The Minolta AF-Zoom 90 is a handy compact camera that is ideal for snapshots. This 35mm camera comes from the renowned Japanese company Minolta. In the USA, it was available under the name Minolta Freedom Zoom 90 and enjoyed great popularity among photographers.
This camera is distinguished by the fact that, unlike other models, it has a fixed lens. The aperture can be opened to a maximum of f/3.5 / f/7.5 with a focal length of 38 mm – 90 mm. There is no need to focus manually, as the camera has a built-in autofocus system. To get sharp photos, it is recommended to keep a minimum distance of 70 cm from the subject.
There is an integrated exposure meter in the 35mm photo camera, which is suitable for films with ISO values from 50 to 3200. The film speed of the inserted film is automatically read via a DX code on the film cartridge, and the exposure settings are automatically determined by the camera electronics. If the code is not present, the camera selects a default value of ISO 100.
Using the built-in flash allows for optimal results in poor lighting. With a range of six meters at ISO 100 and 38 mm, it offers sufficient brightness.
Thanks to the integrated self-timer, a wide range of applications open up for the 35mm camera. With a lead time of ten seconds, it enables convenient shooting from a distance. For particularly stable shots, the camera can also be mounted on a tripod, as it has a thread on the bottom of the housing.
The Minolta AF-Zoom 90 also impresses with its handy size of 14.5 x 8 x 6.2 cm and a weight of only 440 grams. In addition, it offers a convenient mounting option for a camera strap on the side.
Battery
The camera is equipped with a special 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*), which is required to power the functions. In addition to the main function, the battery also powers the small display on the top. The display shows the current battery level, activation of the self-timer and the number of pictures already taken.
Films for the Minolta AF-Zoom 90
The Minolta AF-Zoom 90 is specifically designed to provide optimal exposure for the 35mm format. With a variety of film stocks for color and black-and-white photography in this format, this camera is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.
A good film for color photos is the Kodak Ultramax 400* and for black and white shots the Ilford XP2 Super*. Of course, there are plenty of other options for this camera.
Quartz Date Model
A Quartz Date model has also been introduced, which offers a data back for imprinting the shooting date on the images. The built-in clock requires an additional CR2025 (eBay / Amazon*) battery. However, it should be noted that the calendar of this model only extends to 2019. If the function is not used, the battery can be omitted without any problems.
Technical datasheet
Attribute | Specification |
---|---|
Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
Film format | 35mm |
Film transport | Automatic |
Film transport mechanism | Motor |
Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
Focal length | 38 mm - 90 mm |
Biggest aperture | f/3.5 |
Minimum focus distance | 70 cm / 2.296 ft |
Zoom function | Yes |
Focus | Autofocus |
Light meter | Yes |
Supported film speeds | ISO 50 to 3200 |
Auto DX | Yes |
Exposure modes | Program automatic |
Manual exposure settings | No |
Date imprinting | Model variant |
Flash | Integrated flash |
Tripod mount | Yes |
Cable release thread | No |
Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
Battery capacity | circa 552 pictures |
Size | 14,5 x 8 x 6,2 cm |
Dimensions in inches | 5.71 x 3.15 x 2.44 inches |
Weight | 440 Grams |
Names in other markets | USA: Minolta Freedom Zoom 90 |
Estimated value / Used price | 39,50 Euro 64,5057,9338,56306,7133,816488,07460,3142,39 Estimate based on used prices of 8 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 6.5.2024 |
Average used price in the year 2023 | 37,12 Euro (40.05 US-Dollar) |