The Minolta Freedom 100 is a point-and-shoot camera. It was produced by Minolta and introduced and sold in the 1980s. It is the successor to the Minolta Freedom I and the predecessor to the Minolta Freedom 101. A functionally identical model was sold outside of North America as the Minolta FS-E II.
The camera is equipped with a fixed focal length. This is a focal length of 35 mm. The maximum aperture is f/4.5, so it is not particularly fast. The focus of the lens cannot be changed. The closest focusing distance is 150 cm.
The 35 mm photo camera has a light meter with automatic exposure. Aperture and shutter speed are set automatically. It is designed for films from ISO 100 to ISO 400. The film speed is read from the DX code on the film cartridge. If no code is present, ISO 100 is set.
You won’t find a manual mode nor exposure compensation on this model. There is also no option for positioning on a tripod, nor is there a self-timer. But there is a flash. The flash has a range of up to 3.2 meters at ISO 100, and at ISO 400 the maximum range is 6.4 meters. The charging time of the flash is about 3.6 seconds.
The camera weighs 210 grams and measures 12.9 x 6.95 x 4.7 cm. Two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are needed to operate the camera. About 550 pictures are possible with one battery charge. The batteries are also needed for the motor to transport the film.
Films for the Minolta Freedom 100
According to the instruction manual, 35mm films are exposed in the Minolta Freedom 100. Available photo films for the compact camera, readily available from online retailers, are the Kodak T-Max 100* for black and white photos and the Kodak Portra 400* for color images. Of course, there are other manufacturers of suitable film stock. These include Foma, Fujifilm, Rollei and Lomography. The films should be in the sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 400.
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 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 150 cm / 4.92 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 1,5 to 3,2 Meter / 4.92 to 10.5 Feet |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| Size | 12,9 x 6,95 x 4,7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.08 x 2.74 x 1.85 inches |
| Weight | 210 Grams |
| Names in other markets | International: Minolta FS-E II |
FAQ about the Minolta Freedom 100
What is the focal length of the Minolta Freedom 100's lens, and is it adjustable?
The Minolta Freedom 100 features a fixed 35mm lens. The focus is not adjustable; it's a fixed-focus lens.
Does this point-and-shoot camera offer any manual controls like exposure compensation?
No, the Minolta Freedom 100 lacks manual controls. There's no manual mode or exposure compensation setting.
What type of film does the camera use, and what is its ISO range?
It uses standard 35mm film. The camera is designed for films with ISO speeds ranging from 100 to 400.
How long does it take for the flash to recharge?
The built-in flash has a recycle time of approximately 3.6 seconds.
What are the power requirements for this compact camera and what is the approximate number of pictures per battery charge?
The camera runs on two AA batteries. With a full charge, you can expect to take around 550 photos.