Minolta Capios 70

The Minolta Capios 70 is a 35 mm camera and was sold in Japan. It belongs to the compact camera family and is equipped with numerous automatics, so even beginners can handle it and don’t need a manual to operate it. It was introduced in the 90s. It was marketed under the names “Minolta Riva Zoom 75w” and “Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer EX“.

The 35mm photo camera is equipped with a fixed, extendable zoom lens. 28mm to 75mm is the zoom range of the lens. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 at the wide-angle end. At the end of the zoom in telephoto it is only f/8.9. It consists of four lens elements arranged in four groups. The 35 mm camera is equipped with an autofocus system. The closest focusing distance of the lens is 40 cm.

The Minolta Capios 70 has a built-in light meter. The light meter is suitable for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The film speed is read via the DX code on the cartridge of the film. The exposure settings are determined automatically by the photo camera. Therefore, incorrect exposures can only be caused by the user with great difficulty.

The camera has four exposure modes. Thus, there is an automatic mode, a macro mode, a landscape mode and a portrait mode. The built-in flash provides sufficient light. The flash range is specified at 5.9 meters at 38 mm and an ISO 100. The flash has an auto mode to prevent red-eye and a forced fill flash for backlit shots. The flash can also be turned off if desired.

The Minolta Capios 70 measures 12.1 x 6.6 x 4.4 cm and weighs 245 grams. There is an eyelet on the side for a camera strap. On the bottom is a thread for a tripod. This is useful for group shots, for example. There is also the built-in 10-second self-timer for such cases. Additionally, the separately available RC-3 infrared remote control can be used.

If the camera has “Date” printed on it, it can print the shooting date on the pictures. This feature is useful if you don’t want to take notes, but still want to have the exact time of the shot documented. The calendar goes up to 2029, and you don’t need extra batteries for the clock.

A CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*) is responsible for the power supply. Typically, one battery lasts for more than 300 shots. The charging status is output via the display on the top. The infrared remote control requires a CR2032 battery (eBay / Amazon*).

Films for the Minolta Capios 70

Photo film is exposed in the Minolta Capios 70, and it is 35mm film. The films are automatically spooled by the camera to the next free frame after each exposure. The number of frames is also shown on the display. In one second, the camera motor manages 0.8 photos when the flash is not used.

The Minolta Capios 70 requires 35mm film. 35mm films are still manufactured today. They can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the Minolta Capios 70 are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color images and the for black and white images. Both films deliver solid results and convince in test reports.

The color film is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and offered by most developing labs. B/W films must be developed in a suitable developer. For most films, there are instructions on the appropriate steps and the correct photochemistry.