The Minolta Autopak 700 is a rangefinder camera, a specialty for the 126 format. It was manufactured by Minolta and presented in the 60s.
The camera comes with a fixed lens. The name of the lens is “Rokkor 1:2.8/38mm” and it is made of 4 elements. The focal length is 38mm and the maximum aperture is f/2.8.
The Minolta Autopak 700 does not have an autofocus function. The focus is adjusted by hand, helped by the built-in rangefinder. The closest focusing distance for this lens is 80 cm.
A CdS exposure meter has been built into the Minolta Autopak 700. The exposure is set automatically by the program automatic. Exposure times range from 1/250 second to 1/30 second. The camera comes with a Bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed. A flash can be used with the hot shoe.
Films for the Minolta Autopak 700
What is needed for the Minolta Autopak 700 is photographic film. More precisely, film cassettes are needed. This film format was developed by Kodak in the 1960s and also marketed as Kodapak. Today, unfortunately, films are no longer produced for this type of camera. For this reason, the camera can only be used as a decorative object in the display case.
At the bottom of the camera is a thread for a tripod. There is also a connection for a cable release. The 126 camera weighs 540 grams due to its metal housing.
The Minolta Autopak 700 is only available on the used market. The used price is above other 126 cameras, as it is quite an unusual camera for the format and therefore popular with collectors. The cost of a copy is in the low to mid double-digit euro range.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 126 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Lens design | 4 elements |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Weight | 540 Grams |
FAQ about the Minolta Autopak 700
What kind of camera is the Minolta Autopak 700?
It's a rangefinder camera designed for 126 film cartridges. It was manufactured by Minolta in the 1960s and features a fixed lens.
Does this camera have autofocus?
No, the Minolta Autopak 700 has manual focus. It uses a built-in rangefinder to help with focusing. The closest focusing distance is 80cm.
How does the camera handle exposure?
The Minolta Autopak 700 has a CdS exposure meter and uses automatic program mode to set the exposure. Shutter speeds range from 1/250th to 1/30th of a second, plus a bulb mode.
What type of film does it use, and are they still available?
It uses 126 film cartridges, a format developed by Kodak in the 1960s. Unfortunately, 126 film is no longer produced, limiting the camera's use today.
Can I use a flash or tripod with the camera?
Yes, the Minolta Autopak 700 has a hot shoe for flash attachments and a tripod mount on the bottom. There is also a connection for a cable release.