Minolta 35

Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko, later to be called Minolta, was relatively late to start making a Leica based 35mm rangefinder camera. The first was produced in 1947 and was called the Minolta 35. Up until then, Chiyoda had specialized in medium format rollfilm cameras (such as the Semi Minolta). Eventually, Minolta would even cooperate with Leitz to build rangefinder cameras, such as the Leitz Minolta CL.

The Minolta 35 appeared similar to the Leica III with which it shared a common M39 LSM interchangable lens mount. The Minolta 35 featured a horizontal cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds T, B, 1sec to 1/500sec, separate shutterspeed dials with a front dial setting speeds below 1/35sec and a knob advance. It pioneered some features beyond its German contemporary in that it had a combined rangefinder/viewfinder window and a self-timer. Its integral film take-up spool and hinged back door enabled easier film loading than on the Leica.

Minolta 35 model B or C

The Minolta 35 was manufactured from 1947 to 1958. There were nine significant variations during this period. The early Minolta 35 underwent ongoing development from model A to D, and these versions are hard to tell from another since the model names are not marked on the camera and their four-digit serial numbers were continuous through these early versions. From the model E on, the model names were engraved on the frontplate of the camera, and each later generation started with a separate serial number range.

Minolta 35 Model A

The model A can be confirmed by measuring its 24×32mm shutter mask opening in the film chamber. Its standard lens was the coupled coated 45mm f2.8 Super Rokkor lens, Tessar type 5 elements in 3 groups. This lens had enough coverage for this Nippon format, but not for the full 24×36mm standard format. Additional coupled interchangeable lenses developed for the Minolta 35 included:

• 35mm f3.5 Super Rokkor wide angle lens
• 85mm f2.8 Super Rokkor portrait lens
• 110mm f5.6 Tele Rokkor short telephoto lens
• 135mm f4 Tele Rokkor telephoto lens

Variations
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 from serial number 800 or 900. Another change that needs to be mentioned is the disappearance of the slow speeds lock on later models.

Minolta 35 Model B

The surest way to tell model B from model A is by checking the shutter mask opening, developed to 24×33mm. The logo engraving in the top cover 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 may have CPO marking on the winding knob (two variations are known: Latin alphabet or Japanese alphabet).

Minolta 35 Model C

Again, the best way to tell model C from model B is the format, which has lengthened slightly to 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. The rangefinder base is 40mm. The magnification of the finder being 0.7, the effective rangefinder base is 28mm.

Some model C may retain CPO marking on the winding knob.

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 an indent into the front plate (below the lens) due to the addition of a focusing tab on the 45mm f2.8 standard lens.

The format of model D transitions between 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 sync plug on the right side of the finder.

Minolta 35 Model F

The only difference from model E is the 1, 2, 3 marking of the self timer.

Minolta 35 Model II

The main difference is the opening of the hinged back: on models A through F, a small button in the bottom plate is pressed to open the back, whereas on model II, there is a circular latch with 'Open' and 'Close' engraving. Image size is finally at 24×36mm.

Two new standard lenses, a 50 mm f 2.8 Super Rokkor, 5 elements in 3 groups, and a 50mm f2 Super Rokkor, 7 elements in 6 groups, were developed for the model II.

Model II type a
This model is very similar to model F. 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 sync 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 sync 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 advance winding lever (instead of a 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). Image size is 24×36mm.

A faster 50mm f1.8 Super Rokkor standard lens, 6 elements in 5 groups, became available for the model IIB.

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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