The Minolta A3 is a 35 mm camera. It belongs to the group of rangefinder cameras. It is the successor of the Minolta A-2. It was introduced in the late 1950s. It was produced in a factory in Japan by Chiyoda Kōgaku Seikō, the company name of Minolta at that time.
The 35mm camera comes with a lens that cannot be changed. The name “Minolta Rokkor-TD” adorns the lens. The focal length is 45mm and the maximum aperture is f/2.8. It is built up of five lens elements in 3 groups. The 35mm camera does not have autofocus. It is focused manually. When focusing, the photographer is assisted by the rangefinder.
The Minolta A3 does not have a built-in light meter. The aperture and shutter speed can be set manually. The Optiper-Citizen MVL shutter allows exposure times from 1/500 second to 1 second. There is a bulb mode for long exposures.
The use of a flash is possible via the PC flash socket. The camera has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a connection for a cable release and tripod. The camera is mechanical and can take pictures without batteries.
Films for the Minolta A3
The Minolta A3 is designed for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still manufactured today. They can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the compact camera are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color photos and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for B&W photos.
The color negative film is developed using the C-41 development process. This development process is performed by all photo labs that offer 35mm film development. The development of 35 mm color films is possible, for example, at most drugstore chains in Germany.
The exposure area of the photo camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. A typical 35 mm film will hold about 36 frames at this size. The film in the camera must be rewound manually by the photographer.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Minolta Rokkor-TD |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Lens design | 5 elements in 3 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 90,69 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 5 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 43,18 Euro (46.54 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 37,39 Euro (40.05 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 77,22 Euro (83.34 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta A3
Is the Minolta A3 a rangefinder camera, and if so, does it have autofocus?
Yes, the Minolta A3 is a rangefinder camera. However, it doesn't have autofocus; focusing is done manually using the rangefinder.
What kind of lens does this 35mm camera have, and can I change it?
It has a fixed Minolta Rokkor-TD 45mm f/2.8 lens. You cannot change the lens on this camera.
How do I control the exposure settings on the Minolta A3?
The Minolta A3 doesn't have a built-in light meter. You manually set the aperture and shutter speed. The shutter speed ranges from 1/500th of a second to 1 second, plus a bulb mode.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, you can use a flash with the camera via its PC flash sync socket.
Does the camera need batteries to work, and what film does it use?
No, the Minolta A3 is a mechanical camera and doesn't require batteries to operate. It uses standard 35mm film.