Minolta Disc-7

Disc-7 image by Tony Kemplen (Image rights)

The Minolta Disc-7 was one of the better cameras designed for disc film. In common with other disc cameras, the Minolta had a flat, compact design, but a limited range of photographic features. The lens was fixed-focus, although it had a macro mode, and there were just two shutter speeds.

The Disc-7 had one remarkable feature which stood it apart from other disc cameras. In the center of the front plate was a small convex mirror, which could be used by the photographer to compose a self-portrait. The tiltable, telescoping carrying strap was used as a focusing aid, as its length corresponded with the optimal focus distance of the macro lens - a similar focusing system was later used by Olympus for the Olympus XA4 Macro.

Specs

• Type: compact camera
• Manufacturer: Minolta
• Year of release: 1983
• Films: disc film with speed 200 ASA
• Lens: 1:2.8/12.5mm
• Shutter: speeds 1/100 and 1/200 sec.
• Aperture: CdS-controlled
• Self-timer: with control LED
• Flash: guide number 9
• Weight: 200g
• dimensions: 129.5×78×21mm
• Power: lithium batteries which have to be replaced by the manufacturer

Courrèges version

The Minolta ac 301 Courrèges was designed in conjunction with French fashion house André Courrèges.[1] It carried the Courrèges logo, with a cream-white front, a gold-coloured frame, and an attractive soft case. A similar exercise was carried out with the Minolta Disc-5, which became the Minolta ac 101 Courrèges.

Courrèges ac 301 image by Mikel Adell (Image rights)

Courrèges ac 301 image by Steve Harwood (Image rights)

Links

• Minolta Disc 7 on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand