The Minolta AL-F is a rangefinder camera. It was introduced in the late 1960s. The model was produced in a factory in Japan.
The 35mm photo camera is equipped with a fixed lens. The lens is named “Minolta Rokkor”. The focal length is 38 mm and the maximum aperture is f/2.7. The lens consists of four lens elements in three groups. A filter can be screwed onto the 46 mm thread.
The lens is focused manually. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus. The correct distance to the subject can be determined by the Minolta AL-F’s rangefinder. The closest possible focusing distance to the subject is 80 cm.
The photo camera has a light meter. The CdS exposure meter was built for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 500. The exposure time can be freely selected by the photographer. The aperture is automatically selected by the camera.
An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. However, the flash can also be connected to the hot shoe. The camera is equipped with the Easy-Flash system. Here, you set the power of the flash on the camera. The exposure is then set to match the power of the flash and the selected distance.
The camera offers the possibility to connect a cable release and has a thread for a tripod. The dimensions of the Minolta AL-F are 12.8 x 7.6 x 5.8 cm. It weighs 530 grams.
A PX625 battery (eBay / Amazon*) or PX13 mercury battery is responsible for the power supply. As a replacement, you can reach for the 1.35v MRB625 from Weincell.
Films for the Minolta AL-F
The Minolta AL-F uses 35mm films. These films are still being manufactured and can be specified by almost any developing vendor. The film is rewound manually in the camera after each frame with a lever on the top. When the end of the film is reached, the material is wound back into the cartridge with a crank. Only then may the back of the camera be opened.
Possible films for the Minolta AL-F are the Kodak Portra 400* for color photos and the Ilford Delta 100* for B&W photos. Both films are solid products that produce solid results according to tests. The color film is processed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is standardized and offered by most developing labs.
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 |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.7 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Filter thread | 46 mm |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 3 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1/30 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 500 |
| Exposure modes | Shutter priority |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x PX625 battery |
| Size | 12,8 x 7,6 x 5,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.04 x 2.99 x 2.28 inches |
| Weight | 530 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 88,72 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 12 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 102,44 Euro (110.40 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 97,23 Euro (104.99 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 78,75 Euro (84.43 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta AL-F
How do I focus the camera?
The Minolta AL-F uses a rangefinder for focusing. You manually adjust the lens until the image is sharp in the viewfinder. There's no autofocus.
What kind of lens does this 35mm camera have?
It has a fixed Minolta Rokkor lens with a 38mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.7. It's a four-element, three-group design.
Does the camera have a light meter?
Yes, it has a CdS light meter designed for ISO 25 to 500 film. You choose the shutter speed, and the camera automatically sets the aperture.
How do I use a flash with the rangefinder?
You can use an external flash via the PC flash sync terminal or the hot shoe. The camera features an Easy-Flash system to help with exposure settings.
What type of batteries does the device need?
The camera uses a PX625 or PX13 mercury battery. A Weincell 1.35v MRB625 is a suitable alternative.
Will the Minolta Al f still work even if the light meter doest work ?
tengo esa cámara pero no consigo habilitar el fotómetro, afecta mis fotos con eassy Flash o con las velocidades en el objetivo y enfocando con el telémetro?