Minolta Riva Zoom 105i

The Minolta Riva Zoom 105i is a snapshot camera. It was introduced by Minolta in the 90s. The camera was sold in two color versions, white and black. The new price at the time was around $500. The 35mm camera was also available on the market under the names “Minolta Freedom Zoom 105i” and “Minolta Apex 105“.

The camera comes with a fixed lens with zoom capability. The zoom range is from 35 mm to 105 mm. The maximum aperture is f/4 at wide angle and f/6.7 at 105 mm. The zoom is set manually with a switch. There is also an automatic mode that selects the zoom based on the distance to the subject.

There is no need to focus manually with the Minolta Riva Zoom 105i. The camera has an autofocus system. However, this is not an infrared system, but a passive TTL phase detection autofocus system. The close focus distance of the lens is 70 cm.

The photo camera has a built-in exposure meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 3200. The correct sensitivity is determined via the DX code on the film cartridge. If a corresponding code is not available, ISO 25 is set by default.

There are no settings for aperture and shutter speed. The camera selects the exposure settings automatically. You have a bit more influence with the built-in flash. The flash can be operated completely automatically. There is also a red-eye reduction function. However, it can also be used in fill-in mode, in which the flash fires with every shot, e.g. for backlit shots. It can also be turned off completely. The range extends up to 5.5 meters with ISO 100 film.

The 35mm camera comes with a built-in flash. The range of the flash is 0.7 meters – 5.5 meters.

The dimensions of the Minolta Riva Zoom 105i are 15.3 x 6.4 x 8.4 cm. At the same time, it weighs 560 grams. Unusual for this type of camera is the form factor. Thus, it extends more in depth and is flatter for it. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom.

A 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is responsible for the power supply. About 600 pictures can be taken with the camera. The charge level is shown on the display.

Films for the Minolta Riva Zoom 105i

What film do you use with the Minolta Riva Zoom 105i? The camera exposes 35mm film. The film stock is automatically spooled from one motor to the next free frame after each press of the shutter button. Of course, this also applies when using the self-timer. Under no circumstances should the camera be opened if the film has not yet been rewound. Rewinding also works completely automatically, but can also be triggered manually by pressing a button.

35mm film is still readily available today and is developed by most photo labs. For black and white images in 35mm format, the Ilford HP5* is a good choice. For color images, you can reach for the Fujifilm Superia 400*. Both films deliver solid results with the compact camera.