The Minolta Zoom 60 is a snapshot camera from the early 2000s. The model is one of Minolta's last models and, after the merger with Konica, was also sold as the Konica Minolta Zoom 60. Additionally, there was a "date model". The cameras were priced in the lower segment and were aimed at occasional users. The cameras were produced in China.
The camera comes with a fixed zoom lens. The zoom range is from 35 mm to 60 mm, hence the model name. This focal length range corresponds to a zoom factor of 1.7. The largest available aperture is f/6.3 (35 mm) or f/10.3 (60 mm). There is no need to focus manually with the 35 mm camera. The camera comes with an infrared autofocus system. The closest focusing distance of the lens is 90 cm.
The 35mm photo camera has a built-in light meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 100 or ISO 400. The camera determines the correct film speed via the DX code on the film's cartridge. There is an automatic exposure control. The photographer cannot choose the aperture and exposure time; it is automatically selected by the camera's metering system.
In case of poor lighting, the built-in flash can be used. The flash range is 0.9 meters - 2.2 meters at ISO 100 and 35 mm. The charging time is around eight seconds. An automatic red-eye prevention feature is built into this model.
With a size of 11.5 x 6.7 x 3.9 cm, the Minolta Zoom 60 weighs 185 grams according to the manual. Power is supplied by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). These usually last for 12 rolls of film without any problems. Since AA batteries are very easy to come by, you will rarely be embarrassed by an empty camera.
The point-and-shoot camera does not have a tripod socket. Instead, there is an automatic self-timer. This has a lead time of ten seconds, which expire after the shutter button is pressed.
Films for the Minolta Zoom 60
What kind of films does the Minolta Zoom 60 need? It requires 35mm film. These films are still manufactured and can be specified by almost any developing vendor.
The film is automatically wound to the next free frame by the camera after each shot. The current number of frames taken is shown with the battery charge level on a display on the top of the camera. When the end of the roll is reached, the film is automatically rewound back into the cartridge. This process can also be initiated manually.
Nice 35mm films for color and black and white images, respectively, are the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Ilford Delta 100*. The color film is designed to be developed using the C-41 process. This process is offered by most professional photo labs. The black and white film has to go into a developer like D-76 or ID-11. Of course you can use other films with your camera. It is important to use a film with ISO 100 or ISO 400, which also has DX encoding.
