Minolta Capios 130S

The Minolta Capios 130S is a camera from Minolta for the Japanese market. The camera is good for beginners and amateur photographers and you don’t need a manual to use it as there are many automatics. It was introduced in the early 2000s and was built in a factory in China. Similar models was also sold under the names “Minolta Riva Zoom 130” and “Minolta Freedom Zoom 130“.

The 35mm camera is equipped with a fixed zoom lens. The zoom range is from 37.5 mm to 130 mm. The value of the largest aperture ranges from f/5.4 to f/10.5, depending on the zoom level. The lens is composed of six elements in six groups. The 35 mm camera is equipped with an autofocus system. The close focus distance of the lens is 60 cm.

Of course, the Minolta Capios 130S has a light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The 35mm photo camera determines the correct film speed via the DX code on the film cartridge. The exposure settings are determined automatically by the camera. However, there is an exposure compensation of +1.5 EV.

Of course, this type of camera cannot do without a built-in flash. It reaches up to 4.3 meters at wide angle when shooting at ISO 100. The flash automatically adjusts to the shooting situation. There is also an automatic red-eye prevention mode. There is also a mode for taking portraits at night and a fill flash for backlit shots. The flash can also be turned off.

The photo camera is equipped with a self-timer function. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds after the shutter button is pressed. The camera can be positioned on a tripod through the thread on the bottom of the camera.

The dimensions of the Minolta Capios 130S are 11.2 x 6 x 4.4 cm, according to the manual. The camera weighs 210 grams with its plastic housing. There is an attachment on the side for a wrist strap or other camera strap.

The camera requires a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still very easy to get today. One battery charge is enough for about 312 pictures. The charge level is shown on the camera’s display.

The Capios 130S comes with a data back with built-in clock and calendar. This allows the shooting time and date to be imprinted in one corner of the images. Various formats are available here. However, the function can also be turned off. The calendar goes to the year 2099 and be used until then.

Films for the Minolta Capios 130S

The Minolta Capios 130S takes its pictures on 35mm film. These films are still manufactured and can be specified by almost any professional photo lab. For black and white images in 35mm format, the Ilford HP5* is a good choice. For color images, you can reach for the Kodak Gold 200*. Both films deliver solid results with the compact camera.

Film advance is handled by a motor in the camera. So you don’t have to advance the film manually. The number of frames taken is shown on the display. If you see a flashing “0” there, the film was not loaded correctly. Of course, the film is also rewound automatically. Do not open the back of the camera until this process is complete.