The Minolta Riva Zoom 90c is a snapshot camera. It was produced by the company from Japan in the 90s. Variants were also sold under the name “Minolta Freedom Zoom 90c” and “Minolta Apex 90“.
The camera comes with a fixed zoom lens. The focal length of the lens goes from 38 mm to 90 mm. The maximum aperture is f/3.5 at wide angle and f/7.7 at telephoto. There is no need to focus manually with the 35 mm camera. The Minolta Riva Zoom 90c comes with autofocus. The close focusing distance of the lens is 75 cm. The ASZ mode allows automatic zooming, depending on the distance to the subject.
The 35mm camera has an exposure meter. It was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The camera technology reads the ISO value via the DX code on the cartridge. The 35mm camera has automatic exposure control. The photographer cannot select the aperture and exposure time.
The 35mm photo camera has a built-in flash. According to the manual, the power of the flash reaches up to 6 meters at ISO 100. An automatic for red-eye prevention is available. There is also a manual fill-in flash for backlit shots. However, the flash can also be turned off.
Of course, a self-timer should not be missing either. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. With the additional RC-1 infrared remote control, the camera can also be triggered from a distance of up to five meters.
According to the manual, the camera weighs 320 grams. The dimensions are 14.7 x 7.3 x 5.9 cm. The power source of the 35mm camera is a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). The battery usually lasts for 600 pictures. After that, you have to buy a new battery.
Films for the Minolta Riva Zoom 90c
The Minolta Riva Zoom 90c is a 35mm camera and requires 35mm film. The film material is automatically transported by the camera. The number of frames taken is shown on a display on the top of the camera. At the end of the roll, the film material is wound back into the cartridge by the motor.
35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories. For color images, for example, there is Kodak ColorPlus 200*. An option for black and white images is the Ilford FP4 Plus*. Both films are good for everyday use and perform well in reviews.
The camera captures images with an aspect ratio of 2:3. Approximately 36 images fit on a normal roll of film.
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 | 38 mm - 90 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 75 cm / 2.46 ft |
| Zoom function | Yes |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/350 second to 1/4 second |
| 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 | 0,75 to 6 Meter / 2.46 to 19.69 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 |
| Wireless remote control | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Size | 14,7 x 7,3 x 5,9 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.79 x 2.87 x 2.32 inches |
| Weight | 320 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 36,36 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 18 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 41,47 Euro (44.38 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 38,98 Euro (41.13 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 43,85 Euro (46.54 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Riva Zoom 90c
Is this camera easy to use, even for a beginner?
Yes, the Minolta Riva Zoom 90c is a point-and-shoot camera. It has automatic focus and exposure, so you don't need to adjust settings manually. It's designed for simplicity and ease of use.
How far can I zoom with the built-in lens?
The camera's lens offers a zoom range from 38mm to 90mm. This gives you flexibility between wide-angle shots and telephoto shots without needing to change lenses.
Does the camera have a flash, and how powerful is it?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with a range of up to 6 meters at ISO 100. It also includes red-eye reduction and a fill-flash mode for backlit situations.
What kind of film does this point and shoot camera use?
The Minolta Riva Zoom 90c uses standard 35mm film. It automatically advances the film and rewinds it at the end of the roll. The number of shots remaining is displayed on the camera.
How long does the battery last?
The camera uses a 2CR5 battery, which typically lasts for about 600 shots. You'll need to purchase a replacement battery once it's used up.