The Minolta Autopak 550 is a viewfinder camera. It was developed by Minolta and introduced at the end of the 60s. The square design of the camera’s lens barrel is striking.
The lens of the Minolta Autopak 550 cannot be exchanged. The manufacturer’s name for the lens is Rokkor 1:2.8/38mm. The focal length is 38mm and the widest aperture is f/2.8. This model does not have an autofocus system. The lens is focused manually with a wheel on the side of the camera.
The Minolta Autopak 550 has a built-in CdS light meter. The camera technology has automatic exposure and sets aperture and shutter speed automatically. The possibility to set aperture and shutter speed by yourself does not exist with this model. If there is not enough light a flash cube can be connected.
Films for the Minolta Autopak 550
Film cassettes are exposed in the Minolta Autopak 550 126. This film format was developed by Kodak in the 1960s and was also marketed as Kodapak.
By using the 126 film format, the camera was very easy to use and was popular with amateur photographers. The film cassettes were easy to insert and change, which made using the camera very user-friendly. However, the film format became more and more unpopular over time and the demand decreased.
In the mid-2000s, the last film for the film format was offered. Today, there is no film manufacturer that produces material for this type of camera.
Value of the camera
The Minolta Autopak 550 can only be found second-hand. Due to the lack of films, the value of a model is rather low. That is why it is used today more as a decorative object. Some collectors who want to complete their collection are of course still looking for this camera model.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 126 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Connection for flash cubes |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Minolta Autopak 550
Is the Minolta Autopak 550 easy to use?
Yes, it's designed for beginners. The 126 film cartridges are simple to load and change, making it very user-friendly. This contributed to its popularity among hobbyist photographers.
How does the lens focus?
The Minolta Autopak 550 uses a manual focus system. You adjust the focus by turning a wheel on the side of the camera. There's no autofocus.
Can I change the lens on this camera?
No, the lens, a Rokkor 1:2.8/38mm, is fixed. It's not interchangeable. The camera is designed with a built-in lens.
What kind of film does it use?
It uses 126 film cartridges, also known as Kodapak. Unfortunately, this type of film is no longer produced, making the camera mainly a collector's item.
Does the camera have any automatic settings?
Yes, the Minolta Autopak 550 has automatic exposure settings. It uses a built-in CdS light meter to automatically adjust the aperture and shutter speed. You can't manually select these settings.