The Minolta AL-E is a rangefinder camera. It was built in a factory in Japan in the 1960s.
The camera comes with a fixed focal length lens. The focal length is 40 mm. There is no zoom function. The largest available aperture is f/1.8. The smallest possible aperture is f/22. The lens is focused manually. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus system. When focusing, the photographer is supported by the rangefinder.
The Minolta AL-E has a built-in light meter. The metering cell is located above the lens. If a filter is used, it is also taken into account in the exposure metering. The camera can automatically set the aperture. All you have to do is set the desired shutter speed and set the aperture to “A”. However, the aperture and exposure time can also be set freely by the photographer.
The shutter speeds can be set from 1/500 second to 1/15 second. There is also a bulb mode for long exposures. A cable release can be screwed onto the shutter release button. Additionally, there is a self-timer.
The dimensions of the camera are 12.8 x 7.6 x 6 cm. It weighs 540 grams without film. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom of the camera.
The camera actually requires mercury batteries. These batteries are no longer sold in Europe. As an alternative, you can probably use SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). If necessary, you have to adjust the exposure settings according to the different voltage.
Films for the Minolta AL-E
Likewise, you need films for the Japanese camera. The camera is designed for 35mm films. Fortunately, these films are still being made and are easy to get.
Possible films for the Minolta AL-E that give good results are the Kodak Portra 160* for color images and the Ilford HP5* for monochrome black and white images. A good number of other manufacturers also produce film for this format.
The film transport is mechanical in the rangefinder camera. After each photo, you have to advance the film a bit. There is a quick release lever for this purpose. A crank is used at the end of the film roll to wind the material back into the cartridge.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/1.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1/15 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x SR44 battery |
| Size | 12,8 x 7,6 x 6 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.04 x 2.99 x 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 540 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 143,34 Euro 2562331331176126260201577165 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of November 24, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 77,00 Euro (83.34 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 135,92 Euro (146.12 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta AL-E
What type of camera is the Minolta AL-E, and what are its focusing capabilities?
The Minolta AL-E is a rangefinder camera. It features manual focus, assisted by the rangefinder, and lacks autofocus capabilities.
Does this 35mm camera have a zoom lens, and if not, what is its focal length?
No, the Minolta AL-E has a fixed 40mm lens; it does not offer a zoom function. This fixed lens makes it suitable for specific photographic situations.
How does the light meter function on the Minolta AL-E, and what happens when using filters?
The camera has a built-in light meter located above the lens. It considers filters in its metering calculations, making exposure adjustments as necessary.
What battery type does the Minolta AL-E use, and are there any alternatives available?
It originally used mercury batteries, now obsolete. SR44 batteries are a suitable replacement, though manual exposure adjustments might be needed.
What film type does this Japanese camera use, and how is the film advanced?
The Minolta AL-E uses standard 35mm film. Film advance is mechanical, using a rapid wind lever, and rewind is done manually with a crank.