Minolta Supreme Freedom Zoom EX

The Minolta Supreme Freedom Zoom EX is a 35mm camera from the Japanese manufacturer. It can be described as an easy-to-use compact camera for beginners. The model was produced in Malaysia in the late 90s. It was sold mainly in North America. The 35mm camera was also available on the market under the name “Minolta Capios 125” and “Minolta Riva Zoom 125EX“.

The photo camera is equipped with a fixed zoom lens. The zoom range is from 39 mm to 125 mm. The largest aperture is f/3.6 at 39 mm and f/10.9 at 125 mm. Manual focusing is not required with the 35 mm camera. The model has an autofocus system. The minimum distance to the subject is 60 cm.

The 35 mm camera has a built-in light meter. The exposure meter is designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 3200. The film speed is read out via the DX code on the film cartridge. You cannot set the sensitivity yourself. The aperture and exposure time are set automatically by the camera technology and cannot be changed either.

The camera is equipped with different exposure modes. For example, there is an auto mode where everything is set automatically. There is also a portrait mode, a portrait mode at night and a macro mode. In macro mode, photos are possible up to a distance of only 45 cm. In spot metering mode, the exposure is only measured on a small part of the image.

Sufficient light is provided by the built-in flash. The flash range is up to 7 meters with a normal ISO 100 film. The camera has several modes for the flash. There is an auto flash, an auto flash with red-eye prevention, a fill-in flash and the option to turn the flash off completely. Readiness is indicated via lights in the viewfinder.

The 35mm photo camera has a self-timer with a lead time of ten seconds. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. A camera strap can be attached to the side.

According to the manual, the camera weighs 275 grams. The dimensions are 12.9 x 6.9 x 5 cm. The camera requires a CR2 battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery lasts for about 300 pictures. The charge level is shown on the display on the top.

In addition to the normal model, there was also a model with a data back. This model can be recognized by the imprint “Date”. It can imprint the shooting time and date in one corner of the image. This makes it easy to see when a picture was taken. The calendar goes up to the year 2029.

If it is the “Elite” model (Minolta Elite Supreme Freedom Zoom EX), it also has a panorama function. With this function, the image is artificially cropped, by two bars inside the camera, to create the look of a panorama. However, it is not a true panoramic camera.

Films for the Minolta Supreme Freedom Zoom EX

According to the instruction manual, the Minolta Supreme Freedom Zoom EX is designed for 35mm film. The film is automatically transported to the next free area after each shot. The motor also transports at the end of the film roll. You can see the currently loaded film through a window on the back. The number of photos taken is shown on the display. In continuous shooting mode, the camera motor manages up to one picture every 2 seconds.

A good film for color shots is the Kodak Ultramax 400* and for black and white shots the Ilford HP5*. Smaller manufacturers, such as Rollei, Adox or Foma, also offer films for this format. The films are developed by most photo labs. But you can also develop them yourself quite easily.