The Minolta Riva Mini is a snapshot camera. It was introduced by Minolta in the early 1990s. The compact camera was produced in Japan. It relies heavily on automatics, making it very easy to use without a manual. The 35mm camera was also sold under the names “Minolta Freedom Escort” and “Minolta Pico“.
Unlike many models in the Riva line, this model comes with a fixed focal length. 34 mm is the focal length of the lens. The largest aperture of the camera is f/3.5. The 35 mm camera has an autofocus. The closest focusing distance is specified as 60 cm for this lens.
The Minolta Riva Mini is equipped with a built-in light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 50 to ISO 3200. The photo camera determines the correct film speed via the DX code. If the code on the cartridge is not present, a value of ISO 100 is set. The exposure settings are set automatically by the 35mm camera. It is not possible to influence the aperture and shutter speed.
There is a built-in flash for taking pictures in insufficient light. At ISO 100, the range is up to 3.6 meters. Logically, the higher the sensitivity of the film, the higher the range. The recharge time of the flash is about 3.5 seconds. The flash can also be turned off if desired. In addition, there is a fill-in flash and an automatic mode for reducing red-eye in photos.
The Minolta Riva Mini has a thread for a tripod on the bottom. A self-timer should not be missing either, of course. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds.
The camera with its plastic housing weighs 165 grams. The dimensions are 11.8 x 6.3 x 3.6 cm. The power source of the 35mm camera is a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still easy to get today. One charge is enough for about 600 pictures. The display on the top shows the charge level.
In addition to the normal model, there was a Quartz Date (QD) variant of the camera. This variant offers an additional feature, it can imprint the shooting time in a corner of the photos. Thus, the time of the shot can be determined exactly with date and time and you do not need to make notes. However, the calendar only extends into 2019.
The function requires an additional CR2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*). You can also disable the function or not insert a battery, the camera can still be used normally.
Films for the Minolta Riva Mini
What is needed for the Minolta Riva Mini is 35mm film. The camera has a built-in motor for transporting the film. After each press of the shutter button, the camera goes to the next free frame. The transport back to the cartridge is also automatic, but can be forced with a button. The number of photos taken is also shown on the display. If you see a flashing “0” there, the film was not placed correctly in the camera.
A good choice for color and black and white images is the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford Delta 100*. In test reports, they are said to perform well when used in normal applications. Other suitable films are also offered by Foma, Rollei and Adox, among others.
Color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and is offered by most developing labs. For example, you can take your films to many drugstores in Germany to be developed.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 34 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 3 groups |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 50 to 3200 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,6 to 3,6 Meter / 1.97 to 11.81 Feet |
| Flash modes | Fill-in flash, Red-eye reduction |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x CR123A battery |
| Size | 11,8 x 6,3 x 3,6 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.65 x 2.48 x 1.42 inches |
| Weight | 165 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 136,47 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 7 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 133,19 Euro (143.96 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 122,81 Euro (132.05 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 111,13 Euro (120.15 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Riva Mini
How easy is the Minolta Riva Mini to use?
It's very easy to use, even without instructions! It's mostly automatic, handling focus and exposure for you. This makes it perfect for beginners.
What kind of lens does this point-and-shoot camera have?
The camera has a fixed 34mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.5. This is a standard lens good for most everyday situations. It also has autofocus.
Does the small camera have a flash, and how does it work?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with a range of up to 3.6 meters at ISO 100. The flash recharges in about 3.5 seconds, and you can turn it off if needed. It also has red-eye reduction.
Can I use different film speeds with this compact camera?
Yes, it works with films from ISO 50 to ISO 3200. It reads the DX code on the film canister to automatically set the ISO; if there's no code, it defaults to ISO 100.
What type of battery does the Minolta Riva Mini use, and how long does it last?
It uses a CR123A battery, which is still readily available. A single battery charge should last for around 600 pictures, and the battery level is shown on the top display.