The Minolta Apex 90 is a compact camera from the 90s. The model was produced for Minolta’s home market in Japan. Variants were also sold under the names “Minolta Riva Zoom 90c” and “Minolta Freedom Zoom 90c“. Unlike these two cameras, however, the Apex can imprint the shooting date in one of the corners of the images.
The camera is equipped with a fixed zoom lens. The focal length of the lens ranges from 38 mm to 90 mm. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 in the wide angle and f/7.7 in the telephoto range. Manual focusing is not required with the 35 mm camera. The Minolta Apex 90 features an autofocus system. The close focus distance of the lens is 75 cm. The ASZ mode allows automatic zooming, depending on the distance to the subject.
The 35 mm camera has an exposure meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The camera technology reads the ISO value via the DX code on the cartridge. The 35mm camera has automatic exposure control. The photographer cannot select the aperture and exposure time.
The 35mm photo camera has a built-in flash with automatic. According to the manual, the power of the flash reaches up to 6 meters with ISO 100 films. Films with a higher sensitivity allow a longer range, of course. An automatic red-eye prevention function is available. There is also a manual fill-in flash for backlit shots. However, the flash can also be switched off.
Of course, a self-timer should not be missing from such a model. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. With the additional RC-1 infrared remote control, the camera can also be triggered from a distance of up to five meters.
The power source of the 35mm camera is a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). The battery usually lasts for 600 pictures. After that, you need to buy a new battery.
Films for the Minolta Apex 90
The Minolta Apex 90 is a 35mm camera and requires 35mm film. The film material is automatically transported by the camera. The number of frames taken is shown on a display on the top of the camera. At the end of the roll, the motor winds the film material back into the cartridge.
35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most professional laboratories. For color images, for example, there is Kodak Ultramax 400*. An option for black and white images is the Ilford HP5*. Both films are good for everyday use and perform well in tests.
The camera captures images with an aspect ratio of 2:3. Approximately 36 images fit on a standard roll of film.
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 |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 75 cm / 2.46 ft |
| Zoom function | Yes |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/350 second to 1/4 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,75 to 6 Meter / 2.46 to 19.69 Feet |
| Flash modes | Fill-in flash, Red-eye reduction |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Wireless remote control | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 65,72 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 49,22 Euro (53.04 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 60,22 Euro (64.94 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Apex 90
How far can I zoom with this Minolta camera?
The Minolta Apex 90 has a built-in zoom lens that ranges from 38mm to 90mm. This allows for versatility in capturing both wide shots and closer details.
Does the camera have autofocus, or do I need to focus manually?
It has an autofocus system, so you don't need to manually adjust the focus. The camera automatically focuses on your subject. This makes it easy to use.
What type of film does the compact camera use?
The Minolta Apex 90 is a 35mm film camera. You'll need standard 35mm film rolls. It automatically advances and rewinds the film.
How does this camera handle low light situations?
It has a built-in flash with automatic settings. The flash has a range of up to 6 meters with ISO 100 film; this increases with higher ISO films. It also has a red-eye reduction feature.
Does the camera show how many pictures I have left?
Yes, a display on top of the camera shows the number of pictures you've taken, so you know how many shots you have left on the film roll.