Minolta 35
Chiyoda Kogaku, later to be called Minolta, was relatively late to start making a Leica based 35mm rangefinder. The first was produced in 1947[1] and was called the Minolta 35. Up until then, Chiyoda had specialised in rollfilm cameras (such as the Semi Minolta). Eventually, Minolta would even cooperate with Leitz to build rangefinder cameras, such as the Leitz Minolta CL.
Minolta 35 were manufactured from 1947 to 1958. There are 9 significant variations during this period. Model A to D are quite hard to tell from another (see description below) since the model name is not engraved on the camera. From model E on, model name is engraved on the frontplate of the camera.
Contents
Minolta 35 Model A
The first Minolta 35 was similar to the Leica III with which it shared a common lens mount. The Minolta took 24×32 mm pictures on 135 film. Its Rokkor 45mm standard lens has enough coverage for this[2] so called Nippon format, but not for the full 24×36mm. Obviously, this makes lens exchangability with the screw-mount Leica a one-way street.
From a users point-of-view however, the Minolta had some advantages over its German contemporary:
The Minolta 35 has a combined rangefinder/viewfinder window, and a self-timer. The Minolta's hinged back door enables quicker film loading than on a camera where the back has to be taken off entirely.
The 24×32mm format is the best way to recognise a Minolta 35 model A. The company name engraved on the top plate is Chiyoda Kogaku, Osaka.
variations
This camera was not made in large numbers, probably less than 1000. Later models in this series have a slightly different set of slower speeds: 1, 2, 4, 8, 25 in stead of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25. The change is said to have taken place at number 0800[3] or 0900[4]. Another change that need to be mentionned is the disappearance of the slow speeds lock on later models.
Minolta 35 Model B
The best way to tell model B from model A is the format: it is now 24×33mm. The company name has changed to C.K.S. (Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko). Slow speeds read from front of the camera (i.e. when one is facing the camera).
Some model B can have CPO marking on the winding knob.
The format of model B can be 24×32mm (earlier models) or 24×33mm.
Minolta 35 Model C
Again, the best way to tell model C from model B is the format: it is now 24×33.5mm. On earlier models, slow speeds read exactly the same as in model B. However, on most model C, slow speeds from upside the camera (i.e. when one is holding the camera, as if taking a picture), but some model B are known to have this feature too.
Some model B can have CPO marking on the winding knob (two variations are know: Latin alphabet or Japanese alphabet).
The rangefinder base is 40mm. The magnification of the finder being 0.7, the effective rangefinder base is 28mm.
Minolta 35 Model D
Small cosmetic changes: model D has strap lugs, the rewind lever is now located under the winding knob, and there is a cut-out on the front plate (below the lens) due to the addition of a focusing tab on the 45mm 1:2.8 standard lens.
The format of model D can be 24×33.5mm (earlier models) or 24×34.5mm.
Minolta 35 Model E
Model E is now engraved on the front plate of the camera. The format is now 24×34.5mm. The main differences with model D are: the addition of a diopter adjustment on the finder, and the addition of a flash synch plug on the right side of the finder.
Minolta 35 Model F
The only difference with model E is the 1, 2, 3 marking of the self timer.
Minolta 35 Model II
Model II type a
This model is very similar to model F. One of the main difference is the opening of the hinged back: on model F (and previous model), one has to press a button to open the back, whereas on model II, there is a circular latch with 'Open' and 'Close' engraving.
There are variations amid model IIa: there are two different type of backs (not compatible), one with a squared, smooth pressure plate, the other one with a larger, rectangular black pressure plate. At some point in time, the synch speed X was added between speeds 8 and 25.
Model II type b
There are a lot of cosmetic differences with model II type a, however the inside of the camera is all the same (rectangular, black pressure plate, X synch speed on slow speeds dial).
The overall shape of the camera is more angular.
Compare model II type a and model II type b to see cosmetic changes.
Not to be confused with Model IIB.
Minolta 35 Model IIB
Not to be confused with Model II type b.
There are cosmetic changes as well as technical changes. The camera looks different, and has some parts paint in black: top of the winding knob and both speed dials. One of the main change is the addition of a cocking lever (instead of the knob). The other change is the magnification of the finder: it is now 0.8, and the effective rangefinder base is therefore 32mm (compared to 0.7 and 28mm on previous models).
- ↑ Canon already made Leica-style rangefinders in 1933.
- ↑ article in Photo Deal II/2007 p17.
- ↑ article in Photo Deal II/2007 p17.
- ↑ http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/minolta.htm
Links
- Features of Minolta 35 mm rangefinder cameras at the Antique and Classic Camera Web Site.
- Minolta rangefinders at Minman
- Early Minolta 35 Model 1a [1].
- Model B, Model C, Model E, Model F, Model II type a and Model II type b on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
