Gave up on Minolta AF-C

[btgc]

After watching/bidding AF-C's, I've cooled down. When I don't want'em, they go for cheap. When I want one, price skyrockets to level I don't justify. Well, I love XA2 for silent operation and compact size, that's what attracts in AF-C too. I ended up purchasing Pentax PC35AF (aka Sport 35), said to be working, comes with attachable winder. ISO goes only up to 400, later model PC35AF-M (aka Super Sport 35) with body-integrated motorwind goes to 1000 I guess, though with it one looses silent wind. After all, it's a reasonable substitute, excluding bigger size, though rest - manual (read - silent) wind, nice lens and AF - is what I wanted from AF-C. I will not tell price not to start Pentax-hunt. Well, nowadays probably not much of us are using 35mm P&S.

Just checked dimensions - AF-C without flash is listed as 105 x 67.5 x 42 (mm), PC35AF - 116 x 66.5 x 45.5 (mm). Seems that they are about same size, AF-C beeing 10mm shorter (not big deal).

Both have exactly same shutter speeds and measuring range - EV6 (F2.8, 1/8s) to EV17 (F17, 1/430s).

It's unknown how much AF-C's 6/6 lens is superior to Pentax 5/5 lens. I just assume that price diff diminishes it. Or maybe not, who knows 🙂

 

[shadowfox]

Found one on craigslist, from another state.

and a few sample from the test roll...

The film was already inside the camera, no telling how old it is.
It's a monochrome C-41 Kodak T400CN, which is the predecessor of the currently produced BW400CN.

The build-quality of the camera is not bad, although it's not as solid as its obvious rival, the Olympus XA. The lens is definitely sharp, but it'll take me a few rolls to tell if I like it better than the Zuiko on the XA.

Overall, a positive experience.

 

[chubasco]

Gosh, Will, what crappy pictures, send the AF-C to me for proper disposal, thanks. lol
Wow, even had the box...

 

[camera.bear]

btgc,

It looks like we have the same problem, but visa versa. I have given up on the XA because I can't find one for the price I am willing to spend. I keep hoping to find one in the thrift stores. No luck so far, so I'll just have to be satisfied with my AF-C for now. I also picked up a PC35AF and a PC35AF-M SE, but I have not shot any film with them yet. I am working on rolls in my AF-C and Konica C35 AF2.

shadowfox,

Congrats on the AF-C with the box. Did it come with the flash? I found mine at a thrift store with a mismatched case. Great pictures. I really like the one of the trees.

 

[zuikologist]

Also try a Pentax Espio Mini (UC1 in the US): slower but wider 32/3.5 lens, very small, very quiet, remote control operation, B mode, flexible flash, did I mention it is very quiet.

After watching/bidding AF-C's, I've cooled down. When I don't want'em, they go for cheap. When I want one, price skyrockets to level I don't justify. Well, I love XA2 for silent operation and compact size, that's what attracts in AF-C too. I ended up purchasing Pentax PC35AF (aka Sport 35), said to be working, comes with attachable winder. ISO goes only up to 400, later model PC35AF-M (aka Super Sport 35) with body-integrated motorwind goes to 1000 I guess, though with it one looses silent wind. After all, it's a reasonable substitute, excluding bigger size, though rest - manual (read - silent) wind, nice lens and AF - is what I wanted from AF-C. I will not tell price not to start Pentax-hunt. Well, nowadays probably not much of us are using 35mm P&S.

Just checked dimensions - AF-C without flash is listed as 105 x 67.5 x 42 (mm), PC35AF - 116 x 66.5 x 45.5 (mm). Seems that they are about same size, AF-C beeing 10mm shorter (not big deal).

Both have exactly same shutter speeds and measuring range - EV6 (F2.8, 1/8s) to EV17 (F17, 1/430s).

It's unknown how much AF-C's 6/6 lens is superior to Pentax 5/5 lens. I just assume that price diff diminishes it. Or maybe not, who knows 🙂

 

[btgc]

Now I can look at this easy 🙂 In days back there were some crazy buyer, who bid on each decent AF-C appearing on ebay. I wonder if he were suffering from "second sample" syndrome in heavy form or has found place on Earth where he could sell expensive AF-C's with profit.

So I wish you all good pictures from your minty AF-Cs 🙂 For me, couple of P&S are my only 35mm (length, not format) options so I still use them from time to time, though small cameras having control over aperture are somehow more comfortable, mentally - even if aperture chosen by automatics doesn't differ dramatically from what I could choose. Am I control freak?

Probably I need to load PC35AF with slow speed film, instead of ISO400 and go out.

 

[shadowfox]

Bill, you'll like this little guy, I felt bad posting this on the manualfocus.org since it's AF and all.

Wayne, it did come with the flash, I don't use flash on the camera, so I just kept it in the box. I like that pic with the kids seating.

zuikologist, I've read about that one, but I'll just let the 'bay current float one my way, between the AF-C and the XA-4, I am well equipped for pocket-style shooting.

btgc, your posts always inspire me to cherish these little gems, that's why I choose this long dormant thread. So thanks!

 

[chubasco]

Will, finally won one of these with flash:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320478101524&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Can't wait to try it!

 

[camera.bear]

Will, finally won one of these with flash:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320478101524&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Can't wait to try it!

chubasco,

Congratulations on getting an AF-C. It's nice looking. I'm eager to see your pics. Good luck.

 

[johannielscom]

Why not look for an AF-S then? Its got the exact same setup re. lens and AF, but the flash is included in the body.

 

[re_visible]

hej, I didn't know these camera are that "good"...
There is one at a local auction site here in CH, 24h to go, and at about 5$:

http://www.ricardo.ch/kaufen/foto-und-optik/kompaktkameras/sucherkameras/minolta-af-c/v/an595715716/

Looks nice, except the light seals, but that should not be a big problem.