The Minolta Riva Zoom 115 is a compact camera from the Japanese manufacturer. It belongs to the group of snapshot cameras and is easy to use. The target group was beginners and amateur photographers who used the camera on vacation or at family celebrations. It was built in a factory in China. Under the name “Minolta Freedom Zoom 115” and “Minolta Capios 115S” the 35mm photo camera was also sold.
The 35mm camera comes with a fixed lens. The zoom range goes from 37.5 mm to 115 mm. The largest available aperture is f/5.4 (37.5 mm) and f/10.9 (115 mm). The lens is made up of six different elements. There is no need to focus manually with the 35 mm camera, as it is equipped with an autofocus system. The closest focusing distance is specified at 60 cm for this lens.
The 35mm photo camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 3200. The film speed is determined via the DX code. The aperture and shutter speed cannot be set. The exposure settings are selected automatically. For this, there are modes for portraits and landscapes that you can select. Additionally, there is the Auto Depth mode to have the subject in the foreground sharp and the background blurred.
The built-in flash provides sufficient light. With ISO 100 filming, it reaches up to 5.1 meters. The flash comes with a red-eye prevention mode, a fill-flash for backlit shots, and a mode for portrait photos with flash at night. However, the flash can also be turned off.
The 35mm camera has a self-timer. This has a lead time of ten seconds. For a group picture, the camera can be mounted on a tripod. The thread for this is on the bottom of the housing. A camera strap can be attached to an eyelet on the side.
The camera is made of plastic. With a size of 11.2 x 6 x 3.9 cm, the Minolta Riva Zoom 115 weighs 205 grams. The camera requires a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is easy to get and quite inexpensive. One battery usually lasts for up to 300 photos.
Films for the Minolta Riva Zoom 115
The Minolta Riva Zoom 115 was built for the 35mm format. The 35mm format is very common, so there are still some manufacturers and many developing labs today. A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Fujifilm Superia 400*. A possible film for black and white images is the Kodak T-Max 400*. You can take about 36 pictures with one roll. Both films are well suited for everyday use and do well according to test reports. Of course, films from other producers can also be used with the camera.
The exposure area of the photo camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is automatically transported by a motor after each photo. The number of photos taken is shown on the display on the top.
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 | 37.5 mm - 115 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/5.4 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Zoom function | Yes |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 6 elements in 6 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/390 second to 10 seconds |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,6 to 5,1 Meter / 1.97 to 16.73 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 | 11,2 x 6 x 3,9 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.41 x 2.36 x 1.54 inches |
| Weight | 205 Grams |
| Country of production | China |
| Estimated value / Used price | 59,02 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 38 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 68,71 Euro (73.60 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 65,08 Euro (70.36 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 62,13 Euro (67.11 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Riva Zoom 115
How easy is this Minolta camera to use?
The Minolta Riva Zoom 115 is designed for beginners and hobbyists. It's very simple to operate; you don't need to manually adjust settings like aperture or shutter speed. It's perfect for casual snapshots.
What kind of lens does the camera have?
It has a built-in zoom lens with a range of 37.5mm to 115mm. It's a fixed lens, meaning you can't change it. The autofocus system makes focusing easy.
Does the camera have a flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with several modes. These include red-eye reduction, fill-flash for backlight situations, and a night portrait mode. You can also turn the flash off.
What type of film does this little camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film, which is widely available. You can use color or black and white film; a roll lets you take about 36 pictures.
How long does the battery last?
The Minolta Riva Zoom 115 uses a CR123A battery. One battery typically lasts for around 300 photos, depending on usage.