Minolta Apex ZF900

The Minolta Apex ZF900 is a camera manufactured by Minolta for the North American market. It was introduced in the 1990s and was built in Japan. It is easy to use and has a number of automatic features. Similar models were sold under the name “Minolta Riva Zoom 90EX“, “Minolta Freedom Zoom 90EX” and “Minolta Freedom Zoom Date 9T“.

The 35mm camera is equipped with a fixed zoom lens. The zoom range is from 35 mm to 90 mm. The largest available aperture is f/3.5 (35 mm) and f/7.7 (90 mm). The lens is focused by autofocus. The focus lock can be used to fix the set distance. The closest focusing distance of this lens is 75 cm at 35 mm. In the telephoto range, you need to keep a distance of 90 cm.

The 35 mm photo camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 3200. The film speed is determined by the DX code. The correct exposure is set automatically by the camera.

However, there are some exposure modes. These can be selected by pressing a button and are shown on a display on the top of the camera. For example, the camera has an “Auto Stand-by Zoom” mode. ASZ mode is turned on by pressing a button and is activated when you focus your eye on the viewfinder. Depending on the distance to the subject, the camera automatically adjusts the zoom. An exposure mode for landscape shots is also available, as well as a continuous shooting mode for fast subjects. Creative pictures are possible with the double exposure mode.

The self-timer makes group pictures and selfies easy. After pressing the shutter button, you have ten seconds to get into position. If desired, the camera can also take two pictures in a row. Shooting is less stressful with the optional RC-2 infrared remote control.

There is a built-in flash for shooting in low-light conditions. The flash has an auto mode to avoid red-eye. There is also a fill-in flash mode and a mode for portraits at night. Of course, the flash can also be turned off, e.g. for landscape shots. The flash range is 6 meters at ISO 100 in the wide-angle range.

The dimensions of the Minolta Apex ZF900 are 14.9 x 7.6 x 6 cm. The weight is 345 grams. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. The camera requires a CR-P2 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still easy to get. The battery charge level is shown on the display. One charge is sufficient for approx. 530 pictures.

With this model, if desired, the recording time can be imprinted in the pictures. However, the calendar only lasts until 2019.

Films for the Minolta Apex ZF900

What is needed for the Minolta Apex ZF900 is 35mm film. The film is simply inserted into the camera. The transport after each frame is done by a motor inside. It is also automatically rewound into the cartridge at the end of the roll. The current number of frames is shown on the display. If the “0” flashes, the film has not been loaded correctly.

35mm film is still produced today. It is the format with the largest selection of film stock and is also the cheapest. It can be developed in most laboratories. Good 35mm films for color or black and white photography are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford Delta 100*. According to various reviews, they are well suited for everyday shooting and deliver solid results.

The color film is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and offered by most developing labs. The development of 35mm color film is possible, for example, in most drugstores in Germany. Black and white films must be developed in a suitable black and white developer. This process is offered by most professional photo laboratories.