Minolta Freedom Zoom Orion

The Minolta Freedom Zoom Orion is a camera from Japan. The 35mm camera was produced by Minolta and sold to photographers in North America. The 35mm photo camera was also available on the market under the name “Minolta Riva Zoom 105“. Additionally, there was a date variant. This camera can imprint the shooting date on the pictures.

The 35mm camera is equipped with a zoom lens. The zoom range of the lens is from 38 mm to 105 mm. The maximum aperture is f/4.6 (38 mm) or f/11.8 (105 mm). Focusing is facilitated by a built-in autofocus. The closest focusing distance is specified as 100 cm for this lens.

An exposure meter is built into the camera. It is designed for an ISO range of 50 to 3200. The film speed is determined by the DX code. The camera technology has automatic exposure and sets aperture and shutter speed automatically.

However, there are some modes on this compact camera. For example, there is a double exposure mode, a portrait mode, a focus lock and a bulb mode for long exposures. It is also equipped with a continuous shooting mode and an interval mode.

Sufficient light is provided by the built-in flash. The flash range is specified as up to 5 meters at ISO 100 and 38 mm. The flash has an automatic mode to prevent red-eye. There is also the option to force the flash to fire, e.g. for backlit shots. However, the flash can also be switched off completely.

The 35 mm camera has a self-timer. The lead time, i.e. the time between pressing the shutter button and taking the picture, is ten seconds. There is also a thread for a tripod. The thread is especially useful when using the Bulb mode.

Power is supplied by a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery charge lasts for about 480 pictures. Depending on the use of the flash. The charge level is shown on a display on the top.

Films for the Minolta Freedom Zoom Orion

What kind of films does the Minolta Freedom Zoom Orion require? 35mm format films are used. The negatives of the photo camera are 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is automatically transported in the camera by a motor. Rewinding into the cartridge also works without the photographer’s intervention.

35 mm films are still manufactured and can be specified by almost any developing vendor. Good 35mm films for color or black and white are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford Delta 400*. Foma, Adox and also Rollei are still other suppliers of 35mm film.