Minolta Hi-Matic

The Minolta Hi-Matic is a camera from Minolta. It is the first model of the Hi-Matic series. It was introduced in the early 1960s. The 35mm photo camera was also offered under the name “Ansco Autoset” in the USA.

A fixed lens is installed in the 35mm photo camera. The name of the lens is “Rokkor-PF”. The focal length is 45mm and the maximum aperture is f/2. The smallest possible aperture is f/16. Some models also come with a 45mm f/2.8 lens.

You have to focus the lens by hand. The camera does not have an autofocus function. When focusing, the rangefinder helps, showing if the correct distance is set.

The Minolta Hi-Matic has a built-in selenium light meter. The exposure meter is designed for 35mm film from ISO 6 to ISO 1600. The camera comes with an automatic exposure control. The aperture and exposure time are set automatically by the camera. There is no manual mode.

An external flash unit can be connected to the PC flash socket. The device can be attached to the hot shoe on the top. The sync speed is 1/30 second.

The dimensions of the Minolta Hi-Matic are 13.8 x 8.4 x 6.7 cm according to the manual. The body weighs 740 grams without film. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. There is also a connection for a cable release.

Batteries are not needed for the 35 mm camera. All functions work mechanically without power. The selenium exposure meter does not need batteries either. However, it may lose accuracy over the years or stop operating completely.

Films for the Minolta Hi-Matic

The Minolta Hi-Matic requires photographic film to take pictures. It is designed for the 35mm format. The exposure area of the photo camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. So 36 pictures fit on one roll (135-36 film). After each exposure, the film must be manually advanced to the next frame with a lever. When the film roll is full, a small button on the bottom must be pressed in and the film material spooled back into the cartridge with the crank.

Nice 35mm films for color or black and white images that can still be purchased today are the Kodak ColorPlus 200* and the Ilford Delta 400*. Both films deliver solid results and convince in professional test reports.