Minolta AF-E

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In 1984 Minolta presented its fully automatic compact camera Minolta AF-E. In Minolta's 1984 line-up (consisting of the AF-C, AF-S and AF-Sv), it was the "people's camera", with easy loading, automatic flash and a less advanced 1:3.5 f=35mm lens, focused by an active infrared autofocus system. It used DX-coded 35mm film with speeds ISO 100 to 1000. It had automatic exposure and automatic motorized film transport with a mechanical automatic frame counter. The built-in flash was activated automatically in low-light situations by the photo-diode-controlled exposure system. The camera had a reverse Galilean bright frame viewfinder.

Though looking dated now, the AF-E received Japan's "Good Design Award". A limited edition in silver with black accents was also released.

Besides the normal black and the limited edition there are 3 known designs by André Courrèges, a french fashion designer who had also designed 5 versions of the Minolta Disc cameras. These are a pink, a blue and a silver variant, all three models are known to be very rare. Quartz-date models of all versions were also available, these have a date imprinting function.

Maginon offered a TW35 accessory optics set for this model, including an auxiliary wide-angle and telephoto adapter. The modules included add-on optics for lens, viewfinder and autofocus.

Specifications

  • Lens: 35 mm ƒ/3,5 (4 elements/4 groups). Built-in lens cover.
  • Focus: Active autofocus, 0,65 m to infinity.
  • Exposure: Programmed exposure from EV 9 to EV 16,2.
  • Film speed: Supports DX coded films ISO 100–1000, manual settings for ISO 100/200/400.
  • Film transport: Automatic loading, advance and rewind.
  • Finder: Bright frame finder. Flash ready light.
  • Flash: Built-in, max range at ISO 100 3,60 m. Automatically activated.
  • Power: 2 x AA battery.
  • Dimensions: 131x65,5x45,5 mm.
  • Weight: 245 g.

Links

Gallery

Minolta AF-E
images by Uwe Kulick (Image rights)


AF-E versions
images by René Maly (Image rights)