The Ansco Anscoset II is a rangefinder camera. It was offered in the early 1960s. It is the successor of the Ansco Anscoset and the predecessor of the Ansco Anscoset III. Like the other models in the Anscoset series, the cameras were produced in Japan by Minolta. This particular model was also available under the name “Minolta Uniomat II” on the market outside the USA.
The 35mm camera is equipped with a fixed lens. The focal length of the lens is specified as 45 mm. The maximum aperture is f/2.8 and can be closed to f/16. The closest focusing distance is 91 cm.
Focusing is done manually by hand. The coupled rangefinder helps to choose the right setting. There is an overlay in the viewfinder image. If the two images are exactly on top of each other, the focus is correct. If not, you have to turn the focus ring until it is in the right position.
The Ansco Anscoset II has a built-in selenium meter. It measures light through many small cells through a window in the corner on the front. It is designed for an ISO range of 10 to 1600. To set the correct exposure, you turn the black exposure ring on the lens. According to the light meter, the correct exposure is set when the green indicator is centered with the red needle on the top of the camera.
The exact shutter speed or aperture cannot be set. For long exposures, there is a Bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed. To get blur-free images, you should mount the camera on a tripod in this mode. It also doesn’t hurt to use a cable release or the self-timer to take pictures.
An external flash can be connected to the Anscoset II’s PC flash socket. If the flash has a hot shoe, it can be attached to the top of the camera body.
No batteries are needed to take pictures. The light meter also works without batteries. However, it can lose accuracy over the years. You can compensate for this by changing the film speed appropriately to correct for the incorrect metering. If the light meter is broken, it is difficult to repair the camera.
Films for the Ansco Anscoset II
Without photo films nothing works with the Ansco Anscoset II. More precisely, according to the manual, the camera needs 35mm films. There used to be 35mm films from Ansco, but these have since been discontinued. But no need to worry, even today films are still produced by different manufacturers. Two good films for the rangefinder camera are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford Delta 100*. Both films produce solid results with the model.
The area that the images occupy on the film strip is 24mm x 36mm. So you can fit about 36 images on a regular roll of film. After each image, you need to wind the film to the next free spot. This is done with the lever on the top. Only when this step is completed, you can take a new picture. This prevents you from accidentally making a double exposure. At the end of the roll, the film must be rewound with a crank. Only then may the film be removed and taken for development to a professional lab.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 91 cm / 2.9848 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1/8 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 10 to 1600 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Manufacturer | Minolta |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Ansco Anscoset II
Is the Ansco Anscoset II a rangefinder camera, and how does focusing work?
Yes, it's a rangefinder camera. Focusing is manual, using a coupled rangefinder. You align two images in the viewfinder; when they overlap perfectly, the subject is in focus. You adjust the focus ring until they align.
What kind of lens does this camera have, and what's its aperture range?
It has a fixed 45mm lens. The aperture range is f/2.8 to f/16, offering flexibility in various lighting conditions. It's a pretty standard focal length for this type of camera.
How does the light meter on the Ansco Anscoset II work, and does it need batteries?
It uses a selenium light meter, so no batteries are needed. The meter measures light through a window on the front and shows the correct exposure when a needle aligns with a mark. However, its accuracy can degrade over time.
What film size does the camera use, and how many pictures can I take on one roll?
The camera uses standard 35mm film. A typical 35mm roll allows you to take approximately 36 pictures before needing to reload. You advance the film manually after each shot.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, you can connect an external flash to the PC sync socket. If your flash has a hot shoe, it can also be mounted on top of the camera body. This adds more creative options to your photography.