The Minolta Minoltina-P is a viewfinder camera. The model was introduced in the 1960s. It was built by Minolta Camera Co. LTD. in a factory in Japan. The new price at that time was around 60 US dollars.
A fixed lens is installed in the camera. The name “Minolta Rokkor” adorns the lens. The focal length is 38 mm and the lens’ widest aperture is f/2.8.
There is no autofocus function on the 35 mm camera. The focus is adjusted manually. By turning the focus ring on the lens barrel, a needle in the viewing window on the top of the lens swings and locks into one of three positions – close-up, center focus and infinity. There is also a distance scale on the rotating focus ring, which also helps with accurate focusing. To get sharp images, you need to be at least 80 cm away from your subject.
The Minolta Minoltina-P has a built-in selenium light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 25 to ISO 800. Film speed is adjusted by a dial on the bottom of the lens barrel. To take a picture, you point the camera at your desired subject, and a needle coupled to the exposure meter displays a value in the reading window on the top of the camera. Now turn the exposure control knob on the lens barrel (which also sets the aperture and shutter speed) until a second needle is in the same position as the other needle. If this is the case, the exposure is set correctly, at least according to the camera.
The camera’s aperture can also be selected manually, but in this case the camera always selects a shutter speed of 1/30 second. Other shutter speeds are only possible in automatic mode.
The photo camera comes with a Bulb setting option. In this case, the shutter remains open as desired. The use of an external flash unit is possible via the PC flash socket. It does not have a hot-shoe port.
The Minolta Minoltina-P can be mounted on a tripod. There is also a thread for a cable release. Additionally, there is a self-timer.
The dimensions of the housing are 12.4 x 7.3 x 4.5 cm according to the manual. It weighs 440 grams with its metal housing. The camera does not need electricity to take photos. However, the selenium light meter may lose accuracy over the years or stop serving completely.
Films for the Minolta Minoltina-P
The Minolta Minoltina-P uses 35mm film. 35mm films are still manufactured today. They can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the still camera are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford Delta 100*. Both films work well for period cameras. Good uses include travel, weddings, or even snapshots in everyday life.
The development process for color film is the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab. Most drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color film.
The negatives of the 35 mm camera have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. The film must be rewound manually by the photographer. There is a lever for this purpose. The number of photos taken is displayed on the top. The film is rewound at the end by a crank. The back of the camera may not be opened until the film material is back in the cartridge, otherwise the pictures taken will be lost.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Minolta Rokkor |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/30 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 |
| Flash sync speed | 1/30 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Size | 12,4 x 7,3 x 4,5 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.88 x 2.87 x 1.77 inches |
| Weight | 440 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 89,44 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 6 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 124,82 Euro (134.22 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 101,57 Euro (109.32 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 121,61 Euro (130.97 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Minoltina-P
Is the Minolta Minoltina-P a difficult camera to use for beginners?
While it's a manual camera, the Minolta Minoltina-P is relatively simple to operate. Its focus and exposure systems are straightforward, using a needle system for visual confirmation, making it accessible even to beginners. The manual focus may take some practice, but the instructions are clear.
What kind of film does this rangefinder camera take?
The Minolta Minoltina-P uses standard 35mm film. This is a widely available film format, making it easy to find and develop. Many different film types are compatible, allowing for creative choices.
How does the camera focus, and how far away do I need to be from the subject?
The Minolta Minoltina-P uses manual focus with a rangefinder system. You adjust the focus ring until a needle aligns in the viewfinder. For sharp images, you'll need to be at least 80 centimeters (approximately 31 inches) from your subject.
Does this old camera have an automatic setting for the exposure?
The camera has a built-in selenium light meter that helps you determine the correct exposure settings. You adjust the aperture and shutter speed until two needles align, indicating correct exposure. It doesn't have fully automatic settings, but it is not difficult to master.
Does the camera need batteries to work?
No, the Minolta Minoltina-P doesn't require batteries. The selenium light meter is passive and doesn't consume power. However, keep in mind that the meter's accuracy might degrade over time.