Difference between revisions of "Minolta Sky"
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The '''[[Minolta]] Sky''' was an advanced 35mm rangefinder prototype, and as such only the one hundred or so pre-production units were finished. It is believed that all of these units were presented to Minolta executives and employees. The name '''Sky''' stands for '''S'''hashin '''K'''ikai '''Y'''arikake, or "photographic instrument in progress", as in 'prototype camera'. | The '''[[Minolta]] Sky''' was an advanced 35mm rangefinder prototype, and as such only the one hundred or so pre-production units were finished. It is believed that all of these units were presented to Minolta executives and employees. The name '''Sky''' stands for '''S'''hashin '''K'''ikai '''Y'''arikake, or "photographic instrument in progress", as in 'prototype camera'. | ||
| − | There is a huge technological gap between the [[Minolta 35]] | + | There is a huge technological gap between the [[Minolta 35]] series and the Sky, with its similarities to the Leica M series. Development of the Sky started in 1953-1954. In March 1957 the working prototypes were presented, featuring: |
* focal plane shutter from 1s to 1/1000s | * focal plane shutter from 1s to 1/1000s | ||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
In appearance, the Sky resembled the later Minolta A3. | In appearance, the Sky resembled the later Minolta A3. | ||
| − | Also in March 1957, Minolta brought out the [[Minolta Super A]], an advanced interchangable-lens bayonet-mount system-camera design that paralleled the Sky. Minolta's | + | Also in March 1957, Minolta brought out the [[Minolta Super A]], an advanced interchangable-lens bayonet-mount system-camera design that paralleled the Sky. Minolta's 35 series would continue until the final release of the 35 Model-IIB in 1958. |
== Lenses for the Minolta Sky == | == Lenses for the Minolta Sky == | ||
| − | Several lenses were planned (10 in total), including a 50mm 1:1.4 normal lens, a 21mm 1:4 super wide angle lens, a 25mm 1:3.5 | + | Several lenses were planned (10 in total), including a 50mm 1:1.4 normal lens, a 21mm 1:4 super wide angle lens, a 25mm 1:3.5 wide angle lens, a 135mm 1:2.8 moderate telephoto lens and a 250mm 1:4 telephoto lens. |
The camera system never made it to mass production, since by the time the prototypes were completed in 1957 Minolta was already focusing on interchangeable lens SLR rather than interchangeable lens rangefinders (the Minolta SR-2 was released in August 1958). | The camera system never made it to mass production, since by the time the prototypes were completed in 1957 Minolta was already focusing on interchangeable lens SLR rather than interchangeable lens rangefinders (the Minolta SR-2 was released in August 1958). | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
| − | * Francesch, Dominique and Jean-Paul. Histoire de l'appareil photographique Minolta de 1929 à 1985. Paris: Dessain et Tolra, 1985. ISBN 2-249-27685-4. | + | * Francesch, Dominique and Jean-Paul. Histoire de l'appareil photographique Minolta de 1929 à 1985. Paris: Dessain et Tolra, 1985. <nowiki>ISBN</nowiki> 2-249-27685-4. |
* Minolta Mirror Magazine, 1981 issue. ''Questions & Answers'' page 127. No ISBN number. | * Minolta Mirror Magazine, 1981 issue. ''Questions & Answers'' page 127. No ISBN number. | ||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
| − | * Replica of a black Minolta Sky, created from a [[Yashica YF]and[ | + | * Replica of a black Minolta Sky, created from a [[Yashica YF]] and [[Minolta SR-7]], in [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331142246/http://www.geocities.jp/mikai2113/no5.0709.html this page] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20181105104928/http://www.geocities.jp/mikai2113/image/1070137.jpg this page] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20190218060253/http://www.geocities.jp/mikai2113/ Motosenbankō's site] (archived) (some pictures show the real Minolta Sky exposed at the JCII museum) |
[[Category: Japanese 35mm rangefinder]] | [[Category: Japanese 35mm rangefinder]] | ||
| − | [[Category: Minolta]] | + | [[Category: Minolta|Sky]] |
[[Category: M]] | [[Category: M]] | ||
| − | [[Category: S|Sky]] | + | [[Category: S|Sky Minolta]] |
Latest revision as of 07:20, 17 January 2022
Minolta Sky
The Minolta Sky was an advanced 35mm rangefinder prototype, and as such only the one hundred or so pre-production units were finished. It is believed that all of these units were presented to Minolta executives and employees. The name Sky stands for Shashin Kikai Yarikake, or "photographic instrument in progress", as in 'prototype camera'.
There is a huge technological gap between the Minolta 35 series and the Sky, with its similarities to the Leica M series. Development of the Sky started in 1953-1954. In March 1957 the working prototypes were presented, featuring:
- focal plane shutter from 1s to 1/1000s
- single shutter speed dial
- it was possible to use speed dial and self-timer in conjunction, and obtain speeds down to 15s
- separate X and FP flash synch ports
- automatic frames for 50mm, 90mm and 135mm
- parallax correction
- quick-release bayonet lens mount with push-button release
- tucked-away rewind handle, not a button rewind
In appearance, the Sky resembled the later Minolta A3.
Also in March 1957, Minolta brought out the Minolta Super A, an advanced interchangable-lens bayonet-mount system-camera design that paralleled the Sky. Minolta's 35 series would continue until the final release of the 35 Model-IIB in 1958.
Lenses for the Minolta Sky
Several lenses were planned (10 in total), including a 50mm 1:1.4 normal lens, a 21mm 1:4 super wide angle lens, a 25mm 1:3.5 wide angle lens, a 135mm 1:2.8 moderate telephoto lens and a 250mm 1:4 telephoto lens.
The camera system never made it to mass production, since by the time the prototypes were completed in 1957 Minolta was already focusing on interchangeable lens SLR rather than interchangeable lens rangefinders (the Minolta SR-2 was released in August 1958).
References
- Francesch, Dominique and Jean-Paul. Histoire de l'appareil photographique Minolta de 1929 à 1985. Paris: Dessain et Tolra, 1985. ISBN 2-249-27685-4.
- Minolta Mirror Magazine, 1981 issue. Questions & Answers page 127. No ISBN number.
Links
- Replica of a black Minolta Sky, created from a Yashica YF and Minolta SR-7, in this page and this page at Motosenbankō's site (archived) (some pictures show the real Minolta Sky exposed at the JCII museum)
