Minolta Super A

[camera.bear]

Hello Everyone,

I have a Minolta Super A on the way and I am looking forward to using it. I was able to find an instruction manual in jpg format and a few pieces of history about the camera. Does anyone have any information on the Super A or links to sites with information?

Also, I would love to hear about any experiences using the Super A and would love to see your pictures. Thank you.

 

[radiocemetery]

Hi Wayne,

Don't know if you have been to the mediajoy site, but here is the link:

http://www.mediajoy.com/en/cla_came/minolta-a2/index.html

This page is for the Minolta A2 but according to the info. at this site it should mostly apply to the A also. Be sure to click on the "next" button at the bottom of each page on this site for more info. I hope you enjoy your new camera and post some pics when you can.

Steve

 

[camera.bear]

radiocemetery,

Thank you for the link. I had not seen that page and it does help some; seeing this camera being handled gives me a good idea of what to expect. However, the camera that I got is a "Super A" which allows for interchangable lenses. It also allows an accessory exposure meter to be mounted on top which couples with the shutter speeds. I have one of these on the way as well.

I still hope to hear from someone shooting this camera.

 

[radiocemetery]

I think you will like the Rokkor lenses. What lens is coming with the camera?

 

[camera.bear]

radiocemetery,

It is coming with a 5cm f/2.0. I really would like to find a 3.5cm f/3.5 as well. I have seen some pics on the web taken with the f/2.0 and they looked really nice. I am looking forward to it.

 

[colyn]

I had a Super A years ago with all of the lens made for it. Overall it's a fine camera and will worth getting. Wish I still had mine. It does however take a bit of getting used to but the lens are outstanding.

The only warning I can think of is don't force the advance lever. The screw will shear off if you do..

 

[RidgeRunner]

I would also caution against forcing the winding lever - mine sheared a screw off several years ago. Must be a weakness in this model. I hope to repair or replace it someday. Very nice camera otherwise.

 

[Beemermark]

I had two way back in the 80's with a number of lenses. Maybe I had a bad sample(s) but I thought the lenses were terrible (compared to my leica lenses (early 50 vintage)). Fun to play with thought, I often think about getting another one but they seem to be sort of rare.

 

[camera.bear]

It has arrived! It came from 2 different sellers in two seperate packages, but it all fits together nicely. The camera is in nice condition and the shutter is nice and snappy. Although the lens is nice, the rangefinder needs some work, but is usable for now. If the pics are good enough, I'll look into a CLA for the camera.

Minolta Super A and Minolta-meter.

 

[camera.bear]

Thanks everyone for the comments and advise. I have run a old roll of Kodak 400 Gold through the Minolta Super A and the results were pretty good. Shooting 400 here in Phoenix is a challange due to the bright sunlight. The Minolta-meter did a pretty good job as well. I plan on shooting Ektar 100 next time.

Here are a few of the shots. These are just drugstore scans. I may scan the negatives myself when I get a chance.

And a glamour shot of the camera, of course! 😀

 

[radiocemetery]

Nice sharp results Wayne. Looks like a cool camera too.

 

[camera.bear]

I was able to get the rare Rokkor 3.5cm f/3.5 lens for my Minolta Super A rangefinder. It came yesterday. Depth of Field at f/22 is greater than the entire focusing range of 3.5 feet to infinity. It effectively makes this a pinhole camera.

I have it mounted to the camera and hope to do some shooting today.

 

[napchop]

same here

same here

I also just received my Super A with 50/f2 & light meter. shooting B/W 100 Fomopan

 

[camera.bear]

I also just received my Super A with 50/f2 & light meter. shooting B/W 100 Fomopan

I just read that you got a Super A. Congrats on that. Have you gotten any pictures yet? I would love to see. How are you liking the camera?

 

[napchop]

Super A

Super A

Hi Wayne, I had some issues with the transport slipping but put the camera in for full service and it came back super. Pictures are super sharp (mine has 50/2 lens) also now looking for a 35mm lens.
I have Voigtlander Prominent but I'm beginning to prefer the Minolta.
I can't upload images without resizing them, restrictions here are very small, will try to do that later.

 

[napchop]

other available lenses were
3.5cm f3.5 Rokkor 35mm wide angle lens, with 4 elements in 3 groups[2][3].
5cm f1.8 Super Rokkor 50mm normal lens, with 6 elements in 5 groups.
5cm f2 Super Rokkor 50mm normal lens, 7 elements in 4 groups.
5cm f2.8 Super Rokkor 50mm normal lens, 5 elements in 3 groups.
8.5cm f2.8 Super Rokkor 85mm portrait lens, with 5 elements.
10cm f3.8 Tele Rokkor 100mm short telephoto lens.
13.5cm f4.5 Tele Rokkor 135mm telephoto lens, with 4 elements.