The Minolta FS-E III is a compact camera for snapshots. It was introduced towards the end of the 1980s and sold to photographers worldwide. It is the successor to the Minolta Freedom 100, and a functionally identical model was also sold in North America as the Minolta Freedom 101.
The 35mm still camera has a fixed focal length with a fixed focus. You have to stay 150 cm away from the subject for sharp pictures. The focal length of the lens is 35 mm with a maximum aperture of f/4.5.
The camera has a built-in light meter with automatic exposure control. The technology is designed for films from ISO 100 to ISO 400. The camera learns what the sensitivity of the film is by the DX code on the film cartridge. If this code is not present, ISO 100 is set. Aperture and shutter speed are set automatically by the camera technology. There is no exposure compensation.
Of course, a built-in flash must not be missing with this type of camera. At ISO 100, the shots reach up to 3.2 meters. Unlike its predecessors, this model has a self-timer with a lead time of ten seconds. There is also a thread for a tripod and a connection option for a camera strap.
The dimensions of the camera are 12.9 x 6.95 x 4.7 cm. At the same time, it weighs 200 grams with its plastic housing. The power source of the Minolta FS-E III is two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). One battery charge is enough for about 550 shots. This value refers to using the flash for half of the shots. The batteries are also needed for automatic film transport.
Films for the Minolta FS-E III
Possible films for the Minolta FS-E III that are still readily available today, for example online, are the Kodak Gold 200* for color photos and the Ilford Delta 100* for black and white photos. Test reports attest to the good performance of both films in normal everyday applications or even when traveling.
Of course, there are other films for the camera that can be used. For example, there is suitable material from Rollei, Adox, Lomography or even Fujifilm. Suitable black-and-white films are produced by Foma in the Czech Republic, for example.
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 | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 150 cm / 4.92 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| 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 |
| Flash range | 1,5 to 3,2 Meter / 4.92 to 10.5 Feet |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| Size | 12,9 x 6,95 x 4,7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.08 x 2.74 x 1.85 inches |
| Weight | 200 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta Freedom 101 |
| Estimated value / Used price | 46,98 Euro 77,7869,4944,00352,1038,977591,49537,6048,25 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of January 6, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 43,63 Euro (46.54 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 42,00 Euro (45.46 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 46,00 Euro (49.79 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta FS-E III
What is the minimum focusing distance for sharp images with the Minolta FS-E III?
To ensure sharp photos, you need to maintain a distance of at least 150 centimeters (approximately 5 feet) from your subject. This is due to the fixed-focus lens.
Does this compact camera offer any manual controls over exposure settings?
No, the Minolta FS-E III features fully automatic exposure control. The aperture and shutter speed are automatically adjusted based on the built-in light meter.
What type of batteries does the snapshot camera use, and approximately how many shots can you take on a single charge?
The camera operates on two AA batteries, providing power for roughly 550 shots per charge. This estimate assumes that flash is used in about half of the pictures.
What film speed range is the Minolta FS-E III compatible with?
It supports film ISO speeds ranging from 100 to 400. The camera automatically detects the ISO through the DX code on the film cartridge, defaulting to ISO 100 if the code is missing.
Besides the built-in flash, what other features are included in this 35mm camera design?
This model includes a self-timer with a 10-second delay, a tripod mount, and a strap lug for added convenience and versatility.