Pre-War Minolta Auto Semi

[dave61]

Is anyone else out there is using a Minolta Auto Semi?
After several months with various folders (caught folder bug) I chose a Minolta Auto Semi as my everyday 'pocket' camera. After a learning curve, it's producing 16 sharp, contrasty negatives per roll. The last 2 rolls shot have some of my best recent photos-like this portrait and the landscape.
Anyone (else) using this (supposedly rare) late 30's Japanese "copy" (more like an improvement) of a German design?
IMHO, it's the better camera. Minolta one-upped Welta by adding auto film advance-stop/frame counter that Welturs lacked, and that Asahi (Pentax) lens is SHARP.
[Auto-Semi.jpg]
[portrait (6) 9-08-09.jpg]
[ThruTheRuins.jpeg]

 

[Brian Legge]

I just came across one of these, sold as a parts camera. So far only two problems both related to the coupling between the shutter button and the shutter itself; a bad spring and a bent metal piece. Hopefully I can get it working... until then, I can just trip the shutter manually.

Do you have any more pictures taken with this camera? I haven't been able to find many example shots. I'm curious what the camera can do if in good condition (which usually means looking at a bunch of photos taken with it to see a range of conditions).

Anyway,running an initial roll through it now. Hopefully there aren't any other surprises as I really like some of the design ideas.