Minolta Riva Zoom 115EX

The Minolta Riva Zoom 115EX is a camera from Minolta. It is a model for beginners and occasional users from the 90s. The camera is easy to use and you rarely need a manual due to the automatic features. This model was built in a factory in Malaysia. Very similar models were also marketed under the names “Minolta Capios 115“, “Minolta Freedom Zoom Supreme” and “Minolta Freedom Zoom Supreme Elite“.

The camera comes with a fixed zoom lens. The zoom range of the lens goes from 38 mm to 115 mm. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 to f/9.9 and the lens is autofocused. The closest focusing distance is specified at 60 cm for this lens. There is also a special macro mode for shooting at a distance of 45 cm from the subject.

The 35mm photo camera has a light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 3200. The film speed is determined by the DX code. If this code is not available, ISO 25 is set by default. You cannot make your own setting. In general, there is little you can do to influence the exposure. The aperture and exposure time are set automatically by the camera technology. Depending on the zoom level, the maximum shutter speed differs somewhat. At 38 mm it is about 2.3 seconds, at 115 mm the shutter can stay open for up to 8 seconds.

When taking pictures, the user has several modes to choose from. Thus, there is a portrait mode, full auto and spot metering. For shooting in low light, there is a built-in flash. For ISO 100 filming, it reaches up to 7 meters. An automatic mode prevents the appearance of red-eye. There is also a mode for shooting at night and a fill-in flash mode, which makes sense for backlit shots, for example. The flash can also be turned off completely.

The 35mm camera has a self-timer. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. This feature makes sense for long exposure shots or even group shots.

According to the manual, the camera weighs 285 grams and measures 12.9 x 6.9 x 4.9 cm. A CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*) is responsible for the power supply. This type of battery is still easy to find and also quite inexpensive. One battery charge is enough for about 300 pictures. The current charge level is indicated via the display on the top.

Films for the Minolta Riva Zoom 115EX

The Minolta Riva Zoom 115EX uses 35mm film. The camera uses a motor to advance the film each time the shutter button is pressed. The motor thereby creates in the continuous shooting mode one picture every two seconds. A value of course not comparable with today’s cameras.

35mm films are still easy to get today and are still developed. Possible films for the Minolta Riva Zoom 115EX are the Kodak ColorPlus 200* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 400* for B&W photos. According to test reports, both films deliver solid results and are suitable for a wide range of applications. There are other manufacturers of film material for the 35mm format in particular.