Minolta 35 Model IIa

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Anybody have one of these? What can you tell me about using it? I was reading about it in the Jason Schneider book today and it sounds like a nice camera. Does it take all Leica-screw-mount lenses, or are there some that don't work?

Thanks!

 

[David Murphy]

I've owned a couple of these. Most of them have broken shutters or shutter curtains, but if you can get a good one they are fine cameras. They are even worth having serviced if you can find a broken and fix it for not too much money. I'm not a huge fan of the 45mm Olympus lens they often come with, but some say it's pretty good (I'm still on the fence about it's performance, but it's very well made). The swing back loading is handy and the finder is pretty nice. Overall a very decent camera.

 

[David Murphy]

Oh yes, I've only used them the 45mm Zuiko, but they should take any Leica thread mount lens.

 

[Never Satisfied]

Hi, I have one, use it regularily and love it. As above, most have broken shutters and need replacing, but they are cloth curtains so any competant RF mechanic should be able to fix one. Yes they are a M39 lens mount. Later units came with a 50mm Rokkor and a lever wind. Be aware that the frame size is not standard 35mm and is a little shorter, ideal 8" x 10" ratio and all of the original issue lenses are Rokkor (Minolta).
Andrew.

 

[David Murphy]

Sorry I meant Rokkor not Zuiko of course