The Minolta Riva Zoom 70 is a snapshot camera. The Minolta Riva Zoom 70 was also sold under the names "Minolta Silver Streak Zoom" and "Minolta Freedom Sightseer Zoom". Also identical in function is the Zoom 70 without the "Riva" suffix. The camera was built in a factory in China. In addition to the normal model, a Quartz Date model was offered. This variant can additionally expose the recording time into the pictures.
The camera comes with a lens that cannot be changed. The manufacturer's name for the lens is "Minolta Aspherical Lens Zoom 35-70mm". The lens has a zoom range of 38mm to 70mm. The maximum aperture differs depending on the focal length and goes from f/5.3 to f/9.8. The lens is focused by autofocus. The closest focusing distance is specified at 130 cm for this lens.
The 35mm photo camera has a built-in light meter. The light meter is built for films with a sensitivity of ISO 100, ISO 200 and ISO 400. The film speed is read via the DX code on the film cartridge. If there is no code on the cartridge, ISO 100 is set. The aperture and exposure time are set automatically by the Minolta Riva Zoom 70. It is not possible to change the exposure settings.
There is a built-in flash for taking pictures in low light conditions. The flash range is up to 3 meters at ISO 100 in wide angle. The flash can be turned off if desired.
The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod and a self-timer. Of course, there is also an eyelet for a wrist strap. The camera weighs 245 grams. The dimensions are 12.8 x 7.3 x 5.2 cm. The camera requires one CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery lasts for about 360 shots, half of them with flash.
Films for the Minolta Riva Zoom 70
What kind of films does the Minolta Riva Zoom 70 need? Films of the 35mm format are used. The film is transported automatically. A display on the top shows the number of pictures taken.
35mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most laboratories. A good choice for color and black and white images is the Kodak Gold 200* and the Kodak T-Max 100*. Both films deliver decent shots and are well suited for everyday use according to reviews.
