The Minolta Riva Mini is a snapshot camera. It was introduced by Minolta in the early 1990s. The compact camera was produced in Japan. It relies heavily on automatics, making it very easy to use without a manual. The 35mm camera was also sold under the names "Minolta Freedom Escort" and "Minolta Pico".
Unlike many models in the Riva line, this model comes with a fixed focal length. 34 mm is the focal length of the lens. The largest aperture of the camera is f/3.5. The 35 mm camera has an autofocus. The closest focusing distance is specified as 60 cm for this lens.
The Minolta Riva Mini is equipped with a built-in light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 50 to ISO 3200. The photo camera determines the correct film speed via the DX code. If the code on the cartridge is not present, a value of ISO 100 is set. The exposure settings are set automatically by the 35mm camera. It is not possible to influence the aperture and shutter speed.
There is a built-in flash for taking pictures in insufficient light. At ISO 100, the range is up to 3.6 meters. Logically, the higher the sensitivity of the film, the higher the range. The recharge time of the flash is about 3.5 seconds. The flash can also be turned off if desired. In addition, there is a fill-in flash and an automatic mode for reducing red-eye in photos.
The Minolta Riva Mini has a thread for a tripod on the bottom. A self-timer should not be missing either, of course. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds.
The camera with its plastic housing weighs 165 grams. The dimensions are 11.8 x 6.3 x 3.6 cm. The power source of the 35mm camera is a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still easy to get today. One charge is enough for about 600 pictures. The display on the top shows the charge level.
In addition to the normal model, there was a Quartz Date (QD) variant of the camera. This variant offers an additional feature, it can imprint the shooting time in a corner of the photos. Thus, the time of the shot can be determined exactly with date and time and you do not need to make notes. However, the calendar only extends into 2019.
The function requires an additional CR2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*). You can also disable the function or not insert a battery, the camera can still be used normally.
Films for the Minolta Riva Mini
What is needed for the Minolta Riva Mini is 35mm film. The camera has a built-in motor for transporting the film. After each press of the shutter button, the camera goes to the next free frame. The transport back to the cartridge is also automatic, but can be forced with a button. The number of photos taken is also shown on the display. If you see a flashing "0" there, the film was not placed correctly in the camera.
A good choice for color and black and white images is the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford Delta 100*. In test reports, they are said to perform well when used in normal applications. Other suitable films are also offered by Foma, Rollei and Adox, among others.
Color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and is offered by most developing labs. For example, you can take your films to many drugstores in Germany to be developed.
