The Minolta Freedom Dual 60 is a compact camera from Minolta introduced in the late 1980s and designed specifically for 35mm film photography. It is characterized by its ease of use and full automatic operation, and replaces the Freedom Dual model. With a telephoto mode and a 60mm lens, it offers greater range while retaining the body design.
In Europe, an equivalent model was offered under the name Minolta AF-Tele 60. There was also a version with a quartz date back for recording the shooting date.
The AF-Tele 60 has autofocus with a focus lock option that can be activated by half-pressing the shutter button to lock focus on a specific subject before taking the picture.
The Minolta Freedom Dual 60’s lens offers two focal length options: a normal focal length of 38mm that can be switched to 60mm for telephoto shots. The autofocus system uses active infrared technology and offers a focus range of 75 cm to infinity, allowing for versatile shooting options.
Adjustment options such as aperture and shutter speed are not available, as the camera sets all exposure values automatically. There is also no manual setting option for film speed. According to the manual, the camera is designed for 35mm film with ISO 100 or ISO 400 film speed and reads the speed via the DX encoding on the cartridge, supporting only these two values. Other models offer a wider range.
The Minolta Freedom Dual 60 also has a built-in flash that automatically activates in low light, ensuring proper exposure in a variety of lighting conditions. There is also a self-timer.
The camera is powered by either a 6V lithium battery BR-P2P or 4 x 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries (eBay / Amazon*), which are readily available and easy to replace. Weighing approximately 270 grams, the camera is lightweight and portable. Its compact dimensions of 13.2 x 6.95 x 5.55 cm make it an ideal option for photography on the go.
The film is automatically advanced by the camera after each image, and a counter on the top provides information about the number of images taken. There is no display.
Films for the Minolta Freedom Dual 60
The Minolta Freedom Dual 60 is a dedicated camera designed for 35mm format film exposure. There is a wide selection of color and black and white film stock for this format, conveniently available from online retailers. Examples include the Kodak Ultramax 400* for stunning color images and the Ilford XP2 Super* for top-notch black-and-white images. In addition, other brands like Adox, Foma, Rollei and co. also offer films for this format.
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 | 38 mm, 60 mm |
| Widest aperture | - |
| Minimum focus distance | 75 cm / 2.46 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 4x AAA batteries |
| Size | 13,2 x 6,95 x 5,55 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.20 x 2.74 x 2.19 inches |
| Weight | 270 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Europe: Minolta AF-Tele 60 |
FAQ about the Minolta Freedom Dual 60
What type of focus system does the Minolta Freedom Dual 60 employ?
It uses an autofocus system with an active infrared technology and a focus lock option activated by halfway pressing the shutter button. This allows for focusing on a specific subject before taking the picture.
Does this compact camera offer manual controls for settings like aperture and shutter speed?
No, the Minolta Freedom Dual 60 is fully automatic. It automatically sets all exposure values, and there's no manual adjustment for aperture, shutter speed, or film sensitivity.
What are the supported film speeds for the camera, and how does it determine the film speed?
The camera supports ISO 100 and ISO 400 film speeds only, reading the sensitivity through DX coding on the film cartridge. It does not offer a wider range of ISO settings.
What kind of power source does the point-and-shoot camera use, and how portable is it?
It can be powered by either a 6V lithium battery (BR-P2P) or four 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries. Weighing approximately 270 grams and with compact dimensions, it's very portable.
Besides the main lens, what additional features does the Minolta AF-Tele 60 offer?
This model includes a built-in flash that automatically activates in low-light conditions and a self-timer for delayed shots. It also features a telephoto mode with a 60mm lens.