The Minolta Hi-Matic E is a rangefinder camera. It was introduced in the early 1970s and is part of the Hi-Matic series. The camera was produced in a factory in Japan.
The camera comes with a fixed Rokkor lens. The focal length is 40 mm. The widest aperture is f/1.7, and it can be stopped down to f/11. When focusing manually, the photographer is assisted by the rangefinder. The closest focusing distance of the lens is 80 cm. A filter or lens hood can be screwed onto the 49 mm thread.
The Minolta Hi-Matic E has a built-in exposure meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 500. Shutter speed and aperture are set automatically by the camera. The Seiko shutter supports exposure times from 1/1000 second to 2 seconds. The camera does not have a manual mode.
An external flash can be used on the PC flash port or hot shoe for pictures. The Japanese 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod. Additionally, there is a port for a cable release and a self-timer. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds. In these ten seconds, you have to be in position for the picture.
The dimensions of the housing are 12.4 x 7.7 x 6 cm. It weighs 560 grams without batteries. The camera requires two Mallory RM-640 batteries.
Films for the Minolta Hi-Matic E
Nothing works with the Minolta Hi-Matic E without 35mm film. After each shot, the film must be wound to the next free area. There is a quick-release lever on the top for this purpose. When the film is full, usually after 36 frames, it has to be spooled back into the cartridge with a crank.
Of course, there are still a variety of 35mm films available for this Japanese camera. A good choice for the model for color photography, for example, is the Kodak Portra 160*. If you want to stay monochrome with your photos, the Ilford HP5* is not bad.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Rokkor |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/1.7 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Filter thread | 49 mm |
| Lens design | 6 elements in 4 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 2 seconds |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 500 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/20 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 2x Mallory RM-640 batteries |
| Size | 12,4 x 7,7 x 6 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.88 x 3.03 x 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 560 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 116,23 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 35 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 139,42 Euro (150.45 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 129,71 Euro (139.63 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 126,06 Euro (136.38 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Hi-Matic E
What kind of lens does this camera have?
It has a fixed Rokkor lens with a 40mm focal length. The maximum aperture is f/1.7, and it can be stopped down to f/11. This lens is built into the camera body.
How does the camera measure light?
The Minolta Hi-Matic E has a built-in light meter, that works with an ISO range of 25 to 500. It automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed for you.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, it has a PC flash connector and a hot shoe for attaching external flash units. This allows you to take photos even in low-light conditions.
What type of film does it use?
This is a 35mm film camera. After each shot, you need to advance the film using the rapid wind lever. Once the film is full (usually 36 exposures), you have to rewind it using a crank.
What are the dimensions and weight of the camera?
The camera measures 12.4 x 7.7 x 6 cm and weighs 560 grams without batteries. It requires two Mallory RM-640 batteries for power.