The Minolta Minoltina AL-S is a rangefinder camera. It was manufactured by Minolta in Japan and presented in the 60s. The 35mm camera was also offered under the name “Minolta Minoltina-s“.
The 35mm camera comes with a fixed focal length lens. The lens is called “Minolta Rokkor-QF 1:1.8 f=40mm”. The widest aperture of the lens is f/1.8 and the focal length is 40mm. The lens is focused manually. The camera does not have an autofocus. The rangefinder helps with focusing and indicates whether the correct distance has been set. The closest focusing distance for this lens is 80 cm.
For measuring exposure, the Minolta Minoltina AL-S has a light meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 800. The aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer. The selenium exposure meter shows whether the exposure settings have been selected correctly via a display on the top.
For exposure time, there is a choice between 1/500 second to 1 second. It also has a Bulb mode. In this, the shutter remains open as desired. The use of an external flash unit is possible via the PC flash socket. The 35mm camera can be released via self-timer or with an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available.
According to the manual, the camera weighs 540 grams. The dimensions are 12.8 x 7.4 x 6 cm. Power is not required for taking pictures. The film is rewound manually in the photo camera.
Films for the Minolta Minoltina AL-S
The Minolta Minoltina AL-S exposes 35mm film. These films are still manufactured and can be specified at almost any supplier of development work. Possible films for the compact camera are the Fujifilm Superia 400* for color images and the Ilford HP5* for black and white images. Both films deliver solid results and convince in test reports. Of course, there is a wide range of other 35mm films for this camera.
The color film is developed using the C-41 process. This process is offered by almost every photo lab. A development of a 35mm color film is possible e.g. at most drugstore chains in Germany. The black and white film must be processed in a black and white developer.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Minolta Rokkor-QF 1:1.8 f=40mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Lens design | 6 elements in 4 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 800 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Size | 12,8 x 7,4 x 6 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.04 x 2.91 x 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 540 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Minolta Minoltina AL-S
Is the Minolta Minoltina AL-S a 35mm camera?
Yes, it's a 35mm rangefinder camera. It uses standard 35mm film rolls and is designed for taking classic 35mm photographs. The camera is compact and easy to use.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Minolta Minoltina AL-S uses a manual focus lens. You'll need to manually adjust the focus ring on the lens until the subject is sharp in the rangefinder. It doesn't have autofocus.
Does this camera need batteries?
No, the Minolta Minoltina AL-S doesn't require batteries for operation. It uses a selenium light meter, which powers itself from the ambient light.
What kind of films can I use with my rangefinder?
You can use standard 35mm film rolls in this camera. Both color and black and white films are compatible. Popular choices include Kodak, Fuji, and Ilford films.
What's the widest aperture on the lens?
The Minolta Rokkor-QF lens on the Minoltina AL-S has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing you to shoot in low-light conditions or create a shallow depth of field.