The Minolta F12 is a snapshot camera. It was built in a factory in China and is rather on the cheaper end in terms of time. It also didn’t impress anyone with its functions at the time. On the other hand, it is very easy to use. The body is black and made of plastic.
Like other “Minolta F-model”, this one comes with a fixed lens. The focal length will probably be around 35 mm. The focus is fixed. There is no autofocus on this model.
Aperture and shutter speed cannot be changed. There is also no exposure compensation. The only setting option regarding the exposure settings is the film speed. Here you can choose between two options, ISO 100/200 and ISO 400.
There is a built-in flash for taking pictures in low light or in unfavorable light situations. Power, for the flash among other things, comes from two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). One battery charge is enough for several hundred photos. Of course, when it comes to AA batteries for the Minolta camera, you can also go for rechargeable ones.
Films for the Minolta F12
The Minolta F12 was built for the 35mm format. The film is automatically advanced with a motor after each frame. A counter on the top of the camera tells you how many photos have been taken. Through a window in the back you can see the inserted film. Also on the back, one finds a slider. The slider triggers the return transport of the film into the cartridge. Only when this step is completed, the back may be opened and the film removed.
Great films for the Minolta F12 that are still available today and can be purchased online are the Kodak Portra 400* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 100* for monochrome B&W photos. Of course, there is other film stock for the camera. For example, Lomography, Rollei, Ilford and Fujifilm offer suitable ISO 100 and ISO 400 films.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | - |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 200 |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| Country of production | China |
| Estimated value / Used price | 31,92 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 1, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 61,25 Euro (66.03 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta F12
What type of camera is the Minolta F12, and what are its key features?
The Minolta F12 is a simple point-and-shoot camera, built in China, with a fixed lens and fixed focus. It's easy to use but lacks advanced features like autofocus or adjustable aperture.
Does this snapshot camera have any manual settings for exposure?
No, the Minolta F12 doesn't offer manual aperture or shutter speed adjustments. The only exposure setting is film speed selection (ISO 100/200 and ISO 400).
How does the film advance and what type of film does the camera use?
The Minolta F12 uses 35mm film which is automatically advanced by a motor after each shot. A counter on top displays the number of shots taken, and a back-mounted slide initiates film rewinding.
What is the power source for the camera's functions, including the flash?
The camera uses two AA batteries to power its functions, including the built-in flash. Rechargeable batteries are also compatible. The battery life is sufficient for several hundred pictures.
Is the lens on the Minolta F12 interchangeable, and what is its focal length?
No, this simple camera has a fixed lens, most likely 35mm, that cannot be changed. This makes it compact and suitable for casual shooting.