Minolta Hi-Matic GF

The Minolta Hi-Matic GF is a 35mm camera from Minolta. It was introduced in the mid-1980s and is part of the Hi-Matic family. It is the last model in the series and is very limited in features compared to other models. This camera was also built in a factory in Japan.

The Minolta camera is equipped with a standard lens. With a focal length of 38 mm, it is well suited for common everyday or travel shots. The camera does not have a zoom function. There is also no autofocus. There are four stages when focusing. These stages are provided with pictograms to make focusing easier. A minimum distance of one meter should be kept for sharp pictures.

There are three options when selecting the aperture. These are also provided with a pictogram (Cloudy, Hazy, Sunny). The largest aperture is f/4, and the shutter speed is always set to 1/100 second. A light meter is present and warns with a red light when underexposure is imminent. You can use the light meter with films with a sensitivity of ISO 100 or ISO 400.

On the bottom of the Minolta Hi-Matic GF is a thread for a tripod. Engraved there is also a table with the distances and the performance of the built-in flash. The flash range is 1.5 meters – 3.8 meters at ISO 100, and it can be switched on if desired.

According to the manual, the dimensions of the Minolta Hi-Matic GF are 12.2 x 7.8 x 5.3 cm. It weighs 214 grams. The housing is made of plastic. A black and a red version were offered.

There is no self-timer or connection for a cable release. Two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are responsible for the power supply. Here, of course, you can reach for rechargeable copies.

Films for the Minolta Hi-Matic GF

The Minolta Hi-Matic GF exposes 35mm films. These films are still manufactured and can be specified at almost any professional developing vendor. Great films for the Japanese camera that are still around today are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford Delta 100*. Of course, there are a variety of other films for the camera. However, the films should have a sensitivity of ISO 100 or ISO 400 or have a wide exposure latitude and insensitivity to false exposures.

After each exposure, the film must be advanced. There is a thumbwheel, and not a quick release lever, on the back of the camera for this purpose. A counter on the top tells you how many photos have already been taken. When the end of the film is reached, a small button on the bottom must be pressed and the film must be transported back into the film cartridge with a crank. Once this process is complete, the film can be removed and taken for development.