Minolta V2

The Minolta V2 is a camera from Minolta from the 1950s. It is a rangefinder camera. The model was followed by the Minolta V3.

The lens of the 35mm camera is fixed. The name of the lens is “Rokkor”. The focal length is 45 mm. The largest aperture is f/2. The 35mm photo camera has no autofocus. Therefore, you have to focus by hand. The correct distance to the subject can be determined by the Minolta V2’s rangefinder. The closest focusing distance is 80 cm with this lens.

The correct exposure cannot be measured by the camera, as it does not have a light meter. Aperture and shutter speed are set manually. Aperture values from f/2 to f/22 are available for selection, and values from 1/2000 second to 1 second are possible for the shutter speed.

At 1/2000 second, only aperture values from f/8 to f/22 can be used. At 1/1000 second, f/4 to f/22 is possible. At the other shutter speeds of the “Optiper-Citizen-HS M-10 shutter” all apertures can be used.

The 35mm camera also comes with a Bulb setting option for long exposure shots. The use of a flash is possible via the PC flash socket. An external flash can be attached to the accessory shoe.

The Minolta V2 can be released by self-timer or with an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available. According to the manual, the camera weighs 780 grams and measures 13.7 x 8.5 x 7.4 cm. Electricity is not needed for taking pictures, it works completely mechanically. Of course, the film transport is also mechanical.

Films for the Minolta V2

What kind of films are needed for the Minolta V2? The camera is designed for 35mm films. 35mm film is still readily available today and is developed by most photo labs. Possible films for the Japanese rangefinder camera are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color photos and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for B&W images. Approximately 36 images fit on one roll. A counter on the camera provides information about the photos taken.