The Minolta ER is an SLR camera. It was introduced in the early 1960s. It was produced in a factory in Japan. It was the first attempt at an SLR with automatic exposure by the Japanese company.
Unlike other Minolta SLRs from time, the ER comes with a fixed lens. The manufacturer’s name of the lens is “Rokkor TD f/2.8 45 mm.” The focal length is 45 mm and the maximum aperture is f/2.8. You have to focus the lens manually. The minimum distance to the subject is 90 cm. In addition, there were two attachments for the camera, a 35 mm and an 85 mm.
The 35 mm camera is equipped with a built-in selenium light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 10 to ISO 400. Unlike “normal” SLR cameras, the correct exposure is not measured through the lens, but via metering cells above the lens. The aperture and exposure time can be freely selected. However, the aperture setting can also be set to “A”. Then the aperture is automatically set based on the shutter speed.
The Japanese camera comes with a leaf shutter. It offers shutter speeds from 1/500 second to 1/30 second. A bulb mode is available for long exposures.
The Minolta ER has a thread for a tripod and cable release. It also has a self-timer. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds.
With a size of 14 x 9.2 x 7.7 cm, the Minolta ER weighs 880 grams according to the instruction manual. The camera is mechanical and can take photos without batteries. The light meter does not need batteries either. However, the metering cells can lose accuracy over the years or stop working completely.
Films for the Minolta ER
What is needed for the Minolta ER is 35mm film. The 35mm format is very common, so even today there are several manufacturers and many developing labs. Available photo films for the SLR that are easy to get are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color shots and the Ilford XP2 Super* for B&W shots. Both can convince in various reviews and are well suited for everyday use and travel. Of course, there are other manufacturers of 35mm film on the market.
The 35mm photo camera exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. With a normal film (135-36), 36 photos are usually possible. To the next picture the film is wound manually. The return transport is also done manually. A frame counter provides information about the number of pictures taken.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Rokkor TD f/2.8 45 mm |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 90 cm / 2.952 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 3 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 10 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Size | 14 x 9,2 x 7,7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.51 x 3.62 x 3.03 inches |
| Weight | 880 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 72,65 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 94 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 65,00 Euro (70.36 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 93,63 Euro (100.66 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 125,81 Euro (135.30 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta ER
What type of camera is the Minolta ER, and what is its most notable feature?
The Minolta ER is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Its most notable feature is its built-in selenium light meter, making it one of the first automatic exposure SLRs from a Japanese manufacturer.
Describe the lens included with the Minolta ER.
It comes with a fixed Rokkor TD f/2.8 45mm lens. This means focusing is manual, with a minimum focusing distance of 90cm, aided by a split-image rangefinder in the viewfinder.
How does the Minolta ER's exposure meter work, and what film speeds does it support?
The camera uses a selenium meter located above the lens, unlike typical SLR designs. It supports film speeds from ISO 10 to ISO 400, and doesn't require batteries to operate.
What are the shutter speed capabilities of this vintage device?
The Minolta ER features a central shutter with speeds ranging from 1/500th of a second to 1/30th of a second, plus a bulb setting for long exposures.
What are the physical dimensions and weight of the camera, and does it require batteries?
Measuring 14 x 9.2 x 7.7 cm and weighing 880 grams, the Minolta ER is entirely mechanical. It functions without batteries; even the light meter is battery-free.