Minolta AF-Z

The Minolta AF-Z is a compact camera. It was introduced in the mid-1980s. The model was produced in a factory in Japan. The 35mm photo camera was also available on the market under the name “Minolta MAC-7” and “Minolta Freedom III“.

The lens of the camera is fixed. The name “Minolta Lens” adorns the lens. The focal length is 35 mm and the widest aperture of the lens is f/2.8. There is no need to focus by hand with the Minolta AF-Z. The camera has an autofocus system. The closest focusing distance for this lens is given as 65 cm. This is the minimum distance you have to keep to get sharp images.

The photo camera has a built-in exposure meter. It can be used with films from ISO 25 to ISO 1600. The camera technology uses a sensor to determine the correct film speed via the DX code. If this code is missing, the camera always sets a value of ISO 100. The aperture and shutter speed are set automatically by the 35mm photo camera. There is no exposure compensation.

The built-in flash provides sufficient light. 4 meters is the specified range at a sensitivity of ISO 100 with the automatic flash. Additionally, there is a mode in which the flash can be used as a fill-in. A self-timer is also provided.

The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod on the bottom. There is also an attachment for a camera strap. The dimensions of the Minolta AF-Z are 13.5 x 7.2 x 4 cm. It weighs 295 grams with its black housing.

The camera requires one DL223 battery (eBay / Amazon*). However, four AAA batteries can also be used as an alternative if you don’t have direct access to the other battery type. Depending on the battery type, you can take around 1200 or 430 photos on one charge.

In addition to the normal model, there was also a “Quartz Date” variant. This version offers the possibility to imprint the shooting date in one corner of the picture. This makes it immediately obvious when the picture was taken.

Films for the Minolta AF-Z

What kind of films does the Minolta AF-Z need? Films of the 35mm format are used. 35mm films are still made and are developed without problems at most photo labs. One possibility for B&W images is Ilford Delta 400*. A possible film for color images is the Kodak Gold 200*. Other producers worth mentioning include Adox, Rollei, and Foma.

The development process for color film is the C-41 process. This process is offered by almost every photo lab. Thus, something the large drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color films.

The negatives of the photo camera are 24 mm x 36 mm. Thus, 36 exposures are usually possible per film. The film is transported automatically. The motor also transports the film back into the camera. The camera comes with a continuous shooting mode that takes several pictures without interruption, but cannot be used together with the flash. The camera shows the number of photos taken on the display on the top.