynax 30 is a 35mm camera with automatics and interchangeable lenses from 2004.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 3000i
The Minolta Dynax 3000i is a single lens reflex camera. The 35mm camera was built by Minolta.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 300si
The Minolta Dynax 300si is a single lens reflex camera with autofocus and built-in flash.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 303si
The Minolta Dynax 303si is a 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses and programme automatic.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 3L
The Minolta Dynax 3L is an entry-level single lens reflex camera from the early 2000s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 3xi
The Minolta Dynax 3xi is a 35mm camera with built-in flash and autofocus lenses from the 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 4
The Minolta Dynax 4 is a 2002 camera from Minolta for the 35mm format.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 40
The Minolta Dynax 40 is a compact SLR camera with modern features for the 35mm format.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 404si
The Minolta Dynax 404si is an SLR camera with interchangeable lenses and various exposure modes from the 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 5
The Minolta Dynax 5 is a compact interchangeable-lens SLR camera released in 2001.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 5000i
The Minolta Dynax 5000i is an SLR camera with program automatic and flash for 35mm format.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 500si
The Minolta Dynax 500si is an SLR camera with various exposure modes, built-in flash and interchangeable lenses from the 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 500si Super
The Minolta Dynax 500si Super is an analog SLR camera with interchangeable lenses and built-in flash from the 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 505si
The Minolta Dynax 505si is an SLR camera from the late 1990s for the 35mm format.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 505si Super
The Minolta Dynax 505si Super is a 35mm camera from the late 90s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 505si Super QD
The Minolta Dynax 505si Super QD is a 35mm camera with panorama and date function for the European market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 5xi
The Minolta Dynax 5xi is an SLR camera from the 1990s with autofocus system.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 60
The Minolta Dynax 60 is one of the last SLR cameras of the Japanese company.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 600si
The Minolta Dynax 600si is a 35mm SLR camera with built-in flash, autofocus, and exposure modes.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 650si
The Minolta Dynax 650si is a single lens reflex camera for the European market from the 1990s with autofocus and built-in flash.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 7
The Minolta Dynax 7 is a modern professional SLR camera for the 35mm format from the year 2000.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 7 Limited
The Minolta Dynax 7 Limited is a limited edition SLR camera for professional photographers.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 7000i
The Minolta Dynax 7000i is a 35mm camera with autofocus system and flash connection.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 700si
The Minolta Dynax 700si is an SLR camera from the 1990s for the A bayonet.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 7xi
The Minolta Dynax 7xi is one of the Japanese manufacturer's top models from the early 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 8000i
The Minolta Dynax 8000i is a 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses, autofocus system and modern technology from the 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 800si
The Minolta Dynax 800si is a 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses from the 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 9
The Minolta Dynax 9 is a professional SLR camera for 35mm film from the 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 9Ti
The Minolta Dynax 9Ti is a limited edition 35mm camera of a professional SLR by Minolta.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax 9xi
The Minolta Dynax 9xi is a flagship camera with autofocus and interchangeable lenses for the European market from the 1990s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Dynax SPxi
The Minolta Dynax SPxi is a camera with interchangeable lenses and autofocus for beginners from the 1990s.
- Rangefinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Electro Shot
The Minolta Electro Shot is a rangefinder camera with light meter from the 1960s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta ER
The Minolta ER is a 35mm camera with aperture priority for the 35mm format from the 1960s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Explorer Freedom Zoom
The Minolta Explorer Freedom Zoom is a 35mm camera with a zoom lens in a compact housing from the 1990s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom 101
The Minolta Freedom 101 is a compact camera with self-timer and flash from the 1980s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Action Zoom
The Minolta Freedom Action Zoom is an automatic camera made by the Japanese company in the 1990s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Action Zoom 60
The Minolta Freedom Action Zoom 60 is an automatic camera from 2000 for 35mm format.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Action Zoom 90
The Minolta Freedom Action Zoom 90 is a point-and-shoot camera for the 35mm format from the 90s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom AF 10R
The Minolta Freedom AF 10R is a camera from Minolta with a 30 mm autofocus lens for the 35mm format.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom AF 35
The Minolta Freedom AF 35 is a compact camera for the North American market from the Japanese manufacturer Minolta.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom AF 35R
The Minolta Freedom AF 35R is a point-and-shoot camera with a 35 mm lens from the 1990s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Dual 60
The Minolta Freedom Dual 60 is a 35mm camera in compact size for the American market.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Dual C
The Minolta Freedom Dual C is a compact camera from Minolta from the 90s with two focal lengths.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Escort
The Minolta Freedom Escort is a compact camera for quick snapshots from the 1990s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Family Zoom II
The Minolta Freedom Family Zoom II is a camera from the 00s with a zoom lens for 35mm format.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Holiday
The Minolta Freedom Holiday is a compact camera for the 35 mm format from the 90s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom III
The Minolta Freedom III is a point-and-shoot camera from the 80s for the American market.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Sightseer Zoom
The Minolta Freedom Sightseer Zoom is a camera from Minolta for the 35mm format with built-in flash.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Tele
The Minolta Freedom Tele is a 35mm camera with two focal lengths for the American market.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Vista
The Minolta Freedom Vista is a compact camera with panorama function and was introduced by the Japanese company in the early 1990s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 105EX
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 105EX is a Japanese 35mm camera with 38-105mm zoom and flash in a compact body.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 105i
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 105i is a camera from the 90s with 35-105 mm zoom.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 115
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 115 a 35mm camera with a zoom lens and built-in flash in a compact body.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 125
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 125 is a 35mm camera with zoom lens and was offered in different variations.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 130
A compact camera from the 2000s with zoom and flash for amateur photographers and beginners.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 135EX
The Minolta Riva Zoom 135EX is a compact camera with various automatics for the 35mm format.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 140
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 140 is a compact camera with zoom lens and built-in flash from the 2000s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 140EX
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 140EX is a compact camera from the 90s with a 38-140 mm zoom lens.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 150
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 150 is a 35mm format camera with zoom function and built-in flash.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 160
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 160 is a point-and-shoot camera from the 2000s with zoom and flash.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 65
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 65 is a camera with zoom for quick snapshots for the American market.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 70c
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 70c is a classic camera for snapshots from the 90s for 35mm format.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 70EX
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 70EX is a compact camera for beginners from the 90s for 35mm format.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 90
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 90 is a 35mm format camera with 38-90mm zoom.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 90c
A compact camera from Minolta for the 35mm format with a 38-90mm zoom lens from the 1990s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom 90EX
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 90EX is a compact point-and-shoot camera with zoom lens and built-in flash.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom Date 9T
The Minolta Freedom Zoom Date 9T is a point-and-shoot camera with zoom lens for the American market from the 1990s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer EX
The Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer EX is a compact camera from Minolta for the North American market with a 28-75 mm zoom lens
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom Orion
The Minolta Freedom Zoom Orion is a compact camera for the North American market with a zoom lens.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom Supreme
The Minolta Freedom Zoom Supreme is a compact camera for the 35mm format with a 38-115 mm zoom.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom Supreme Elite
The Minolta Freedom Zoom Supreme Elite is a 35mm camera with a 38-115 mm zoom lens from the 90s.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Freedom Zoom Traveller
The Minolta Freedom Zoom Traveller is a compact camera from the 90s with a zoom and built-in flash.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta FS-E III
The Minolta FS-E III is a compact camera and the last FS-E model.
- Rangefinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic 11
The Minolta Hi-Matic 11 is a photo camera from the late 1960s from Japan for the 35mm format.
- Rangefinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic 7
The Minolta Hi-Matic 7 is a 1960 rangefinder camera for 35mm format with automatic exposure.
- Rangefinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic 7s
The Minolta Hi-Matic 7s is a rangefinder camera with automatic exposure for the 35mm format from the 60s.
- Rangefinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII
The Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII is a Japanese 35mm camera with rangefinder that was probably not made by Minolta.
- Rangefinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic 9
The Minolta Hi-Matic 9 is a 35mm camera with automatic exposure and rangefinder.
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic AF
The Minolta Hi-Matic AF is the first autofocus camera in the Hi-Matic series.
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic AF2
The Minolta Hi-Matic AF2 is a 35mm camera of the Hi-Matic series with autofocus and built-in flash.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic AF2-M
The Minolta Hi-Matic AF2-M is Minolta's first near-fully automatic model.
- Rangefinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic E
The Minolta Hi-Matic E is an automatic rangefinder camera for the 35mm format.
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
Minolta Hi-Matic SD
The Minolta Hi-Matic SD is a 35mm camera with built-in flash, self-timer and data back.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Mac-35
The Minolta Mac-35 is an automatic compact camera for the Japanese market for the 35mm format.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta MAC-7
The Minolta MAC-7 is a 80s 35mm camera with built-in flash and fixed focal-length lens.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Mac-Tele
The Minolta Mac-Tele is a 35mm camera. It is part of the group of snapshot cameras.
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
Minolta Mac-Zoom 90
The Minolta Mac-Zoom 90 is a compact camera with zoom for the Japanese market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 2xi
The Minolta Maxxum 2xi is an autofocus SLR camera from the early 1990s for the American market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 3
The Minolta Maxxum 3 is an entry-level camera from Minolta with automatic exposure.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 3000i
The Minolta Maxxum 3000i is an SLR camera with automatic exposure for the 35mm format for the American market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 300si
The Minolta Maxxum 300si is a small-format SLR camera with built-in flash for the American market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 350si
The Minolta Maxxum 350si is a SLR camera with automatic exposure and panorama function from the 1980s.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 3xi
The Minolta Maxxum 3xi is a 1990s SLR with autofocus and built-in flash for the American market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 4
The Minolta Maxxum 4 is a modern 35mm interchangeable lens camera from the 2000s for the American market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 400si
The Minolta Maxxum 400si is a modern SLR camera from the 1990s for the American market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 450si
The Minolta Maxxum 450si is an SLR camera with panorama function and data back for the American market.
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
Minolta Maxxum 5
The Minolta Maxxum 5 is a modern 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses for the American market.