The Minolta Riva GT is a simple 35mm camera for quick snapshots. The camera is limited to the most necessary functions and could have impressed only with its low price compared to professional devices.
It was launched in the early 1990s by the Japanese company Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. The model was produced in a factory in Malaysia. Under the name "Minolta Freedom GT", the 35mm photo camera was also marketed in other markets worldwide. In terms of functions, the GT is also identical to the Riva 35 and FS-35.
The 35 mm photo camera is equipped with a fixed lens. 35 mm is the focal length of the lens. The widest aperture of the camera is f/4.5, and there is no autofocus. The lens is fixed to a focus range of 150 cm to infinity.
The 35mm camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 100 to ISO 400. The film speed is read out via the DX code; if this code is not present on the cartridge, the camera selects ISO 100. The exposure time is always fixed at 1/125 second. The aperture corresponds to f/8.
When shooting with the built-in flash, the camera technology selects the maximum aperture of f/4.5. The output of the flash depends on the film speed. The range with ISO 100 film is specified as up to 4 meters. The flash does not have different flash modes. However, the flash can be deactivated in return.
The camera requires two regular AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is very easy and cheap to get. Here, of course, you can resort to rechargeable batteries. They usually last for over 1300 pictures.
It lacks a thread for a tripod. The camera also does not have a self-timer.
Films for the Minolta Riva GT
According to the instruction manual, the Minolta Riva GT is equipped with 35mm film. The camera automatically transports the film to the next frame after each shot. Also at the end, the film is automatically rewound into the cartridge. The number of pictures taken is displayed on the top of the camera.
For color pictures, for example, there is the Kodak Gold 200*. An option for black and white images is the Ilford Delta 400*. Both films deliver solid results and are convincing in test reports. Other suitable films are also offered by Foma, Rollei and Adox, among others.
The color film is designed for development in the C-41 process. This process is offered by most professional photo labs. The B/W film must be processed in a suitable developer according to the instructions.
