The Minolta Hi-Matic S is a 35mm camera from the late 1970s. It was manufactured in a factory in Japan, is part of the Hi-Matic family, and is one of the few models in the series with a built-in flash. Also part of the series is the Hi-Matic SD. This model is similar to the “S” in many ways, but comes with an additional self-timer and the ability to imprint the shooting date into the images.
The camera comes with a Rokkor lens that cannot be changed. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.7 and the focal length is 38 mm. Closed, the aperture value is f/17. The optics is built up of four glass elements in three lens groups. The camera does not have an autofocus function. Focusing is manual. There is no distance meter. The zone focus symbols help a bit. The shortest possible distance to the subject is 80 cm.
The Minolta Hi-Matic S has a built-in exposure meter. It is designed for films from ISO 25 to ISO 400, and the camera technology automatically sets aperture and shutter speed. The shutter manages times from 1/450 second to 1/4 second. The model does not have a bulb mode for long exposures.
Of course, a built-in flash should not be missing. According to the manual, the power of the flash reaches up to 0.8 meters to 5 meters at ISO 100. The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod and cable release. The camera weighs 320 grams and measures 13 x 7.9 x 5.5 cm. Two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are responsible for power supply.
Films for the Minolta Hi-Matic S
To take pictures with the Minolta Hi-Matic S, 35mm films are needed. These are still easy to get today and are still being developed. Possible films for the Japanese camera are the Kodak Portra 400* for color photos and the Ilford Delta 100* for B&W photos. Of course, there are other films for this format. When buying film, you should pay attention to the sensitivity, as only ISO 25 to ISO 400 films are compatible with the light meter. Pushing an ISO 400 to ISO 1600, for example, is therefore not possible.
The color film is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is offered by almost every photo lab. For the development of the black and white film, a suitable developer is needed. Free instructions are available online for most films.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Rokkor |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Biggest aperture | f/2.7 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 0,8 m, 1 m, 1,5 m, 3 m, Infinite |
| Filter thread | 46 mm |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 3 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/450 second to 1/4 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,8 Meter bis 5 Meter |
| Flash sync speed | 1/30 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| Size | 13 x 7,9 x 5,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.12 x 3.11 x 2.17 inches |
| Weight | 320 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 129,63 Euro 211,67190,12126,531006,55110,9421292,371510,62139,13 Estimate based on used prices of 23 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 6.5.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 151,15 Euro (163.44 US-Dollar) |