Minolta Freedom 50

The Minolta Freedom 50 is a simple 35mm camera. It was offered in the late 1980s by Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. of Japan. It was sold mainly in the USA. The model is limited to basic functions and was honestly aimed at hobby users. Under the name “Minolta FS-35“, the 35mm photo camera was marketed in other markets worldwide.

In 1991, the Minolta Freedom 50N was announced as its successor. This model is identical in features but differs visually.

The 35mm photo camera is equipped with a fixed lens. 35mm is the focal length of the lens. The widest aperture of the camera is f/4.5, and there is no autofocus. The focus is fixed and cannot be changed. The closest focusing distance for this lens is 150 cm.

The 35mm camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 100 to ISO 400. The film speed is read via the DX code; if this code is not present on the cartridge, the camera selects ISO 100. The shutter speed is always fixed at 1/125 second. The aperture is f/8.

For photos taken with the built-in flash, the camera selects the maximum aperture of f/4.5 The output of the flash depends on the readout sensitivity of the film. The range with ISO 100 film is specified as up to 4 meters. The flash does not have different modes. However, the flash can be deactivated in return.

According to the manual, the camera weighs 200 grams with its plastic housing. The dimensions are 12.7 x 7.3 x 4.9 cm. The camera requires two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Here, of course, you can resort to rechargeable batteries. They usually last for over 1300 pictures.

Films for the Minolta Freedom 50

According to the instruction manual, the Minolta Freedom 50 is equipped with 35mm films. The camera automatically transports the film to the next frame after each photo. Also at the end, the film is automatically rewound into the cartridge. The number of pictures taken is displayed on the top of the camera.

Good films for black and white or color photography are the Ilford XP2 Super* and the Kodak Gold 200*. They deliver solid results with the compact camera. Of course, you can also reach for films from other manufacturers. The only important thing is that the films are in a range from ISO 100 to ISO 400.

Both films are developed using the C-41 process. This process is offered by almost every photo lab. You can hand in your films for development in many drugstores in Germany, for example.