Minolta Hi-Matic F

[JoeLopez]

My second rangefinder is the Minolta Hi-Matic F I picked up via ebay in June 2015 for $10. It included the original lens cap and black Minolta carry case.

I've only ran one roll of film through this camera (to test it out really) and plan to dust it off later this Spring and recently purchased a nice battery adapter kit on ebay earlier this week. This pocket camera takes some nice pictures.

First roll I ran through it was Tmax 400

Minolta Hi-Matic F by Joe Lopez, on Flickr

Minolta Hi-Matic F by Joe Lopez, on Flickr

Minolta Hi-Matic F Rangefinder by Joe Lopez, on Flickr

Minolta Hi-Matic F Rangefinder by Joe Lopez, on Flickr

Minolta Hi-Matic F Rangefinder by Joe Lopez, on Flickr

 

[Arbitrarium]

I had one of these briefly, sold it on after a couple of rolls. I found it very easy to do well aligned doubles with it, possibly because it's small enough to hold all the levers in place.

I wasn't overly impressed with the lens, and the focus ring on mine was REALLY loose and floppy, not sure if that's a common complaint or I just had one with dried up lube.

 

[MCTuomey]

still have one, in black, though i haven't run any film through it recently

fine, sharp lens, excellent fixed lens RF, only wish the RF patch was a bit more defined for my aged eyes

nice pics, my hometown too

 

[JoeLopez]

still have one, in black, though i haven't run any film through it recently

fine, sharp lens, excellent fixed lens RF, only wish the RF patch was a bit more defined for my aged eyes

nice pics, my hometown too

Thanks. Do you have a black F or a black FP by chance?

 

[MCTuomey]

yes joe, it's black and either an E or F, can't remember which

 

[DwF]

The pics you posted here look very good. Nice camera and similar to the Konica Auto S3. I have been using my Konica just recently and can feel there is a bit of play in the lens barrel, but focusing is tight and images are sharp. My eyes are also not what they were but I find the rangefinder patch is better than many of the smaller cameras with rangefinders that I have used.

 

[JoeLopez]

The pics you posted here look very good. Nice camera and similar to the Konica Auto S3. I have been using my Konica just recently and can feel there is a bit of play in the lens barrel, but focusing is tight and images are sharp. My eyes are also not what they were but I find the rangefinder patch is better than many of the smaller cameras with rangefinders that I have used.

Thank you DwF

 

[Contarama]

Hi Joe. I recognize you from another forum. I have the first two models of the fixed lens Minolta rf cameras both branded as Ansco for the US market. Originally they were Uniomats as I recall. Great little rigs. I have always wanted one of the later models. And a CLE of course.

 

[zuikologist]

Joe, nice photos, I like the first one a lot. The focusing lever must help in handing such a small camera.

Can I ask where you got the adaptor kit as it would probably be useful across a few cameras.

 

[JoeLopez]

Joe, nice photos, I like the first one a lot. The focusing lever must help in handing such a small camera.

Can I ask where you got the adaptor kit as it would probably be useful across a few cameras.

Thank you!
From what I can tell, this is how the camera came.

 

[Contarama]

The original of the line.

 

[zuikologist]

Joe

Sorry for my lack of clarity. I was referring to the battery adaptor kit.

Thank you!
From what I can tell, this is how the camera came.

 

[JoeLopez]

Joe

Sorry for my lack of clarity. I was referring to the battery adapter kit.

Ah, that makes sense 🙂

This is the kit I ordered HERE. Previously I used a battery/aluminum foil solution. As I'm using the YashicaGuy adapter for my Electro 35, this just made more sense to me.

I should have it within a week or so.

 

[JoeLopez]

The original of the line.

Very nice. I'd like to display a couple of my cameras on old tripods at home, but KIDS..... LOL