The Minolta Freedom 200 is a snapshot camera from the 1980s. It was manufactured by Minolta. The 35mm photo camera was also offered to photographers under the name “Minolta AF-E II“.
The lens of the 35mm camera is fixed and cannot be replaced. The focal length is invariable and is 35 mm. The largest available aperture is f/4.5, and focusing is facilitated by a built-in autofocus. The closest focusing distance is 95 cm for this lens.
The camera has a built-in light meter. This is designed for color negative film in an ISO range of 100 to 1000. When using slide films, only ISO 100 and ISO 400 are possible. The film speed is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge. If the film does not have DX coding, the camera automatically sets ISO 100. The aperture and exposure time are set automatically and cannot be changed. There is no manual mode.
A flash is built in for snapshots in low light conditions. The output reaches up to 3.3 meters at ISO 100. The flash has an automatic mode and cannot be turned off. The charging time is about 1.2 to 1.8 seconds.
The Minolta Freedom 200 measures 13.2 x 6.9 x 4.8 cm and weighs 250 grams. There is no tripod mount or self-timer. The power source of the Japanese camera is a DL223 battery (eBay / Amazon*). However, four AAA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) can also be used. Here you can also reach for rechargeable ones. Depending on the battery type, up to 1296 images can be recorded.
Films for the Minolta Freedom 200
The film transport is motorized. After each exposure, the film is automatically transported to the next free area. The return transport at the end of the film is also motorized. The number of images taken is displayed on the top.
Without photographic film, nothing works with the Minolta Freedom 200. More precisely, the camera needs 35mm film. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. One possibility for B&W images is Ilford HP5*. A possible film for color images is the Kodak Portra 400*. Of course, you can also use films from other manufacturers.
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 | 95 cm / 3.116 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 4 groups |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 1000 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,95 to 3,3 Meter / 3.12 to 10.83 Feet |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x DL223 battery |
| Size | 13,2 x 6,9 x 4,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.20 x 2.72 x 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 250 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 50,76 Euro 90804842143824855558 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of April 28, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 50,29 Euro (54.12 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Freedom 200
What kind of film does this camera use and where can I get it?
The Minolta Freedom 200 uses 35mm film, also known as 'Kleinbildfilm' in German. This type of film is still readily available. You can typically find it at most photography stores, online retailers, and even some drugstores.
Can I change the lens on this camera to zoom in more?
Unfortunately, no. The lens on the Minolta Freedom 200 is fixed, meaning it cannot be removed or replaced. The lens has a focal length of 35mm which is good for general snapshots, but it doesn't zoom.
Does this old timer have a flash, and can I turn it off?
Yes, this handy camera has a built-in flash for taking pictures in low light. The flash operates automatically, which means you can't manually turn it off. It's designed to fire when the camera detects insufficient light.
What happens if I use a film with a different ISO than what the point and shoot is set for?
The camera reads the film's ISO using the DX code. If the film doesn't have this code, the camera will default to ISO 100. It's designed for colour negative films between ISO 100 and ISO 1000, but for slide film, only ISO 100 and 400 work.
What kind of batteries does this camera need, and how long will they last?
The Minolta AF-E II uses either a DL223 battery or four AAA batteries. You can even use rechargeable AAAs. Depending on the battery type, you can expect to take up to 1296 pictures before needing to replace or recharge the batteries.