Minolta P’s

The Minolta P’s is a compact camera with panorama function that was sold mainly to amateur photographers in Japan. It was introduced by the Japanese company in the early 1990s. The camera was also sold in the market under the name “Minolta Riva Panorama” and “Minolta Freedom Vista“.

A fixed focal length lens is provided for this 35mm photo camera. The lens has a focal length of 24 mm. The maximum aperture is f/4.5. The focus of the 35 mm camera does not need to be adjusted, as it has an autofocus system.

Taking pictures is made easier by the built-in light meter. The light meter is designed for 35mm film from ISO 100 to ISO 400. Film speed is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge. If this code is not present, a value of ISO 100 is always selected. The exposure settings are automatically controlled and adjusted by the electronics.

The camera model is also equipped with a built-in flash. At ISO 100, the range is up to 2.7 meters. The camera has a self-timer with a lead time of ten seconds. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom and an eyelet for a camera strap on the side.

A CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*) is responsible for the power supply. One battery charge is enough for about 600 pictures. The batteries are still easy to find today and cost only a few euros.

The camera comes with a function to imprint the shooting time in a corner of the pictures. This makes it very easy to determine the age of the photo. Of course, the date in the picture is not necessarily visually appealing, but you don’t have to buy additional
For the built-in clock you still need a CR2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*). However, the battery can also be omitted and deactivate the function, especially since the calendar only lasts until 2019 anyway.

Films for the Minolta P’s

The Minolta P’s is designed for 35mm film. The special feature of the model is the choice of negatives. These have an aspect ratio of 3:1 rather than 3:2, so the image occupies an area of 12.2 by 36 mm on the film. This creates the impression of a panorama.

The film is automatically transported to the next image by a motor. The number of frames taken is displayed on the top. The film is also automatically rewound. This process can also be triggered manually if you want to remove the film first.

35mm films are still manufactured today. They can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the Minolta P’s are the Kodak Gold 200* for color images and the Ilford XP2 Super* for black and white images. Other suitable films are also offered by Foma, Rollei and Adox, among others. It is important that the film is in the ISO 100 to ISO 400 range and that the DX encoding is present on the cartridge.

The color film is processed in the C-41 process. This developing process is done by all photo labs that offer developing of 35mm film. You can also drop off your color film at many drug stores for development. B/W film must be developed in a black-and-white developer.