Minolta Freedom Zoom 130

The Minolta Freedom Zoom 130 is a camera from Minolta for the North American market. The camera is good for beginners and you don’t need a manual to use it. It was introduced in the early 2000s and is equipped with all sorts of automatics. The camera was produced in a factory in China.

This model was also sold under the names “Minolta Riva Zoom 130” and “Minolta Capios 130S“. If the Freedom Zoom 130 carries the addition “Date” it is the model with data back. It can imprint the time of capture in one corner of the photo. This function can also be turned off. The calendar goes up to the year 2099.

The 35mm camera is equipped with a fixed zoom lens. The zoom range is from 37.5 mm to 130 mm. The value of the largest aperture ranges from f/5.4 to f/10.5, depending on the zoom level. The lens is composed of six elements in six groups. The 35 mm camera is equipped with an autofocus system. The close focus distance of the lens is 60 cm.

For taking pictures, the Minolta Freedom Zoom 130 has a light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The 35mm photo camera determines the correct film speed via the DX code on the film cartridge. The exposure settings are determined automatically by the camera. However, there is an exposure compensation of +1.5 EV.

There is a built-in flash for low-light shooting. It reaches up to 4.3 meters in wide angle when filming with a value of ISO 100. The flash automatically adjusts to the shooting situation. There is also an automatic mode for red-eye prevention. There is also a mode for taking portraits at night and a fill-in flash for backlit shots. The flash can also be turned off.

The photo camera has a self-timer. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds after the shutter button is pressed. The camera can be positioned on a tripod through the thread on the bottom of the camera.

The dimensions of the Minolta Freedom Zoom 130 are 11.2 x 6 x 4.4 cm, according to the manual. The camera weighs 210 grams with its plastic housing. There is an attachment on the side for a wrist strap or other camera strap.

The camera requires a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still very easy to get today. One battery charge is enough for about 312 pictures. The charge level is shown on the camera’s display.

Films for the Minolta Freedom Zoom 130

The Minolta Freedom Zoom 130 takes its pictures on 35mm film. These films are still manufactured and can be specified by almost any professional photo lab. For black and white images in 35mm format, the Kodak T-Max 400* is a good choice. For color images, you can reach for the Kodak Ultramax 400*. Both films deliver solid results with the compact camera.

Film advance is handled by a motor inside the camera. So you don’t have to advance the film manually. The number of recorded frames is shown on the display. If you see a flashing “0” there, the film was not loaded correctly. Of course, the film is also automatically rewound. Before this process is completed, do not open the back of the camera.