Minolta Hi-Matic E

M

Mattco26

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Just a few pictures from my favorite Hi-Matic. I use a 3v lithium battery in one bay and a small spring in the other bay to complete the circuit.


MinoltaHimaticEkodak400beerfest167 by MattCosta, on Flickr


MinoltaHimaticEkodak400beerfest172 by MattCosta, on Flickr


MinoltaHimaticEkodak400beerfest171 by MattCosta, on Flickr


MinoltaHimaticEkodak400beerfest177 by MattCosta, on Flickr


MinoltaHimaticEkodak400beerfest180 by MattCosta, on Flickr


MinoltaHimaticEkodak400beerfest181 by MattCosta, on Flickr


MinoltaHimaticEkodak400beerfest185 by MattCosta, on Flickr


MinoltaHimaticEkodak400beerfest191 by MattCosta, on Flickr
 
Thanks, I do too. The camera itself feels so solidly made and the lens is great, I'm not sure why they don't have a greater following. Maybe it's the automatic exposure system?
 
The Hi-Matic E is a great camera with a parallax-compensating rangefinder and a fantastic, fast lens. The self-compensating viewfinder is a rare feature. I think the reason it's not more popular is the battery issue, the automatic exposure and the top ASA setting of 500. And it's a little heavy. None of these are deal killers, though.
 
There is one of these on the local auction site here in NZ and it's a BLACK ONE ! I'm going to try and win it and if i do the battery trick will come in very handy :] Any old 3v Lithium or is there some special make and number I should look for?
Anyone have any experience with lens hoods and can reccomend one? I have a rectangular one that looks cool but was made for a 50mm lens so there might be some vignetting, might even block the viewfinder.
Here's the auction in case you want to have a look, the photo isn't great but i figure it's worth a shot.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=539541783
 
bgb said:
There is one of these on the local auction site here in NZ and it's a BLACK ONE ! I'm going to try and win it and if i do the battery trick will come in very handy :] Any old 3v Lithium or is there some special make and number I should look for?
Anyone have any experience with lens hoods and can reccomend one? I have a rectangular one that looks cool but was made for a 50mm lens so there might be some vignetting, might even block the viewfinder.
Here's the auction in case you want to have a look, the photo isn't great but i figure it's worth a shot.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=539541783
Click to expand...

Wow I've never seen a black E, you should pick it up. I use a 1/3N battery, easy to find. As far as the hood goes I use a 49mm vented hood, easy to find and cheap on Ebay. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the advice ... unless the price becomes silly or it's busted beyond repair I think this camera will suit me very well.
 
also the first camera I owened. Always regreted selling it, hooked me on rangefinders and have spent a lot of money trying to recreate that experiance
 
It arrived today packed in a bubble wrap bag. It also had the ever-ready case on and despite that it seems to have survived its time with the post office ok.
A few little marks on the outside but overall it looks very nice.
Filter had taken a knock but it it had done its job and protected the lens. No marks on the lens no fungus no haze and of course no dents. I have not tried a battery in it yet and I
might just leave that to the technician when it gets serviced.
It does have a few issues
Rewind release button on the base of the camera is stuck in the depressed position.
Camera cannot be wound on at all
Light seals be long gone.
So she will be off to the camera tech in the new year for a rebuild.
Weigh seems about right as does the size I think this is going to be a wonderful little camera.
 
You really should try a battery before sending it off. The camera won't wind because it is cocked for the next shot. Put the battery I described in with foil or a spring in the second bay to complete the circuit. You can then trip the shutter and wind on. This will release the rewind button as well. I can tell you how to replace the seals yourself, its cheap and easy. Try to get it working first.
 
You can use two LR44 batteries with spacers made of aluminum foil. The only weak point to these cameras is that the wires to the battery compartment sometimes corrodes. If the battery compartment is clean, hopefully the camera will work. Even if the the battery contacts look clean, it is a good idea to clean them with a pencil eraser.
 
Very nice. The largest size image on flickr almost allows reading the smallest print in the earrings. That's a sharp lens.
 
I didn't think of putting a battery in first .... duh!

I have done light seals before and have some foam from Jon so that bit will be ok

Thanks guys
 
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