Subminiature Camaras
Camera Museum - Subminiature Cameras
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This category encompasses several formats that are narrower that 35mm film. Often these formats are called subminiature since 35mm was originally called a miniature format compared to medium format films. 110 cameras were the new "instamatic" cameras starting in the 1970s drawing from the 126 market. 110 cameras were "new and improved" because they were small and slender taking very narrow 110 film cartridges similar to the prior 16mm film cartridges used in Minolta 16 Model P below. Like 126 film cartridges, the 110 cartridges were easy to load. Many 110 cameras had advanced features such as dual focal length lenses (tele and wide or normal) and built in electronic flash. 110 cameras also had a rectangular format allowing vertical or horizontal oriented photos (i.e. "portrait" or "landscape"). Unfortunately, the film size was too small for clear photos, especially clear enlargements. A 110 frame dimensions are 17mm x 13mm for an area of 221 square mm. 126 frame dimensions are 28mm x 28mm for an area of 784 square mm; over 3.5 times larger than the 110 frame area. 35mm frame dimensions are 24mm x 36mm for an area of 936 square mm, or 4.2 times that of 110 film. The development of 110 cameras therefore appears to have been primarily a marketing, rather than a technical, decision. The later disc cameras had even a smaller film area with dimensions of 10mm x 8mm = 80 square mm, about a third of the area of 110 film and a tenth of the area of 126 film. Disc cameras had a relatively short life.

A final subminiature film format is the Advanced Photo System (APS) format. Kodak explains that in late 1991 Kodak, Fuji, Canon, Minolta and Nikon began a cooperative research and development venture for a new photo system. The system was announced in late 1995 and early 1996. The APS frame size is 16.7mm x 30.2mm or 504.34 square mm or 54% that of 35mm film. Easy loading was still a key marketing point for beginning users. APS film is in a closed container that drops into the camera. The film container can be removed mid roll and re-inserted later allowing users to change to a different ISO film in mid-roll. APS film also has a magnetic strip for recording exposure information, date and time. This information can be used in later processing and printing of the film. This allows three different aspect ratios- the normal or H setting (for HDTV) of 16.7mm x 30.2mm, the C (Classic) setting with a 2:3 aspect ratio and 16.7mm wide, and the P (Panoramic) setting with a 1:3 aspect ratio and 30.2mm long. The frame area is always 16.7mm X 30.2mm, however, and the C and P aspect ratios are achieved by cropping during processing. The length of the C format must be 25.05mm using the proportion 16.7/x =2/3. The width of the P format must be 10.1mm using the proportion 1/3=x/30.2. The film area for the C format would hence be 25.05mm x 16.7mm equaling 418 square mm or 45% that of 35mm film. The film area of the P format would be 30.2mm x 10.1mm equaling 305.02 square mm or 33% that of 35mm film. Kodak explains that print quality meets consumer expectations through better film emulsions and better data available for photo processing as a result of the data recorded on the magnetic strip. It is interesting to note that the film area is roughly equal to that of 35mm half frame cameras such as the Olympus Pen or Canon Demi popular in the 1960s which typically have a frame size of 18mm x 24mm for an area of 432 square mm. (See subclub.org.) APS cameras are less frequently found on the store shelves today with the rapid rise of digital cameras which occurred during the same time frame as the development of APS. For example, one of the earliest consumer digital cameras, the Apple QuickTake 100 made by Kodak, started to be developed in 1992 and was first sold in 1994, a year prior to the introduction of APS cameras. (Wikipedia.)

Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Canon

[Canon Elph 260z]
Large Image, back
Canon Elph 260z (Marketed July 1997) Also known as the Z60 IX (Europe) and IXY 25 (Japan), this is a viewfinder, autofocus, APS camera, with 2X, 30-60mm, f/4-7.8 lens (7 elements in 7 groups) with power zoom lever. Canon Camera Museum describes it as a camera for beginners. That site has complete specifications. I could not find the original purchase price in dollars. The Canon Museum states that the original price in Yen was 33,000 Yen. By comparison, the original price of the Canon Elph 370z below was nearly twice as much at 60,000 Yen. The manual is online at manualslib.com. Robert D. Bruce has a photo of one he completely took apart. He states: "Out of the 40 or so cameras I've disassembled so far, this one seemed to be the best engineered. It's amazing to me how Canon packed such a large number of parts into such a small space." Cameras, whether old or new, mechanical or electronic, are indeed pretty amazing! I assume I got this camera at a garage sale many years ago, perhaps with the Elph 370z below since they were stored together. It is in good cosmetic condition. The plastic cover over the LCD screen on top is cracked. It comes with the original box and manual. I have not tested it since I don't have a CR2 battery handy.
[Canon Elph 370z]
Large Image, back
Canon Elph 370z (Marketed March 1998) Also known as the IXUS Z70 (Europe) and IXY 330 (Japan), this is a viewfinder, autofocus, APS camera, with 3X, 23-69mm, f4.5-9.9 lens. Price in July 1999 Popular Photography Tri State Camera ad at page 204 was $249.95 or about $445 in December 2022 dollars. My camera came in the original box with the manual and a leather (like?) case. It is in very good cosmetic condition although the top LCD has some brown internal staining. I'm guessing it works, although I don't have a CR2 battery handy to test it. I assume I got it at a garage sale many years ago. Further information is available at Camerapedia and Canon Camera Museum. The instruction manual is available at butkus.org. Compact digital cameras would soon overtake the market for APS film cameras.
[Canon EOS IX Lite]
Large Image, back
Canon EOS IX Lite (Marketed March 1998) Canon had two Advanced Photo System (APS) single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. The first was the more sophisticated Canon EOS IX marketed October 1996 according to the Canon Camera Museum. The second was this EOS IX Lite, a more introductory model but with most of the features one would want in a SLR in a small, light (360 grams) package. Both took Canon EOS lenses. With an LCD information screen on the back, it in some ways foreshadows the coming wave of digital SLRs their LCD screens displaying the actual image. It is also similar in many ways to the Canon EOS 2000 lightweight 35mm SLR which was introduced in April 1999 and which I bought new shortly thereafter. My Canon EOS IX Lite is in new condition. It may have never been used. I think I probably got it at a garage or estate sale many years ago. It comes with the original box but was missing the 22-55mm f4-5.6 USM kit lens that originally would have come in the box. The camera has a built-in flash. I have not used the camera. I assume it works but have not tested it. It seems like a wonderful little camera that really wasn't needed and came at the wrong time. While APS offered some conveniences, 35mm film had an image size that was nearly twice as large. Processing of APS film was often more expensive. 35mm cameras like the EOS 2000 were about the same size as the EOS IX Lite. Finally, digital cameras were emerging by the time of the introduction of EOS IX Lite. The Canon Digital Rebel would be introduced by September 2003. Today the camera is essentially unusable since APS film is no longer available, while 35mm film is still available.
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Kodak

[Kodak Tele-Instamatic 608]
Kodak Tele-Instamatic 608 (1975) 25mm (f11) and 43mm (f11) lenses. Additional information at subclub.org.
[Kodak Tele-Instamatic 608 box cover]
Kodak Tele-Instamatic 608, box cover very clearly from the 1970s.



[Kodak Pocket Instamatic 10]



Kodak Pocket Instamatic 10 (1973) 25mm f11 fixed focus lens. Fixed shutter speed of 1/90 second, and 1/45 second for flash using magic cubes. Exposure not adjustible. No batteries. I think purchased at a garage sale in the Fall of 2005 for $5 with many other things including two Minolta cameras, three tripods, etc. In excellent cosmetic and operating condition. (There isn't much to go wrong!)

[Kodak Disc 6000]
Kodak Disc 6000, sold from 1982 to 1984, takes HR-disc film (as opposed to VR disc film), list price $90 (Kodak History Site). This belonged to my parents.

[Kodak Disc 4000]
Large Image
Kodak Disc 4000 (1982) One of the original Kodak Disc Camera models. In the United States this was the base model followed by the Disc 6000 and the Disc 8000. (Ollinger's Camera Collection.) All three cameras have a 12.5mm f2.8 fixed focus four element lens and use Kodak HR disc film with fifteen 8 × 10.5mm exposures. (Camera-Wiki.) The manual is available at manualzz.com. It has a built-in Lithium battery designed to last at least five years. It is not designed to be replaced by the user. With the fixed focus lens you should be at least 4 feet from the subject. For all the hype about how advanced disc cameras were, the Kodak Disc 4000 is a essentially a small fixed focus box camera with an electronic flash. Mike Eckman (November 17, 2022) has an excellent detailed discussion of the rollout of Kodak Disc cameras including copies of several articles from 1982. In order to keep the film perfectly flat, the disc cameras used rigid 7 mil thick Estar base film used in 4 x 5 and 8 x 10 sheet films. Earlier 126 and 110 film formats suffered in image quality since they did not have film plates to keep the film flat. Kodak also introduced new HR films with smaller grain. Eckman states: "Each of the three cameras [Disc 4000, 6000, 8000] had a retail price of $67.95, $89.95, and $142.95. A 15-exposure pack of the film itself would carry a retail price of $3.19 with a two pack option for $5.90. When adjusted for inflation, each of these prices compare to $210, $280, $440, just under $10, and just over $18 today." In the 1984-85 Sears Camera Catalog at page 28 you could get Kodak 15-exposure disc film with pre-paid Sears processing for $6.99, or about $20 in March 2023 dollars. That's about 47 cents per print in 1985 or about $1.33 per print in March 2023 dollars. The negative was about 1/10 the size of a 35mm negative. The disc camera were therefore generally suitable for only small prints. This, combined with compact autofocus 35mm cameras becoming less expensive and easier to load, lead to decreased sales of disc cameras. Kodak ceased manufacturing disc cameras in 1988. I don't recall where I got my Kodak Disc 4000. It is in good cosmetic condition. I can't test it because as I write this on April 20, 2023 I am past the five year life of the battery and further do not have film.
[Fisher Price 810 Camera by Kodak]
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Fisher Price 810 Camera by Kodak (1984-1987) Instamatic 110 camera manufactured in the U.S.A. by Kodak for Fisher Price Toys. (Fisher Price - Camera-Wiki.) The Strong National Museum of Art shows an original box with the tag line, "A real camera just for kids." The inside of the box read: "Give your child a Fisher-Price Camera and watch what happens. With the Fisher-Price Camera, children can be creative in an exciting way. They can explore their young world and quickly capture memories and impressions. Best of all, it's a wonderful way for you to see the world through your child's eyes. Designed by Fisher Price. *Durable and easy to use *Shock resistant, soft cushioned end caps for more protection *Built-in level indicator tells when the camera is straight *Oversized buttons *Breakaway safety neck strap. Made by Kodak. *No settings, easy to use *Backed by more than 100 years of Kodak quality and picture taking know-how *Full 3 year Kodak warranty." It has a 25mm f11 meniscus lens with two shutter speeds of 1/60 and 1/150 second. (Collection Appareils, Kodak Classics.) I assume the 1/60 speed was for use with the flip-flash which fit on the top of the camera. The camera does not take batteries and does not have any metering system. This is a fixed focus, fixed aperture, fixed shutter speed box camera similar to those frequently marketed to children since the 1920s in various film size formats. The camera came with a 24 page, 5.25 x 3.75 inch, "How to Use the Fisher-Price Camera" booklet. YouTube has a 30 second 1984 commercial for the camera. I don't recall where I purchased this camera. I could not find the original price, although I assume it was inexpensive. My camera is in excellent cosmetic and working condition. There are dozens of these cameras for sale on eBay. In the comments at flickr.com many reflect of this being their first camera when they were a little kid.
[Kodak Advantix C400]
Large Image
Kodak Advantix C400 (2000) (Open, Back) Advanced Photo System (APS) viewfinder camera with autofocus 25mm f5.6-12.6 three element glass lens and shutter speeds of 1/90 to 1/250. Automatic exposure. Powered by two AAA 1.5 volt batteries. Has electronic flash built into the flip-up lens cover. The flash can be disabled. Dimensions 111mm x 39.6mm x 62.7mm with a weight of 170 grams. (Camera-Wiki. The user manual is a manualslib.com.) Close focus is 2.6 feet. Film speed is ISO 50-800. The price at B&H at page 252 of the December 1999 Popular Photography Magazine was $54.95 which is just under $100 in March 2023 dollars. I don't recall where I got this camera. It is in good cosmetic condition and seems to work fine. The plastic on top around the flash is out of alignment but the flash and everything else still work. It has a roll of film in the camera.
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Mamiya

[Mamiya-16 Automatic]
Large Image
Mamiya-16 Automatic (1959) 16mm camera with dimensions of about 10cm x 5cm x 3cm. It is "automatic" only in the sense that it has a Selenium exposure meter, which has died with age in my camera. Shutter speeds from 1/200 to 1/2 second and Bulb. Focal length 25mm. Apertures from f2.8 to f11. Close focus 1 foot. ASA (ISO) to 1600. Made in Japan. Mine is in good cosmetic and working condition except for the meter. Purchased at a San Carlos (San Diego) garage sale on 11-18-07 as part of a group of several items. The seller was an 81 year old gentleman who was the original owner. Comes with gray leather case and gray leather braided hand strap. Very cool and high tech looking. Goes well with the space race, cold war spy camera era! According to submin.com list price in the United States in 1960 was $69.95, which is nearly $500 in 2007 dollars. See also subclub.org and Guide to Classic Cameras.
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Minolta

110 Format

[Minolta 110 Zoom SLR]
Minolta 110 Zoom SLR (1976) first single lens reflex 110 camera. Non-interchangeable 25mm to 50mm (50 to 100mm 35mm camera equivalent) f4.5 to f16 zoom lens with macro to 11.3 inches. Aperture set on non-through the lens light meter. Aperture preferred automatic exposure. Settings for A, X and B. X and B settings are manual. Automatic settings are electronic and stepless. Hot shoe. Takes two A76 batteries. Made in Japan. Serial no. 256729. Camera is in good cosmetic condition. Lens, mirror and focusing screen are clear. Focus and zoom work. The aperture generally works, although the openings at 5.6, 8 and 11 are not circles. I suspect these apertures may not be opening fully. The shutter opens but usually only after a second or two of pressing down on the shutter release. I suspect the shutter mechanism is sticking and needs to be cleaned and lubricated. The electrical system and exposure meter generally work in that the shutter fires on automatic mode and red and yellow (but not green) indicator lights come on in the viewfinder. The exposure adjustment switch works for -2 and -1, but it does not turn to +1 and +2. Several web sites discuss the Minolta. Minolta 110 Zoom, Wikipedia, www.submin.com, www.submin.com - manual, service manual and brochures, 110 Cameras, subclub. Subclub indicates the Minolta 110 Zoom SLR had shutter speeds of ten seconds to 1/1000 second. ISO could only be set for 100 and 400 but using the exposure adjustment switch allowed use of film speeds from ISO 25 to 1600. Subclub finally indicates this camera takes very sharp photos despite its small film size. Several sites refer to it as a sandwich camera because you hold it with two hands like you were eating a sandwich. While relatively large for a 110 camera, the "sandwich" design gives it a nice, stable feel with easy access to the shutter release with your right index finger and film advance under the camera operated with your right thumb. Purchased on eBay on 2-25-06 with four other cameras for a total of $4.95 plus $9 shipping (sole bidder). Came with Minolta Auto 25 flash that does not appear to work. The flash has significant corrosion on the battery door, but not elsewhere. The silver colored finishing on the reflector is flaking off. The flash does not fit on the hot shoe indicating there may be something wrong with the hot shoe. Price new in 1978-79 Sears Camera catalog was $189.50, over $575 in 2006 dollars. Additional information in full page ad from July 1977 Modern Photography Magazine.
[Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II]
Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II (1979) (Large Image) 110 single lens reflex film camera with non-interchangeable 25-67mm (2.7X) f3.5 Minolta zoom lens, 12 elements in 10 groups. According to www.subclub.org this is equivalent to a 50mm to 135mm zoom in a full frame 35mm camera. Specifications from manual: "Full-aperture TTL center-weighted" metering, "with pentaprism mounted CdS cell," Takes two 1.5v S-76 or equivalent batteries. Shutter speeds of 1/1000 to 1/4 second plus mechanical "X" (1/125 sec.) and "B." Aperture preferred automatic exposure. No manual control except exposure compensation of -2, -1, 0, +1, +2 stops. 85% viewfinder. Shutter speed indicated in viewfinder by LED lights. Hot shoe. Focusing to 1.1 meter. "Close-up range at 'Macro" setting." Manual states: "film-to-subject distances of approx. 890 to 200mm for respective image magnification on film of 0.07 to 0.19X." I'm not sure what the means. I roughly measure the close focus (subject to film plane) at Macro setting to be about 14cm (140mm) with the focal length set at 25mm. At 67cm focal length I roughly measure the close focus to be about 50cm (500mm or .5m). Pretty impressive close focus. Shutter release socket. Tripod mount. Removable action grip. Film speed automatically set. 40.5mm filter size. Weighs 485 grams.

The price in 1980-81 Sears Camera Catalog was $229.50, equal to $609 in 2008 dollars. The price was comparable to a decent 35mm SLR at the time. For example, a Minolta XG-1 with 45mm f2.0 lens was $239.50 and came with a $25 rebate coupon. A Pentax K1000 with 50mm f2.0 lens was $159.50. Granted the 35mm SLRs did not include a zoom lens which was expensive at the time with a Sears 35 to 70mm f3.5 zoom selling at $189.50. The 35mm SLRs did, however, produce a negative which was 3.9 times greater in area. (110 film has a 17mm x 13mm frame for 221 sq mm. 35mm film has a 24mm x 36mm frame for 864 sq mm. 864/221 is approximately equal to 3.9. You can also compare the areas to a medium format frame of 60mm x 60mm with an area of 3,600 sq mm or over 4 times that of 35mm film and 16 times that of 110 film. A Yashica Mat-124G sold for $179.50 at the time.) The Mark II is a very cool camera that feels nice in ones hands. In my opinion a 35mm SLR was a better choice, however, given 35mm film's larger negative and hence better image quality (other things being equal).

My Mark II was a generous donation. It had belonged to the donor's father who passed away. After putting in two new batteries it seems to work like a charm. It still has film in it and I may just keep shooting with that film. It also came with a Minolta Auto 118X flash ($38.50 in 1980-81 Sears Camera Catalog) which works with new batteries despite prior battery leakage. Also included is a case ($12.50 in 1980-81 Sears Camera Catalog) and the manual. On page 25 of the 1980-81 Sears Camera Catalog with the Mark II, I have also included the competing Pentax Auto 110 camera which had interchangeable lenses.

[Minolta Pocket Autopak 200]
Minolta Pocket Autopak 200 (1977) Red, white and blue Bicentennial series markings. Subclub.org states 26mm f8 lens and two shutter speeds, 1/125 second for normal use and electronic flash and 1/50 second for Magicube. Hot shoe on one end for electronic flash or Magicube on top. According to subclub.org it uses a 1.4 volt PX 640 mercury battery. I believe battery compartment is near hot shoe, but I can't get door loose. I'm not sure what the battery is for or whether the camera has a light meter. Two zone focusing: One person for 3 to 6 feet and three people for 6 feet to infinity. ISO 100 only. Made in Japan. Serial no. 647326. Good cosmetic condition. Works except shutter is slow to close. The hot shoe worked triggering an electronic flash. Purchased on 9-20-05 on eBay for $4.50 with $2.67 shipping. Nice case and carrying cord included.
[Minolta Autopak 460 TX]
Minolta Autopak 460TX (1979) A relatively sophisticated 110 camera with several features. Excellent information at subclub.org. Switchable 28mm (f3.5 to 8) and 43mm (f4.7 to 13.5) lens. Focus by estimation with illuminated focusing scale on top of camera. Close focus 3.3 feet. Shutter speed 1/200 second. 100 or 400 ISO film. Exposure settings for sunny, cloudy or flash. The sunny or cloudy change the aperture. Built in electronic flash. Takes one AA battery. In good cosmetic and working condition although curriously five of the screws on the outside of the camera are missing. Made in Japan. Serial no. 1571957. I think I got this on eBay in 2004.
[Minolta Pocket Autopak 70]
Minolta Pocket Autopak 70 (1973) Surprisingly the Minolta Autopak 70 has many sophisticated features for a 110 camera. Subclub.org states it has a 26mm f3.5 lens, very fast for a 110 camera. It also has five zone manual focusing using pictograph symbols corresponding to 10, 3.5, 2, 1.2, .9 and .5 meters. Electronically controlled shutter speeds from 10 seconds to 1/333 second. Cds light meter. K type battery which goes in the far left side of the film compartment. Sliding closeup lens providing close focus to 50cm. Tripod socket and cable release socket. Magicube socket. No hotshoe. In good cosmetic condition (some scratches on top and "passed" sticker worn off). Unsure of working condition. Shutter will not fire, but it is apparently electronically controlled and I do not have a K battery. I forget where I acquired this camera. Made in Japan. Serial no. 135114.
[Minolta Weathermatica]
Minolta Weathermatic A (1980) A submersible 110 camera. Excellent information at Subclub.org. (Subclub is apparently no longer around as of April 2023. Camera-Wiki also has information.) It has a 26mm, f3.5, 4 element lens with continuous focusing from three feet to infinity by estimation using pictographs on large knob on right top of camera. To the left of this is a similar knob for setting the aperture - sun, cloudy and flash. One shutter speed of 1/200 second. ISO 100 and 400. Powered by one AA battery. A water tight cover with large O ring covers the entire back of the camera where the film and battery compartments are. The camera is rated to 5 meters below the water surface. It has an integral electronic flash. The film advance lever is on the bottom. It is made of bright yellow plastic and has a look similar to the later Weathermatic Dual 35 in the 35mm non-SLR section. In excellent cosmetic and working condition. Included in the purchase of a Praktica MTL 3, Pentax Spotmatic and three lenses for $25 at a garage sale in the Fall of 2005.

16mm Format

[Minolta 16 Model P]
Minolta 16 Model P (1960-1965) A subminiture 16mm format preceeding 110 film. The Kodak developed 110 film was actually a 16mm design, but with spocket holes. See photo under Model P-s description for comparison. Minolta was a leader in the 16mm format. The camera used reloadable cartridges. Since 16mm film is still available, it is still possible to reload the cartridges. A detailed description of the Minolta 16 Model P is given at subclub.org. It was a less expensive version of the prior Minolta 16. The camera has one shutter speed and apertures from f3.5 to 16 with a pictograph system to determine the proper exposure. Mine was acquired as part of a lot of items for $5 at an estate/garage sale. The lot included three tripods, a Kodak 110 camera, a Minolta non-SLR autofocus 3X zoom compact 35mm camera, a case for the compact 35mm camera, a meter stick and three metal cases of 16mm slides taken by the decedent! The camera appears to be in good cosmetic and operating condition although the latch for the film compartment appears to be broken. It still closes. Several months later at another garage sale I acquired an empty box and several empty film cartridges.
[Minolta 16 Model Ps]
Minolta 16 Model P-s (1965-1972) Large Image) Very similar to the Model P. Indeed, there is no "s" designation on the camera. The main difference according to Submin.com is that the Minolta-16 Model P-s has a lever in front which switches the shutter speed from 1/100 to 1/30 second. While this is primarily to use a flash, it can also be used without a flash. It hence gives the camera two shutter speeds instead of the one shutter speed of the Minolta-16P. The Model P-s also has a flash socket on the side nearest the viewfinder. Apertures are 3.5, 4, 5.6, 8, 11 and 16. ASA (ISO) settings of 25, 50, 100 and 200. Little icons show bright sun, hazy sun, cloudy bright and cloudy dull. The camera is all mechanical and has no exposure meter. It is fixed focus. The price in the Leedar Photo Supply Photographic Catalog 1967 was $25.50, or about $160 in 2008 dollars. The manual is available at butkus.org. I purchased my Model 16-Ps on 3-24-08 for $5 in the North Park area of San Diego through an ad on Craigslist. It is in excellent working and cosmetic condition. It comes with a green plastic case.
[110 vs. 16mm cartridges]
[Minolta 16QT]
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Minolta 16 QT (1972) According to Submin Club, the Minolta 16QT was the last of the Minolta 16mm cameras and arrived just before Kodak changed the market with the introduction of 110 film. The two shutter speeds of 1/250th and 1/30th (for low light or flash) are adjusted by a lever on the top of the camera. The 23mm lens has apertures from f3.5 to f22 adjusted with ring on top. It is the only Minolta 16mm camera with adjustable focusing. There are four zone focusing icons for head (4 feet), upper body (7 feet), full person (12 feet) and mountain (30 feet +). The focusing slide lever is on the bottom of the camera. Film speeds are ASA (ISO) 50, 100, 200 and 400. Film advance is with a thumb wheel on top-right-rear of camera. 12mm x 17mm negative size compared to 13mm x 17mm for 110 film. 18 exposures. The manual is available at butkus.org. The camera can be operated without the battery. The battery operates the light meter. You set the shutter at 1/30 or 1/250. You then adjust the aperture ring with the circuit button down until the two arrows in the viewfinder say OK. The circuit button is really an integral part of the aperture ring. My camera is in very good cosmetic condition. It comes with its case in fair condition. My camera works, although initially the shutter was not firing and it still seems a little fussy. The battery is a large PX30 battery or 2 PX-825 batteries. These 3 volt batteries are hard to find. You can, however, apparently use a 3 volt button battery like a CR2450 with pennies used a spacers. I haven't tried out the meter yet. I purchased my Minolta 16 QT with a Polaroid Polavision camera and viewer, a Minolta SRT 101, and some other items for a total of $30 from an ad on Craigslist for the Polavision Viewer in the North Park area of San Diego on 5-10-10.

Disc Format

[Minolta Disc-7]
Minolta Disc-7 (1983) (Large Image) Many think the "Selfie" is a product of the digital camera age. Enter the 1983 Minolta Disc-7 - "Only from the mind of Minolta!" This disc film camera had a convex mirror on the front to aid in composing a self-portrait. The length of the carrying cord was the optimum distance for the macro setting on the camera. According to Wikipedia - Disc Film the "packaging showed the camera mounted on a stick for such a purpose." A 1983 selfie stick! Camera-Wiki - Minolta Disc 7 shows the camera with a "Minolta Extender." The Extender was invented by Minolta employee Hiroshi Ueda and Minolta patented it in 1983 as detailed in How the selfie stick was invented twice, BBC.com. Unfortunately, the Minolta Extender was ahead of its time and did not sell well. The patent ran out in 2003. Notice in my photo of the camera you can see part of me and my camera and tripod!

Besides the selfie feature, the camera was not particularly unique among disc film cameras. It has a 12.5mm fixed focus f2.8 lens. Additionally, however it has a macro mode where a supplementary lens slides in front of the main lens. There is a switch in front of the camera with a mountain for the normal mode and a person for the close-up mode. As you slide the switch to the close-up mode you can see the supplementary lens slide into position. It has two shutter speeds of 1/100 and 1/200 second. Minolta also had a second Disc camera, the Minolta Disc-5 which did not have the self-portrait mirror feature. I assume the Disc-5 was otherwise similar to the Disc-7. In discussing the Minolta Disc-5 aperturepreview.com states the camera shoots "at 1/100th of a second at f/2.8 with flash or 1/200th of a second at f/6 in ambient light. When the close-up filter is engaged, the camera will be shooting at 1/200th at f/6 with the flash once again no matter the lighting conditions." The Disc-7 is powered by "lithium batteries which have to be replaced by the manufacturer." (Camera-Wiki - Minolta Disc 7.) Aperturepreview.com, again discussing the Disc 5 camera, states: "They are lithium CR123A batteries, rated with a life of 5 years with average use." In most Disc cameras the batteries are soldered in place. It might be conceivable to try to solder in a new battery, but aperturepreview.com advises it would not be easy and is potentially dangerous since cameras with built-in electronic flashes have a lot of stored power in their capacitors. The front cover of the camera can be lifted open after removing three screws. The following photos with the camera cover off show the yellow batteries - 1, 2, 3. Just above the batteries is a capacitor for the flash. This capacitor is a high voltage hazard. I doubt many people went to the trouble and expense of having the batteries replaced after they died in five years or so. The camera therefore essentially had a five year lifespan. Disc cameras were not very successful in any event because the small negative lead to unacceptable grain and poor definition. (Wikipedia - Disc Film.) Disc cameras indeed had a very small negative of 10mm x 8mm or 80 sq.mm. 35mm negatives have an area over ten times larger. (24mm x 36mm = 864 sq. mm.) Even 110 negatives have an area 2.76 times greater. (17mm x 13mm = 221 sq. mm., 221/80 = 2.7625)

I purchased my Minolta Disc 7 on eBay on August 13, 2007 for $0.99 plus $4.95 shipping. The camera is in very good cosmetic condition and came with the original plastic case. Since as I write this in April 2023 the battery embedded somewhere in the camera is about 40 years old and 35 years past its 5 years lifespan, the camera does not work. That combined with the fact that disc film is no longer made or processed makes the camera a poor choice to actually use. Disc cameras were also a poor choice in 1983 since the film size was so small. (See generally Wikipedia - Disc Film.) The camera originally sold for $64.99 on page 28 of the 1984-85 Sears Camera Catalog. That's equal to about $186 in March 2023 dollars adjusted for inflation. It was the most expensive Disc camera on that page. Kodak 15 exposure Disc Film with Sears prepaid processing was $6.99, or about $20 in March 2023 dollars.

Advanced Photosystem (APS) Format

[Minolta Vectis S-1]
Large Image, back
Minolta Vectis S-1 (1996) A single lens reflex, APS system camera. It utilizes a mirror system instead of a pentaprism; hence, the lack of the pentaprism hump. The hot shoe is under a cap on top. It also has a built-in flash. The viewfinder displays exposure information. The camera also has an LCD information panel on the back and a thumb wheel to make selections. It has multiple program, automatic and manual exposure modes. Overall, it is a fairly small and sophisticated SLR. The less sophisticated Vectis S-100 below was released after the S-100. These two models are the only Minolta SLR APS cameras. Mikeeckman.com has detailed information on the Vectis S-1 including some Popular Photography articles. My Vectis S-1 is in excellent cosmetic condition. The rubber around the lens has some white deterioration, although it comes off. Mine comes with the 28-56mm, f4-5.6 lens. (I assume this is the actual focal length and that there may be some "crop factor" due to the smaller APS format. I have not researched this, however.) The lens has no manual focus. My camera comes with front and rear lens caps, a lens hood and a body cap, as well as the original box and a pamphlet on lenses but no instruction manual. The camera takes two CR2 three volt batteries. I don't have these readily available and hence I have not tested the camera as I write this in December 2022. I acquired this camera many years ago probably at a garage sale. I assume I did not pay much.
[Minolta Vectis 20]




Minolta Vectis 20 (circa 1997) APS camera with 30 to 60 mm f4.0 lens with 7 elements in 7 groups. Close focus .4m. Dimensions 113.5 x 59 x 37.5mm. 170g. See introduction regarding Advanced Photo System. In excellent working condition. Purchased on eBay on 12-15-05 for $3.75 with $3.85 shipping. Actual shipping was $5.75 from Anchorage, Alaska. Three rolls of 25 exposure APS film, Tam Sport compact case, CR2 3 volt lithium battery, instruction manual and warranty card included. Warranty card states it was originally purchased on 5-10-97. Photo above compares APS and 35mm film. Serial no. C8603676. A review at ecoustics.com refers to purchasing one around 1999 for $180 at K-mart.
[APS vs. 35mm film]
[Minolta Vectis S-100]
Minolta Vectis S-100 (Large image) from date on manual from Minolta, introduced around 1997. It is a relatively sophisticated single lens reflex, autofocus, Advanced Photo System (APS) camera. Shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 30 seconds. Shutter preferred, aperture preferred and program exposure modes in addition to five "subject program modes." No manual exposure mode, although exposure compensation is possible. Built in flash which automatically pops up in automatic mode. Date imprint. Splash proof. Takes two CR-2 batteries. Interchangeable Minolta V series lenses which are not the same mount as Minolta Maxxum. Some of the lenses have a manual focus button. My camera has the standard 28-56mm f4-5.6 lens with no manual focus button. At epinions.com a reviewer refers to getting one new at the reduced price of $200 in 2001. I think they were significantly more expensive earlier. It has all the usual Advanced Photo System features including three formats and drop in film loading. Minolta also made a S-1 which was more advanced. "APS - Variations in Minolta Vectis Subminiature Cameras" has a complete listing of the Vectis series. My S-100 was purchased at a garage sale in the San Carlos area of San Diego on 3-22-08 for $5 with a Polaroid Spectra AF camera with two rolls of film and large gadget bag. My S-100 is in decent cosmetic condition with several scratches especially in the upper right front and top. It seems to work fine and the lens is clear.
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Minox

[Minox B]
Large Image, Case and Chain
Minox Model B (1958-1969) The quintessential cold war spy camera! The manual is at butkus.org. The Cyrpto Museum has excellent information. The film allows for 50 exposures. Each negative is only 8mm x 11mm, about one tenth the area of a 35mm negative. It also happens to be just slightly more than the area of the Disc cameras introduced by Kodak in 1982. It is the classic push/pull camera. To advance the film and cock the shutter you push the camera closed and open it. Opening it reveals the lens and viewfinder. The camera is a little tricky getting used to. I have therefore attempted to summarize some of the major operating features.

Focus. The camera has a 15 mm f/3.5 Complan lens with a fixed aperture of f3.5. The manual explains why there is only one aperture. "The 15mm Complan lens of your MINOX yields such extreme depth of field and, together with the slightly spherical curved design of the film gate, gives such outstanding definition over the entire film area that an adjustable lens diaphragm could be omitted --saving you an extra operation necessary with other cameras." Because of the very small negative and a wide angle lens, the camera has a great depth of field allowing focus from 8 inches to infinity. The close focus allows you to photograph the top secret documents! Looking down on the camera there is the engraved focusing disk on the right side of the camera which you turn until the black dot is at the estimated subject to camera distance. The black dot is in the middle of a little bracket. Any distance within the little bracket will be sufficiently in focus. "You need not set distances beyond 3 feet too critically - make the 'sharpness zone' bracket do the work for you." There is a red dot at 12 feet. If the red dot is matched up with the black dot, everything from 6 feet to infinity will be within the zone of focus. This is called the snapshot setting. The manual still recommends setting to infinity for distant landscape scenes. Everything from 12 feet to infinity will be sharp. The manual states: "[C]lose distances must be set carefully on the distance scale, but that is easy because the safety chain of your Minox has small beads for distances corresponding exactly with the close distance settings engraved of the distance scale. With the chain locked in the camera socket, held taut and at right angles from the camera to the subject, the beads are placed at 8, 10, 12, and 18 inches. The full length of the chain is 24 inches."

Exposure. The shutter speed dial is on the left side of the camera looking down. Shutter speeds are from 1/2 second to 1/1000 second. You have to press your finger on the knurled dial to set the speed. To set the ASA, open the camera and turn the shutter dial until the correct ASA is set on the scale to the far left. Then open the camera and press down on the crescent shaped notch on the bottom of the camera. Pressing this down disengages the ASA. This is the same notch you press down to open the camera to load film. While this notch is pressed down, turn the shutter dial to 100. Then open and close (push/pull) the camera. The ASA is now set. The Selenium exposure meter is coupled with the shutter dial. Press the button on top of the camera to the far left. Point it to the subject. Release the button. Look at the needle. Turn the shutter dial until the triangle matches up with the appropriate line to the needle. You have to take your eye away from the viewfinder since this match-needle does not show up in the viewfinder. The shutter release is the button in the middle of the camera.

Loading Film. Open the camera. Then press down on the curved notch on the bottom of the camera and slide the film door open in the opposite direction from the curved notch. The film is in a cassette and drops into the film chamber. There are further instructions for resetting the film counter especially if using a 36 exposure roll of film. Film and processing are apparently still available from Blue Moon Camera in case your spying activities haven't entered the digital age. They can also scan the film.

Built-in filters. The camera has two built-in filters than can slide over the lens. You slide them into place using the knurled slide above the viewfinder. The first filter is a green filter to enhance black and white landscapes and cloud photos. The second filter is a neutral density filter. Both filters absorb some light and require increased exposure. To compensate for this, you use the dot on the exposure meter when using the filters instead of the triangle.

Original Price, Ads and Other Sites. The original price for the Minox B in a 1958 magazine ad for sale on amazon.com was $169.95. That's over $1,750 in March 2023 dollars. Therefore, while it is a very small, innovative camera, it was not cheap. Looking@Cities has another magazine ad with the same price. The web page describes the Minox B as well as several other subminiature cameras. Submin.com has several Minox ads. Several other sites have excellent discussion of the Minox B including Wikipedia, Casualphotophile.com, CIA.gov, and Ollinger's Camera Collection. YouTube videos include those offered by The Photographer's Bag and Photography and More (shows how to operate).

My Camera. My camera was part of a very generous gift in July 2008 which included a Topcon RE Super, a Canon AE-1 Program, the Minox, an Agfa medium format folding camera, a circa 1950s zoom movie camera, and a Minolta 110 format SLR. The items belonged to the donor's dad who passed away about five years earlier. She wanted to give the items to someone who would appreciate them. The camera, case and chain are all in good cosmetic and working condition. The meter responds to light but I don' know if it is accurate.

Verdict. The Minox B is an extraordinary, ingenious, finely crafted camera that is wonderful for a collector especially with its spy camera history. It was quite expensive, however, and more of a novelty unless you had an urgent need for a very small camera. The very small negatives were a tenth the size of a 35mm camera and hence the image quality could not match that of a larger camera in its price range. Had I been an adult at the time I would not have purchased one new unless, of course, I worked for the CIA!

Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Olympus

[Olympus iZoom 75]
Large Image, Back, Closed
Olympus iZoom 75 Announced January 21, 1999 in a Olympus Press Release, the Olympus iZoom 75 is an Advanced Photo System (APS) all-weather camera with a 28-75mm (35-94mm 35mm equiv.), 2.7x zoom, f4.7 - 9.9 lens, with multi point autofocus, and programmed electronic shutter with speed from 1/500 to 4 seconds. The original suggested list price was $454 (about $825 in January 2023 dollars). It is small and light weight with dimensions of 4.2 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches and weighing 5.8 oz. It takes one CR-2 3V lithium battery. ISO range 25-3200. (See Camera-Wikimanualslib.com.) I acquired my camera many years ago. It is in good cosmetic condition with some scratches to the body. I have not used it. While it seems like a nice small camera, I like the larger negative size of the 35mm Stylus series. The camera was released when digital cameras were emerging and would soon take over. The camera is not practically useable today since APS film and processing is no longer available.
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Pentax

[Pentax 110 Auto]
Large Image, Kit
Pentax Auto 110 (introduced 1978) this and the later Pentax Auto 110 Super were the only 110 cameras made by Pentax, to my knowledge the only 110 single lens reflex cameras with interchangeable lenses, and to my knowledge the smallest single lens reflex cameras. The body measured only 56mm high x 99mm wide x 32mm deep (2.2" x 3.9" x 1.3"). The standard lens increased the total depth to 45mm or 1.8". The body weighed only 159 grams (5.6 ozs.) or 172 grams (6.1 ozs.) with the standard lens. It looks very much like a toy version of a 35mm single lens reflex camera. They had programmed through the lens metering. No manual, aperture preferred or shutter preferred modes were available. The shutter and aperture blades are combined in the body. The lenses therefore do not have a separate aperture adjustment. All maximum lens apertures were f2.8. A kit was available with three lenses: 18mm, 24mm, and 50mm, equivalent to 35mm, 50mm and 100mm in a 35mm film format. In 1981 three other lenses were added: an 18mm fixed focus lens, a 70mm lens and a 20-40 zoom lens. The film advance on the auto 110 requires two strokes. This was reduced to one stroke on the Auto 110 Super. The Auto 110 a very cool little camera, but I question the wisdom of making such a sophisticated camera for such a small film format. The price in the 1980-81 Sears Camera Catalog was $149.50 with the standard 24mm f2.8 lens. $149.50 then is equal to $397 in 2008 dollars. 18mm wide angle and 50mm telephoto leneses, as well as a power winder, sold for $54.50 each. The Pentax AF 100P flash was $29.50. The kit, at least purchased separately, would have therefore more than doubled the price. I purchased my kit, including the body, three lenses, flash, winder, original box and owner's manual, for $50 in National City, CA on 1-6-08 from an ad on Craigslist. It was a little dirty, but everything, including meter, appears to work, except I have not yet gotten the winder to work. Many sites have excellent information including: subclub.org, cameraquest, and Wikipedia. On page 25 of the 1980-81 Sears Camera Catalog with the Pentax Auto 110Mark II, I have also included the competing Minolta 110 SLR Mark II camera which had a non-interchangeable zoom lens.
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Rollei

[Rollei E110]
Rollei E110 (1976) (Large Image, Back, Case, Front Closed, Back Closed) A German 110 film camera with zone focusing and aperture preferred automatic exposure. In many ways it is reminiscent of the German Minox B "spy" camera above with its aluminium body and push pull design. The manual is available at butkus.org. The focus mechanism is the orange slide below the lens. In the simple viewfinder there are icons of 1 person, two people and a mountain. There are also 1m and 2m marks and 3.5 and 6 feet marks. The lens is a Carl Zeiss 23mm Tessar f2.8 made under license by Rollei. It has 4 elements, 3 components. There are three aperture settings - f2.8, f5.6 and f16. The aperture is set by an orange slide at the top of the camera when it is open. There is an open rectangle for f2.8, a shaded rectangle for f5.6 and and a black rectangle for f16. The camera has a CdS light meter. Exposure is automatic aperture preferred. The user sets the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed. Shutter speed range is from 1/250 to 4 seconds. It is a push-pull camera. You push the sides of the cameras to close it and pull to open it. This pushing and pulling action advances the film and cocks the shutter. It takes one PX27 5.6 volt battery. These are no longer available but 6 volt PX27M alkaline batteries are available. To open the battery compartment, you slide the orange button along the viewfinder to the left.
Opening the film door is tricky. You have to press the orange button on the bottom of the camera and furthest from the tripod socket and pull the camera apart slightly further. The door then pops open. To close it you have to make sure the door slides under the camera when you push the camera together. Opening a Rollei A110 on YouTube shows you how to do this. I did not understand how to open and close the film door until I watched that video. The camera comes with a small flash attachment which attaches on the side of the camera. You insert a regular flash cube (not an X Magicube) into this attachment. The flash will then automatically fire. The camera only weighs 185 g or 6.5 oz. The closed dimensions are 84 x 44 x 30mm and the open dimensions are 100 x 44 x 30mm. Of course, the drawback to the small size is that the 110 film format produces very small negatives which limits the size of acceptable enlargements. My camera was made in Germany although apparently some 110 Rollei cameras are also made in Singapore. The Rollei E110 is one of two 110 models from Rollei. The first was the Rollei A110 with a black body and a fully automatic exposure system setting both the aperture and shutter speed. The aperture preferred exposure of the more economical E110 actually gives the photographer more control, however. (See Rollei E110 - Camera-Wiki.) 35mmc.com has a review of the Rollei A110 and compares it with the E110. Both cameras are also discussed at Submin.com and Aperture Preview. Guide to Classic Cameras also has a good summary of the E110. A 1976 magazine ad on eBay for the Rollei A110 states the price for the A110 was "under $300." That's over $1,600 in March 2023 dollars! (See also 1977 ad for the A110 and E110 on flickr.com.) I couldn't find the original price for the E110. It would have been less expensive.

I appear to have gotten my camera in 2012 perhaps at a garage or estate sale. I don't know what I paid for it. It is in good cosmetic condition with some scratches to the body and a small dent in one corner. The little automatic lens cover is slow to close and sometimes needs a little help. I am awaiting a battery to try it out. My camera came with a nice white display case line with red velvet along with the flash connector.

Verdict: It's a great camera for a collector - small, cute, innovative, originally expensive, prestigous brand. As a camera to buy and use, however, it was always hampered by its high price and small negative size. There were many compact 35mm rangefinder cameras in the 1970s such as the Olympus 35 RC or the Minolta Hi-Matic E with automatic exposure modes, more precise focusing and great lenses at a fraction of the price. While not as small as the Rollei A110 or E110, they were still very compact and the negative area was almost 4 times greater than the negative area of a 110 camera. (35mm: 36mm x 24mm = 864 sq.mm., 110: 17mm x 13mm = 221 sq.mm., 864/221 = 3.91)

Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Samsung

[Samsung Impax 300i]
Samsung Impax 300i (Large Image, Back) APS camera with 28-80, f4.2-11 zoom lens. Shutter speeds 1/3 to 1/400 seconds. Purchased on eBay on 12-11-05 for $1.26 with $5.53 shipping. The camera is in like new condition. Like new manual and a new CR2 battery included. It turns on and the zoom works. The manual says the camera does not fire without film, however. Samsung is a Korean company and the camera was made in Korea. The earliest reviews at Amazon.com are in January 2000. It is still for sale at some places on the Internet. "Regular" price at one site was $200 on sale for $100. Another site lists it for sale at $170. Samsung Electronics is huge electronics firm making a variety of products such as plasma and LCD televisions and monitors, camcorders, cameras, and household appliances. According to Wikipedia - "Samsung Electronics", "In 2005, Samsung overtook Sony as one of the most valuable brands, and is now ranked #20 in the world."
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Sears

[Sears 10/10 Zoom]
Sears 10/10 Zoom (Large Image, Back) Basic information at subclub.org. A 110 film format camera with a 24-42mm f5.6 zoom lens. (Subclub states it has a 26-42mm lens. The 1978-79 Sears Camera Catalog says 24-42.) It has two aperture settings, f11 for outdoors and f5.6 for indoors set by a sliding lever. It has a fixed 1/125 shutter speed. Focusing is by estimation from 5 feet (1.5m) to infinity. Subclub.org states it is based on the Hanimex VEF Zoom with the Sears camera having the hot shoe on top instead of on the side. It looks sort of like a Pentax Auto 110 SLR or a Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II. It probably is designed to look that way for marketing purposes. It is a much less sophisticated camera than the Pentax or Minolta, however, with a simple viewfinder instead of single lens reflex viewing, no exposure meter, and very few settings. It is an entirely mechanical camera with no battery. It is made in Japan. The camera is on page 25 of the 1978-79 Sears Camera Catalog selling for $59.50. That's about $265 in April 2023 dollars. It was the most expensive 110 Sears camera in the catalog, although it was inexpensive compared to most of the "plus" 110 cameras on page 24 of the 1978-79 Sears Camera Catalog. For example, the Minolta 253 SLR 110 camera was $189.50 or about $840 in April 2023 dollars. I don't recall where I got my camera. My camera is in good cosmetic condition although the plastic trim is shrinking and coming off. The camera works including the shutter and both apertures.
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Vivitar

[Vivitar Tele 603]
Vivitar Tele 603, 24mm/36mm f7 glass lens, fixed focus, fixed exposure. Purchased for $1 at garage sale on May 28, 2005, with display case. In good operating condition including electronic flash. Made in Japan. According to Sub Club, 1/125 shutter speed, with focus range of 5 feet to infinity. Two aperatures - f7 (no flash) and f11 (flash). Apparently from 1977. The original price in the 1978-79 Sears Camera Catalog was $54.50, or about $240 in February 2023 dollars.
[Vivitar Tele815]



Vivitar Tele 815, belonged to an aunt. 24mm/48mm f5.6 lens, fixed focus, fixed exposure. Made in Korea. Shown with exposed film cartridge and batteries for electronic flash. Battery compartment shows some leakage and flash does not work. According to Sub Club, 1/125 shutter speed, with focus range of 5 feet to infinity. Dates from 1985 according to that site. It is also listed in the Sears 1980-81 Camera Catalog, however, with a price of $42.50. The catalog states 1/250 second shutter speed and minimum focus of 5 feet. $42.50 in 1980 is equal to about $113 in 2008 dollars.
[Vivitar 700]
Vivitar 700 (Circa late 1970s) (Large Image) An original box shown in an eBay listing states it has a "3 element all glass" 24mm f7 lens, as well as a "built-in electronic flash with extended range capability using ASA 400 film." For flash, you slide the lever on the top to the right one position. If you slide it further and hold it, it increases the range from 12-22ft (3.6-6.7m). Sliding it all the way appears to increase the aperture. The camera is purely mechanical except for the flash. It appears to have one shutter speed, two apertures (the larger for the extended flash), fixed focus, and no exposure meter. It is therefore not much different than box cameras fifty years earlier except using a much smaller format film and having an electronic flash. It takes two 1.5 volt AA Alkaline batteries for the flash. Film is advanced with the right thumb moving the film advance lever under the camera to the left. I apparently purchased my camera for $1 or less at a garage sale many years ago since it has a handwritten $1 sticker on the bottom. The camera is in good cosmetic condition and seems to work fine except the flash is not firing consistently. The camera was made in Korea.
Canon | Kodak | Mamiya | Minolta | Minox | Olympus | Pentax | Rollei | Samsung | Sears | Vivitar | Yashica

Yashica

[Yashica Palmatic 20]
Large Image, Box, Box Opened
Yashica Palmatic 20 (1974) The specifications in the included owner's manual indicate: 110 film camera with a negative size of 13mm x 17mm, a 26.5mm f9.5 3-element optical glass lens, fixed focus of 5ft to infinity, a mechanical shutter with a daylight speed of 1/120 second, uses "batteryless Magicube" with a flash photography distance of 5 to 10 feet, optical glass viewfinder and tripod socket. See also Subclub.org which also indicates the shutter speed with flash is 1/60 second. Yashica-Guy.com in it's battery chart of all Yasishica cameras indicates the Palmatic 20 was sold in 1974 and had no battery. The manual also indicates the standard print size was 3.5" x 4.5" with color enlargements up to 5" x 7". The camera takes 12 or 20 exposures. The warranty in the manual is not by Yashica. Rather it is waranted by IMC Division, Interphoto Corp., 220 Clay Avenue, Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071. It is made in Japan. I'm curious if the camera was made by Yashica or someone else. My first Palmatic 20 camera is in a Kodak case which fits it exactly. The camera has dimensions of about 5" x 2.25" x 1-1/16" (about 12.7cm x 5.5cm x 2.7cm). The inside of the box states: "Yashica Palmatic 20 Because . . . -It takes Better Pictures. -Flash Shooting requires NO batteries. -Drop-in Film Loading is sure and simple." I purchased two of these. The first one was purchased with about 7 other point and shoot cameras from the 50s to 70s for $25 at a La Mesa, CA garage sale on 1-16-10. It is in excellent condition and came with the owner's manual. I purchased the second one on 1-18-10 on eBay on 1-18-10 for $4.99 (Buy It Now) with $10.92 shipping from Pittsburg. That's pretty high including the shipping for a very simple 110 camera, but the eBay sale included the original box. The camera (and many others like it) is a good example of marketing very compact and simple cameras, although a poor overall design since, like many other 110 cameras, the lack of adjustiblity and the very small negative size limits its ability, in my opinion, to take high quality photos.
[Yashica Samurai 4000ix]
Yashica Samurai 4000ix, Advanced Photo System (APS) camera with 30mm to 120mm zoom lens. Viewfinder (not through the lens) viewing. Autofocus. 3V 123 battery. A nice camera with a wide zoom range but relatively small maximum aperature especially at the long end of the zoom ranging from f4.5 at 30mm to f9.9 at 120mm according to the following Japanese site. It is shaped and styled like a camcorder. About 8cm heigh, 11cm long and 5cm wide. Lens extends out an additional 6.5cm from the front when at 120mm focal length. Assembled in China of parts made in Japan. The Japanese site above gives a date of 1998, which I am guessing is when it was first sold. Most of the entries on the Internet were European or Japanese sites. Therefore, I'm guessing this specific model may not have been sold in the US. There were many Yashica Samurai models, several of which were half frame 35mm format. I purchased this on 7-7-07 for $5 at a La Mesa, CA garage sale. It has some scratches on the body, but it appears to be in working condition. I can't figure how to open the film compartment, however.
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