Minolta Hi-Matic AF 35mm camera (serial 575193)
Minolta Hi-Matic AF 35mm camera (serial 575193)
The Minolta Hi-Matic AF is a classic 35mm point-and-shoot from 1979. It features a very sharp 38mm f2.8 lens, autofocus, an integrated flash (which only fires when you want it to), and manual crank winding (which helps give it very good battery life for a compact camera). The camera is powered by 2 ordinary AA batteries (not included).
The Minolta Hi-Matic AF is functionally nearly identical to its better known successor, the Hi-Matic AF2.
The main differences:
- the original AF has a focus lock button where the AF2 locks focus via a half press of the shutter.
- the AF also lacks the (sometimes annoying) beeping noises of the AF2 (which are designed to warn if you are attempting to focus on an object too closely or use the flash out of range).
- the AF2 supports ISO 25- 1000 film, the AF supports ISO 25-400
Note: It's a very easy camera to use but one function sometimes confuses new users: when you first load the film (and before you take your first photo), you need to crank the film advance lever repeatedly until it locks and the number 1 appears in frame counter window.
Condition notes
The camera (serial number 575193) is in very good cosmetic condition (see photos) and is working correctly. The most noteworthy flaw is that the distance symbols/icons in the viewfinder are faded (you can look at the silkscreen on the film door as a reminder of the distance symbols; this doesn't affect photos. This camera was tested with film and gave excellent results. In addition, we verified the camera's film plane focus with an autocollimator and we confirmed the auto-exposure accuracy using a calibrated light and a shutter tester. The camera's light seals were replaced.
Manual
https://www.manualslib.com/download/1049482/Minolta-Hi-Matic-Af.html
Specifications
- Type: Auto-focus 35mm camera with automatic exposure control, electronic
- shutter and built-in flash
- Lens: Minolta 38mm f/2.8, 4 elements in 3 groups, 59° angle of view; filter mount: 46mm
- Frame size: 24mm×36mm
- Focusing: Auto-focus type 1m (3.3 ft.) to infinity, with focus lock
- Shutter: Behind the lens electronic type programmed for AE exposure from EV 6 (1/8 sec. at f/2.8) to EV 17 (1/430 sec. at f/17) X-sync. at 1/40 sec.; self-timer for approx. 10 sec.
- Exposure system: CdS type, coupled AE range EV 6 to EV 17; film speed range ASA 25 to 400; automatic compensation when filters used; lowlight warning signal lights when the exposure is under EV8.5 (1/45 sec. at f/2.8)
- Viewfinder: Bright-frame type with parallax-correction marks and LED indication of focus setting when shutter released, flash-ready signal, low-light warning signal, focus area symbols
- Power: Two 1.5V AA-size (penlight) alkaline, sealed carbon-zinc, or 1.2V nickel cadmium cells for A exposure system, automatic-focus system, indicator lights, and flash operation
- Flash system: Built-in, pop-up flash automatically turns on and engages flashmatic system which sets shutter for X-sync. exposures at 1/40 sec.; aperture coupled to Auto-Focus system providing automatic exposure and adjustment throughout the flash range.
- Flash range: ASA/ISO | Flash range
- ISO 25 | 2.5m (3.3- 8 ft.)
- ISO 64 | 4m (3.3- 13ft.)
- ISO 100 | 4.5m (3.3- 15ft.)
- ISO 400 | 5m (3.3- 16ft.)
- Number of flashes per set of batteries:* Up to 250 with alkaline cells; up to 110 with Ni-Cd cells; up to 60 with sealed carbon-zinc cells
- Minimum recycle time:* Approx. 5 sec. with fresh alkaline or Ni-Cd cells; approx. 7 sec. with sealed carbon-zinc cells
- *As determined by Minolta's standard testing method
- Flash color temperature: Balanced for daylight-type color film
- Film advance: Lever type with single 140° stroke after 30° unengaged movement, advancing-type film counter and Safe Load Signal that indicates film loading and advancing condition
- Frame size: 24mmx 36mm
- Size: 55mmx 76mmx 134mm (2-3/16 x 3 x 5-1/4 in.)
- Weight: 350g (12-3/8oz.) without batteries
- Other: Automatic shutter lock when battery power insufficient, flash-range table on camera back, focus-lock switch, eyepiece corrector can be attached