The Minolta V3 is a camera from Minolta It was introduced in the early 1960s. The rangefinder camera followed the Minolta V2.
The lens of the 35mm camera is fixed to the body. The name of the lens is “Rokkor”. The focal length is 45 mm. The largest aperture is f/8.
The 35 mm photo camera has no autofocus. Therefore, you have to focus by hand. The correct distance to the subject can be determined with the Minolta V3’s rangefinder. The closest focusing distance is 80 cm with this lens. If desired, a filter can be attached in front of the lens.
The camera comes with a selenium light meter. However, this is not directly connected to the exposure settings. Aperture and shutter speed are therefore set manually. Aperture values from f/1.8 to f/22 are available for selection, and values from 1/3000 second to 1 second are possible for the shutter speed.
At 1/3000 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-13 shutter”, all aperture values can be used.
The 35 mm camera also has a Bulb setting for long exposures. The use of a flash is possible via the PC flash socket. An external flash can be attached to the accessory shoe.
The Minolta V3 can be triggered via self-timer or with an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available.
According to the manual, the camera weighs 780 grams without film 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 V3
What kind of films are needed for the Minolta V3? The camera is designed for 35mm films. 35mm films are still readily available today and are 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 black and white images.
The Minolta V3 needs 35mm film. These photo films are still being manufactured. About 36 pictures fit on one roll. A counter on the camera tells you how many pictures have been taken.
You can buy films from Ilford or Kodak. Good films are the Kodak Portra 400* for color pictures and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white pictures. Of course, there are other films and manufacturers for the Japanese camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Rokkor |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Filter thread | 46 mm |
| Exposure times | 1/3000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Size | 13,7 x 8,5 x 7,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.39 x 3.35 x 2.91 inches |
| Weight | 780 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 212,09 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of February 23, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 222,00 Euro (240.29 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 218,25 Euro (235.96 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta V3
What type of film does the Minolta V3 use?
The Minolta V3 uses standard 35mm film. These are readily available from various manufacturers like Kodak and Ilford, offering both color and black and white options.
How is the focus adjusted on this rangefinder camera?
Focusing is done manually using the rangefinder built into the Minolta V3. You need to adjust the lens until the image in the viewfinder is perfectly superimposed.
Does the Minolta V3 have an automatic exposure system?
No, the Minolta V3 uses a selenium light meter, but it's not coupled to the shutter and aperture. Both need to be adjusted manually based on the meter's reading.
What is the lens and its specifications?
It features a fixed 45mm Rokkor lens. Its maximum aperture is f/2.8 and the minimum aperture is f/22, offering a good range of depth of field control.
What are the shutter speed capabilities of the camera?
The Minolta V3 boasts a shutter speed range from 1/3000th of a second to 1 second, along with a bulb setting for long exposures. Shutter speed options affect the available aperture settings.