Minolta Hi-Matic E compact 35mm rangefinder camera feat. 40mm F1.7 Rokkor lens (serial 328710)

The Minolta Hi-Matic E is a compact 35mm rangefinder featuring a sharp and fast Rokkor 40mm f1.7 lens.

We've found the compact Hi-Matic 'Electro Control' series of autoexposure rangefinders like this E are nearly as easy to use as point-and-shoots, but in our experiences, will give you a higher percentage of 'keeper' photos (a rangefinder can't be 'fooled' like a point-and-shoot's autofocus).

The Hi-Matic E and its smaller lower-end sibling the Hi-Matic F were given rave reviews in the October 1972 issue of Popular Mechanics, read it here.

This Hi-Matic E requires two 357 silver oxide batteries (optional). The camera originally used mercury cells but in our testing the silver oxide batteries provide accurate exposures (error less than 1 stop from EV9 to EV15 at ISO 100). 

Condition notes

This camera was film-tested and gave sharp, correctly exposed photos. The camera is in very good functional and cosmetic condition (see photos).

Manual
https://www.butkus.org/chinon/minolta/minolta_hi-matic_e/minolta_hi-matic_e.htm

Specifications

• Lens: Rokkor 40mm F1.7, 6 elements in 4 groups, 57° angle of view, 49mm screw-in lens-shade and filter mount
• Shutter: Seiko electronic type programmed for E exposure from 1/1000 sec. at F11 to 2 sec. at F1.7 (i. e., EV 17 to EV 0.5 with a film speed of ASA 100), X-synchronized at 1/20 sec. (when flash circuit on) self-timer for approx.10 sec. delay
• Exposure meter: CdS type, coupled EE range EV 0.5 to EV 17 with a film speed of ASA 100; film speed range ASA 25 to 500; automatic compensation when filter(s) used; powered by 2 mercury batteries, i.e., Mallory RM-640, Eveready E-640, or equivalent
• Auto-flashmatic system: Flash circuit for X-synchronized exposures at 1/20 sec. automatically switches on at programmed 1/30 sec. at F1.7 (i.e., EV 6.5 with ASA 100) if flash is attached, and aperture couples to focusing and guide-number setting rings, providing automatic exposure adjustment throughout the flash range
• Flash connections: Both cordless "hot-shoe" and standard European-type terminal contacts are provided
• Focusing: Direct helicoid type, with coupled superimposed-image rangefinder; minimum focusing distance 0.8m (2.6 ft.)
• Viewfinder: Tinted bright-frame type with automatic parallax correction, E indicator lamp and flashmatic signal visible while viewing
• Film advance: Lever type with single 140° stroke after 30° unengaged play
• Frame counter: Automatic resetting type, shows number of frames exposed
• Frame size: 24mm x36mm for 12, 20, or 36 exposures on standard 35mm film
• Size and weight: Height 77mm (3 in.) × width 124mm (4⅞ in.) × 60mm (2⅜ in.) from front of lens barrel to back; weight without batteries 560g (19.7 oz.)
• Other: Battery check lamp located atop camera body, auto/manual flash selection switch, simplified guide-number setting that couples with film speed, automatic shutter lock when battery power insufficient