The Minolta Hi-Matic G2 is a 35mm camera. It was introduced in the early 1980s and is part of the Hi-Matic series. It was produced in a factory in Minolta’s home country. It was marketed with an emphasis on ease of use and low price.
It is equipped with a standard 38 mm lens. This is composed of four lenses. The largest available aperture is f/2.8, the smallest aperture is f/22. Focusing is manual. There is no rangefinder. Therefore, there are four pictograms for important distances to make things a bit easier for the photographer. In order for the subject to be in focus, a minimum distance of 90 cm must be maintained.
A rangefinder is missing, but the camera technology can measure the exposure. For this, you set the distance of the inserted film, values from ISO 25 to ISO 400 are supported, and the camera selects aperture and shutter speed. The camera indicates which aperture has been selected with a pointer in the viewfinder. There is no real manual mode with settings for shutter speed and aperture.
An external flash can be connected via hot shoe. Here, the power of the flash can be adjusted on the camera so that this can set appropriate exposure values for correctly exposed photos.
According to the manual, the camera weighs 285 grams and measures 11.1 x 7.2 x 5.3 cm. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. A 1.35 V mercury battery is responsible for the power supply.
Films for the Minolta Hi-Matic G2
The Minolta Hi-Matic G2 requires 35mm film. This type of film is still in production and can be handled by most photo labs without issue. Great films for this specimen that are still around today are the Kodak Portra 160* for color images and the Kodak TRI-X 400* for B&W images. Of course, there are a variety of other 35mm films for this camera. Important, the film should be in the range of ISO 25 to ISO 400 with its sensitivity.
The camera does not have a motor for film transport. For this, there is a quick release lever. This must be operated after each photo to transport the film to the next free spot. The counter for the number of photos taken also jumps forward. When the end is reached, after about 36 pictures, the film must be wound back into the cartridge, which protects the light-sensitive material from light, with a crank. Then the back can be opened and the film taken for development.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 90 cm / 2.952 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 1 m, 1,5 m, 3 m, Infinite |
| Lens design | 4 elements |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/60 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x 1.35 V mercury battery |
| Size | 11,1 x 7,2 x 5,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.37 x 2.83 x 2.09 inches |
| Weight | 285 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 96,33 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 8 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 65,23 Euro (70.36 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 70,63 Euro (75.77 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 91,94 Euro (98.50 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Hi-Matic G2
How easy is the Minolta Hi-Matic G2 to use for beginners?
The Minolta Hi-Matic G2 was designed for ease of use. It has a simple design and straightforward operation, making it ideal for beginners. Its automatic exposure system handles the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on composition.
What kind of lens does this camera have?
It features a standard 38mm lens, composed of four elements. This focal length is versatile for various photographic situations, from landscapes to portraits. The maximum aperture is f/2.8, allowing for brighter images in low light.
Does the camera have an autofocus system?
No, the Minolta Hi-Matic G2 uses manual focus. It lacks a rangefinder, but provides distance pictograms to assist focusing. You need to ensure you're at least 90cm from your subject for sharp focus.
How does the camera handle exposure?
The camera automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed for correct exposure. You need to set the film ISO (between 25 and 400). The chosen aperture is indicated by a pointer in the viewfinder, so you know what the camera is doing.
What type of film does the 35mm camera use, and how do I advance the film?
The Minolta Hi-Matic G2 uses standard 35mm film. It doesn't have a motor drive; instead, you use a rapid-advance lever to move the film after each shot and a crank to rewind the film after the roll is complete.