The Minolta Riva Twin 28 is a 35mm camera. The model was offered by the Japanese company Minolta in the early 90s. The camera was aimed at beginners and occasional users. The range of functions is limited to the most necessary and makes it possible to operate it without a manual. The 35mm camera was also marketed under the name "Minolta Freedom Dual C".
The camera doesn't come with a classic zoom, but two focal lengths that you can switch between. The choices are 28mm and 40mm. You can select them with a button on the top. Focusing is automatic with an autofocus system. However, a focus lock is available to select the focus more precisely. The closest focusing distance is 28 mm at 65 cm.
The largest aperture is f/4 at 28 mm, at 40 mm it is f/5.6, although this is not really important, since the camera sets the aperture itself. The shutter speed is also selected by the technology itself. The light meter reads the film's sensitivity from the DX code on the film cartridge. Films from ISO 100 to ISO 400 are supported; if no code is present, ISO 100 is always selected. You cannot select the sensitivity yourself.
A flash is built in for pictures in low light or poor lighting conditions. The flash range is from 0.65 meters to 3.4 meters at ISO 100. The flash can be turned off by pressing a button below the flash during shooting.
On the bottom of the Minolta Riva Twin 28 is a thread for a tripod. This is useful in combination with the self-timer, for example. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds. The use of a wireless shutter release is not possible with this model.
The camera's casing is made of plastic. With a size of 14.3 x 7.5 x 5.3 cm, the compact camera weighs 270 grams. There is an eyelet for a camera strap on the side. For operation, it requires a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery lasts for about 1100 photos. There is no display.
Films for the Minolta Riva Twin 28
Nothing works for the Minolta Riva Twin 28 without photo films. More precisely, the camera needs 35mm films. 35mm films are still produced by various manufacturers. A good choice of film is the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color shots and the Ilford XP2 Super* for black and white images. According to various reviews, they are well suited for everyday shooting and deliver solid results. Of course, there is a wide range of additional suitable films for this camera.
The negatives of the 35mm camera have a size of 24mm x 36mm. The film transport is automatic. The photographer does not have to advance it. The number of pictures taken is displayed on the top. There is also a button there to rewind the film back into the cartridge before reaching the regular end.
Quartz Date Model
In addition to the regular model, there was also a Date version. This version can imprint the time and date in one corner of the images. Here you can choose between different formats or even disable the function completely. Unfortunately, the calendar only extends to the year 2019.
The model also needs a CR2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*) for the clock. Compared to the normal version, it is ten grams heavier and slightly thicker.
