Minolta Riva Zoom 70W

The Minolta Riva Zoom 70W is a camera from Minolta. It was introduced in the 90s and was aimed at the normal user. The model was produced in China. Similar variant was also offered under the name “Minolta Explorer Freedom Zoom” and “Minolta Capios 25“.

The zoom lens of the 35mm photo camera is fixed. With a switch, you can choose between 28 mm to 70 mm. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 at 28 mm and f/8.4 at 70 mm. There is no need to focus manually with the 35 mm camera, as there is an automatic focus system. The lens’ closest focusing distance, i.e. the distance to the subject, can be 40 cm in macro mode. The lens is built up of four lenses in four groups, two of which are aspherically coated.

An exposure meter is built into the camera. It is designed for films in a range from ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The technology determines the correct sensitivity of the film via the DX code on the cartridge. Exposure settings are automatically controlled by the camera’s electronics. Shutter speed and aperture can therefore not be selected by the user.

The camera comes with different exposure modes. So there is a full auto mode, a macro mode, a mode for landscape pictures and a mode for portrait photos at night. In this mode, the built-in flash is used to freeze the subject in motion.

The flash located in the upper corner has a range of up to 6 meters. This value refers to a film sensitivity of ISO 100 when the zoom is at wide angle. The flash can fire automatically, be forced, or be turned off completely, depending on the need. Additionally, there is an automatic red-eye prevention feature.

The camera with its plastic body weighs 240 grams and measures 12.1 x 6.6 x 4.4 cm. There is a connection for a tripod on the bottom. A camera strap can also be used with the camera. The Minolta requires a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery charge lasts for an average of 300 pictures.

Films for the Minolta Riva Zoom 70W

The Minolta Riva Zoom 70W takes its pictures on 35mm film. The negatives are 24 mm x 36 mm in size. So at least 36 shots fit on a normal film. The film in the photo camera automatically advances to the next frame. You can take about 1.2 pictures per second with the camera. If the display shows a flashing “0”, the film is not loaded correctly. Otherwise, the display shows the number of photos taken. There is a self-timer for group pictures or selfies. The self-timer gives ten seconds to get into position.

For color pictures there is about the Kodak Ultramax 400*. An option for black and white images is the Ilford HP5*. These two films are well suited for everyday use and can convince is test reports. These films are still being produced and can be specified by almost any supplier of development work.