Minolta AF-E

The Minolta AF-E is a compact camera. It was introduced in the mid-1980s and built in a factory in Japan. The model relies on many automatics and was thus also aimed at novice photographers. It is the predecessor of the Minolta AF-E II, which is a simplified version of the AF-E.

Besides the normal black version of the compact camera, there were also some special editions. French designer André Courrèges created three limited editions (blue, pink and silver). These variants are very rare today and therefore quite expensive.

The photo camera comes with a fixed focal length lens. 35 mm is the focal length of the lens. The maximum aperture is f/3.5. The 35mm photo camera is equipped with autofocus. The closest focusing distance of this lens is 65 cm.

There is a built-in light meter in the Minolta AF-E. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 100 to ISO 1000. The camera determines the correct film speed via the DX code. On the bottom, the sensitivity can also be selected manually. The values ISO 100, ISO 200 and ISO 400 are available for selection.

The shutter speed and aperture are set automatically by the electronics. In low light conditions, the built-in flash can be used. The range of the flash is given as up to 3.6 meters at ISO 100.

Measuring 13.1 x 6.5 x 4.5 cm, the Minolta AF-E weighs 245 grams according to the manual. Power is supplied by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is of course still easy to get today.

In addition to the normal version, there was also a Quartz Date version. This model offered the possibility to imprint the recording time and date in one corner of the image.

Films for the Minolta AF-E

Nothing works for the Minolta AF-E without photographic film. More precisely, the camera needs 35mm films. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. For color images, there is for example the Kodak Portra 400*. An option for black and white images is the Kodak T-Max 400*. Both films are well suited for a wide range of applications. This is also attested to them in test reports. Of course, there is a wide range of other 35mm films for this camera.

The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab. For example, you can hand in your films for development at many drugstores in Germany.

The exposure area of the 35 mm camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is automatically transported on by the Minolta AF-E. The motor also automatically transports the film back into the cartridge. This process can also be forced by a slider on the bottom. The number of photos already taken is displayed on the top of the camera.