Minolta Hi-matic F

[Shafovaloff1]

Thanks for the enlightenment on the way the F operates...great!

 

[Sniper X]

I have a Hi Matic F, and a E model. Yes a PX640A in each side will work in the E. I had to mod my F to use the two 357's and a jumper for the opposite side. It works great but will (as said) kill the batteries if you don't put the lens cap on when not in use. I put my lens caps on between shots if I not out street shooting. I feel the F is a great camera, and the E is a tad better and a little more advanced even though it is older. I just got a new to me E in perfect as new shape. When Iget a new six pack of the PX640 batteries cokming so Ill check if they work in the F when they arrive.

 

[Bill Clark]

Instruction book:

http://www.cameramanuals.org/minolta_pdf/minolta_hi-matic_f.pdf

I have the hi-matic G. B&H has the battery.

I believe this is the battery for yours:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...6LWx3QIVUrnACh1-bwiQEAQYASABEgKhM_D_BwE&smp=y

or here:
https://www.amazon.com/Exell-Batter...F8&qid=1536616962&sr=8-5&keywords=640+battery

 

[Sniper X]

Yes, on a unmodde F or E that A640PX is indeed the battery. I just ordewred a six pac of them.

 

[Sniper X]

Here's a crappy cel pic of my beautiful Hi Matic E. Oh and I love them both...

 

[JoeLopez]

I had one for a year or so, a very nice shooter. For those looking for a battery solution - consider this nice adapter kit -- http://www.ebay.com/itm/371619178453

 

[kamil_k]

Recently I restored Hi-Matic CS which initially had broken viewfinder glass. It's identical to the F. I am carrying this camera always with me and even take it for my business trips. At first I didn't like the full auto exposure but at the end it's better than no camera.

 

[Sniper X]

Just got my second F. It was stated as being in excellent condition. NEVER buy a used F or E without a clear picture of the battery compartment!! My new one LOOKS new on the outside, but the battery compartment has what look like original Mercury batteries in it that are packed up. They leaked and ruined the interior bottom of the camera. I may use this as a guinea piggie and take it apart and attempt to repair it. I just finished a full CLA, and light seals (performed myself as I do on all my film caoeras) on my new to me Hi MAtic 9 and it now works as if new.

 

[Sniper X]

I understand this following way - set GN lever to closest value matching your flash. Then...it depends. Not knowing Hi-Matic, I'll give common idea.

35RC has Flashmatic mode in which, as you focus, appropriate aperture is automatically selected. Speed automatically is set it 1/60 or 1/30 (?). In fact, it automates aperture selection depending of distance. Quite handy, must admit.

You can download a full original manual online. If you need it I can provide a link. The manual describes it pretty well.

 

[Sniper X]

I have a Himatic E - I think its the same camera except the F doesnt have parallax correction in the viewfinder.
After living with a Contax IIa for several months, the bright clear viewfinder in the Minolta and smooth easy focussing; lever advance, makes the camera a real pleasure to use. AS for the auto metering only, they seem to have excellent automatic meters in them. (I read somehwere its the same system from the Yashica electro, possibly under license) The lens is sharp and contrasty.
Quite frankly its a relief to use a neat little camera like this after living in the 1950's with the Contax. Simplicity! And it cost less than a family trip to Macdonalds...

The E is a more advanced (slightly) and a little better higher build quality of the F. It has easy flash too and a way to change the flash use to manual or automatic. I have both and if used correctly you can't tell the difference except the E seems to have a slightly sharper more contrasty lens.