The Minolta Repo is a viewfinder camera. It dates back to the 1960s. The model was produced in a factory in Japan.
The lens of the camera is fixed. The name “Minolta Rokkor” adorns the lens. The focal length is 30 mm and the maximum aperture is f/2.8.
Focusing is manual. The closest focusing distance is 60 cm. To make focusing a bit easier, there is a click and a mark at important distance points. These stops are at 1.2 m, 3 m and 5 m.
The 35mm camera has a built-in light meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 10 to ISO 400. It is a selenium light meter. With this type of light meter, the correct exposure is determined by a chemical reaction. However, the accuracy and functionality may change over the years.
Aperture and shutter speed cannot be set directly. There is an indicator on the top of the housing for the metered exposure. Turning the outer ring on the lens barrel changes the exposure setting. The correct exposure is achieved when the green indicator matches the red needle. It is not possible to directly determine which shutter speed and aperture the camera selects. The shutter speed varies between 1/250 s and 1/30 s.
For long exposures, there is a Bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release button is pressed. The aperture in this mode is f/2.8.
The use of a flash is possible via the PC flash socket. The sync speed is 1/30 second. The camera does not have a flash shoe.
The Minolta Repo offers the possibility to connect a cable release. The camera can be mounted on a tripod through the thread on the bottom. No batteries are needed to take pictures.
Films for the Minolta Repo
The negatives of the photo camera have a size of 18 mm x 24 mm. For this reason, the Japanese camera is a half-frame camera. What kind of films are needed for the Minolta Repo? The camera is designed for 35mm film. Due to the smaller format, up to 72 photos fit on a 36-frame roll.
35mm film is still manufactured today, can be easily purchased, and can be developed in most professional labs. A great film choice for color images is Kodak Ultramax 400* and for B&W images is Ilford Delta 100*. Of course, films from other manufacturers can also be used with the half-format camera without any problems.
After each shot, the film must be manually rewound with a lever. When the end of the roll is reached, a small button on the bottom must be pressed in and the film material must be transported back into the cartridge with the crank. Then you may open the camera, remove the film and develop it.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 18 mm x 24 mm |
| Lens name | Minolta Rokkor |
| Focal length | 30 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 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 10 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| 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 | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 139,49 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 | 113,00 Euro (122.31 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 145,52 Euro (156.95 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 164,03 Euro (177.51 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Repo
Is this camera automatic or do I need to adjust settings manually?
The Minolta Repo is mostly automatic; it has a built-in light meter to determine the exposure. You don't directly set the aperture or shutter speed. However, you do adjust the exposure using the ring on the lens.
How do I focus the lens on this old camera?
The Minolta Repo uses manual focusing. There are click stops and markings at 1.2m, 3m, and 5m to help you focus. The closest focusing distance is 60cm.
What type of film does this half-frame camera use?
This camera uses standard 35mm film. Because it's a half-frame camera, you get twice the number of shots per roll; up to 72 images on a standard 36-exposure roll.
Does the camera need batteries to work?
No, the Minolta Repo doesn't require batteries for operation. The light meter is a selenium meter, working via a chemical reaction. Its light measuring capabilities might change due to age.
Can I use a flash with this vintage shooter?
Yes, you can use a flash with the Minolta Repo via the PC flash connection. The sync speed is 1/30th of a second, keep in mind that it does not have a flash hot shoe.