Minolta Freedom Zoom 135EX

The Minolta Freedom Zoom 135EX is a compact camera from 1994. The 35mm camera was built by Minolta in Japan. The 35mm camera was also available on the market under the name “Minolta Riva Zoom 135EX“.

The zoom lens of the 35mm photo camera is built firmly into the plastic body. The zoom range of the lens is from 38 mm to 135 mm. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 (38 mm) and f/9.2 (135 mm). The lens is focused by an autofocus system. The close focus distance of the lens is 80 cm at 38 mm. In addition, there is a macro mode that allows shooting at a distance of 50 cm.

The 35 mm camera has an exposure meter. It is designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The camera reads the DX code of the film cartridge and sets the exposure meter accordingly.

The aperture and exposure time are set automatically and cannot be changed. Depending on the zoom level, the maximum aperture and exposure time are slightly different. However, this doesn’t matter much when taking pictures, since the camera decides that anyway. Nevertheless, there are still some setting options and different modes. For example, there is an exposure compensation of +1.5.

In addition to full auto, you can also shoot in continuous mode, for example for sports shots, portrait mode, night portrait mode or with spot metering. A special feature is the “Take Me” mode. This is intended for situations in which you hand the camera over to another person, for example, to have a picture taken in front of a landmark. In this mode, the camera is set to 38mm and the focus and aperture are adjusted accordingly, so the result is sharp no matter what.

Another special feature is the ability to take double exposures. The camera also does not lack a self-timer. After pressing the shutter button, you have ten seconds to get into position. If that’s too little for you, you can reach for the wireless remote control. The RC-3 remote control was sold separately.

There are also different modes for the built-in flash. Thus, there is a fill-in flash mode in addition to the normal auto flash mode. Furthermore, an automatic mode for avoiding red-eye can be switched on. The flash can also be turned off completely. The range is up to 5.5 meters with an ISO 100 film. The charging time of the flash is about four seconds.

The dimensions of the Minolta Freedom Zoom 135EX are 13.1 x 6.9 x 5.7 cm. It weighs 305 grams. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. The power source of the 35mm camera is two CR123A batteries (eBay / Amazon*). The batteries are still very easy to get. One charge is enough for about 550 pictures. Depending on the use of the flash, the number changes a little.

Films for the Minolta Freedom Zoom 135EX

The Minolta Freedom Zoom 135EX requires 35mm film. 35mm film is still produced by various manufacturers. A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Kodak Gold 200*. A possible film for black and white is the Ilford Delta 100*.

The film is automatically transported by the camera. On the display on the top of the camera you can see the number of pictures taken. At the end of the roll, the film material is rewound back into the cartridge. Only when this process is complete can the film be removed and submitted for development.

Minolta Freedom Zoom 135EX Date

In addition to the regular model, a Quartz Date variant was also sold. This model has a built-in clock and can use LEDs to print the shooting date on the images. However, the built-in calendar can only be used until the year 2019. The clock requires an additional battery with the type designation CR1220. The additional technology increases the total weight by 5 grams. In addition, the date version is 0.5 cm deeper.