The Minolta Zoom 130C is a snapshot camera. It was built by Minolta from 2003 to 2007. After the merger of Minolta and Konica, the model was sold as “Konica Minolta Zoom 130C”. Additionally, there was the “Minolta Zoom 130C Date”, which could imprint the shooting time into the pictures. The camera was built in a factory in China.
The lens of the 35 mm camera is fixed. 38 mm to 130 mm is the zoom range of the lens. The largest aperture of the camera is f/5.4 (38 mm) and f/12.5 (130 mm) respectively. The 35mm camera has autofocus. The closest focusing distance of this lens is 70 cm at 38 mm. At the telephoto setting, you have to stay at least 80 cm away from the subject. Zooming is done with a toggle switch on the top of the camera.
For shooting, the Minolta Zoom 130C has a light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 3200. The film speed is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge. If there is no code on the cartridge, ISO 25 is set, this cannot be changed. A bit annoying, since ISO 100 is usually the standard otherwise.
Exposure settings are automatically controlled and set by the 35mm photo camera. A flash is built in for low light pictures. The flash comes with automatic red-eye prevention on the pictures. For backlit shots, the flash can be switched to fill-flash mode. Additionally, there is a mode for flash shots at night and the flash can be turned off completely, for example for landscape shots. The flash range is up to 5.3 meters at ISO 100 in wide-angle.
The camera has a self-timer and a tripod thread on the bottom. A hand strap can be attached to a special eyelet. The dimensions of the camera body are 11.4 x 6.2 x 4.6 cm. At the same time, it weighs 195 grams. The power source of the Minolta Zoom 130C is a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still easy to get.
Films for the Minolta Zoom 130C
Exposures are made in the Minolta Zoom 130C cartridges with 35mm film. Film advance is automatic. After each frame, the camera winds to the next free frame. The current frame count is shown on a display on the top. When the film stock is full, the film is wound back into the cartridge. The back of the camera may then be opened and the film removed.
35 mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the Minolta Zoom 130C are the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford XP2 Super*. Both films produce solid results with the camera.
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 - 130 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/5.4 |
| Minimum focus distance | 70 cm / 2.296 ft |
| Zoom function | Yes |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 4 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 4 seconds |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0,7 to 5,3 Meter / 2.3 to 17.39 Feet |
| Flash modes | Fill-in flash, Red-eye reduction |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x CR123A battery |
| Size | 11,4 x 6,2 x 4,6 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.49 x 2.44 x 1.81 inches |
| Weight | 195 Grams |
| Country of production | China |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Production duration | 4 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 71,68 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 13 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 60,81 Euro (64.94 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 59,48 Euro (63.86 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 63,98 Euro (68.19 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Zoom 130C
What kind of film does this point-and-shoot camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film cartridges. The camera automatically advances the film after each shot and rewinds it when the roll is finished. You can then open the back and remove the film for developing.
How is the zoom on the Minolta Zoom 130C controlled?
Zooming is done using a rocker switch located on the top of the camera. The lens has a zoom range of 38mm to 130mm, offering versatility for various shooting situations.
Does this camera have an automatic flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with red-eye reduction. You can also use it in fill-flash mode for backlit subjects, a night mode, or turn it off completely.
What's the closest I can get to a subject when taking a picture?
The minimum focusing distance depends on the zoom setting. At the widest angle (38mm), it's 70cm, while at the telephoto setting (130mm), you need at least 80cm of distance.
What type of battery does the compact camera need?
The Minolta Zoom 130C uses a CR123A battery. This battery type is still readily available, making it easy to find replacements.