The Minolta Minoltina-s is a rangefinder camera. It was built by Minolta and introduced in the 1960s by the Japanese camera company. The 35mm photo camera was also called “Minolta Minoltina AL-S” and sold at stores in different parts of the world.
A fixed lens is built into the camera. The lens is called “Minolta Rokkor-QF 1:1.8 f=40mm”. The focal length is 40 mm and the maximum aperture is f/1.8. You have to focus the lens manually. When focusing, the rangefinder supports the photographer with the task. The close-up limit of this lens is 80 cm.
The 35mm camera has a built-in light meter. It can be used for films in an ISO range of 25 to 800. The desired exposure time can be determined manually. The aperture is also individually selectable. On top of the camera is a display that shows with a needle, how close the settings are for a correct exposure.
If you want to take long time pictures, there is the bulb-setting. An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The fastest shutter speed is 1/500 of a second.
The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod. In addition, there is a connector for a cable release and a self-timer. The body weighs 540 grams and the dimensions are 12,8 x 7,4 x 6 cm. Batteries are not needed for taking pictures. The selenium exposure meter works also without an external energy source but can die if the camera is to old.
Films for the Minolta Minoltina-s
The Minolta Minoltina-s needs photo film, more precisely 35mm film. 35mm films are still easy to get today and are developed by most photo laboratories. The Kodak Ultramax 400* is a possible color film for the compact camera. Black and white images are with the Ilford Delta 100* possible.
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab. The black and white film needs a special developer, like Rodinal. The development can also done at home very easily.
The Minolta Minoltina-s exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. A standard 35mm film can take about 36 pictures in this size. The photographer must manually wind to the next image.
A used copy with a silver body cost normally between 50 and 150 Euros. The model with a complete black finish is rarer and so more expensive.
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 |
| Biggest 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 |
| 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 |
| Estimated value / Used price | 140,71 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 13.4.2023 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 140,71 Euro (151.54 US-Dollar) |