Minolta Uniomat

In 1960 Chiyoda launched its Minolta Uniomat series of rangefinder cameras with coupled match-needle selenium meter. The fast leaf shutter was possible by Chiyoda's strategy to allow just certain aperture/shutter-speed combinations. Thus the shutter doesn't need to be opened fully when a fast speed is set.

the original model of 1960

specifications

• Type: rangefinder camera
• Manufacturer: Chiyoda Kogaku
• Year of launch: 1960
• Film: 35mm with speeds 6 to 1600 ASA
• Lens: Rokkor 1:2.8/45mm, 4 elements
• Shutter: leaf shutter with speeds from 1/8 sec. to 1/1000 sec., X and M flash synchronization, "program shutter"
• Meter: coupled match-needle selenium meter, instrument window on top, coupling mechanism sets combination of aperture and speed
• Viewfinder: bright rame finder with superimposed coupled rangefinder
• Film advance: advance lever in camera back
• Dimensions: 137×80×73mm
• Weight: 710 g