Description
The Minolta Hi-Matic E is a **compact 35mm rangefinder camera** produced by **Minolta** in the early 1970s. Part of the **Hi-Matic** series, the Hi-Matic E was designed to offer an easy-to-use, yet capable film camera for both amateur and experienced photographers. Known for its solid build, reliable performance, and simple controls, it has gained popularity among collectors and analog photography enthusiasts.
### Key Features of the Minolta Hi-Matic E:
#### 1. **Lens**:
– The Hi-Matic E is equipped with a **45mm f/2.8 Rokkor lens**. The Rokkor lenses are renowned for their sharpness, excellent color rendition, and overall high optical quality.
– The **f/2.8 maximum aperture** allows for reasonably good low-light performance and offers moderate control over depth of field, though it’s not as fast as larger aperture lenses (like f/1.8 or f/1.4).
#### 2. **Exposure Control – Fully Automatic Exposure**:
– One of the standout features of the Hi-Matic E is its **automatic exposure system**. The camera uses a **selenium light meter** (built into the lens) to automatically adjust the aperture and shutter speed for correct exposure.
– It’s a **shutter-priority automatic exposure** system, meaning the camera selects the appropriate shutter speed based on the available light, while the photographer sets the aperture manually (using the aperture ring on the lens). This makes it easy to get the right exposure with minimal fuss.
– The **shutter speed range** is from **1/500 to 1/30 second**, and it also has a **B (bulb)** mode for long exposures.
#### 3. **Rangefinder Focusing**:
– The Hi-Matic E uses a **coupled rangefinder system** for focusing. This means that when you adjust the focus ring, the image in the viewfinder changes to help you achieve sharp focus. The rangefinder patch allows for more precise focusing compared to fixed-focus cameras or zone focus systems.
– Focusing is manual, and the camera is marked with distance indicators on the lens, which makes it easier to estimate focus at different distances.
#### 4. **Viewfinder**:
– The viewfinder of the Hi-Matic E is a **combined rangefinder and viewfinder**. This setup makes it easier to compose shots and focus accurately, as the rangefinder patch shows the point of focus. The viewfinder is relatively bright and clear, offering a comfortable shooting experience.
#### 5. **Flash Sync**:
– The camera features **X-sync flash** for electronic flash units, which means you can use it with most modern flashes. It does not have a built-in flash but has a **hot shoe** for attaching external flashes.
– Flash settings can be adjusted manually, though you’ll need to ensure the flash is rated for use with the camera’s automatic exposure system.
#### 6. **Build and Design**:
– The Minolta Hi-Matic E has a **compact, solid, and well-built metal body** that feels sturdy in the hand but is still relatively lightweight and easy to carry around.
– The camera’s design is simple and classic, with a clean aesthetic that makes it both practical and stylish.
– It features a **leaf shutter**, which contributes to a quieter shutter release sound compared to focal-plane shutters on larger SLRs.
#### 7. **Battery**:
– The exposure meter (which is selenium-based) does not require a battery, but the camera does need a **battery for the flash** and other electronic components. It typically uses a **1.35V mercury battery** (like the PX625), although modern alternatives (like zinc-air batteries) can be used with an appropriate voltage adjustment.
– The camera is fully functional without a battery if you don’t rely on the exposure meter, but the automatic exposure system will not work without a working battery.
#### 8. **Film Transport**:
– The Hi-Matic E has a **manual film advance lever**, which requires you to manually wind the film to the next frame after each shot. This feature is typical for rangefinder cameras of the era.
– It also has **manual film rewind** via a knob, which is used to rewind the film back into the film canister after finishing the roll.
### Advantages:
– **Automatic Exposure Control**: The automatic exposure system is a huge benefit for casual photographers or those who want to focus on composition and framing without worrying about manual exposure settings.
– **Sharp Rokkor Lens**: The 45mm f/2.8 Rokkor lens is known for its excellent optical quality and sharpness, delivering great images with vibrant colors and good contrast.
– **Compact Size**: The Hi-Matic E is compact and easy to carry, making it ideal for street photography, travel, or everyday use.
– **Rangefinder Precision**: The coupled rangefinder system makes focusing easier and more accurate than fixed-focus or zone-focus cameras, particularly for close-up and portrait work.
– **Reliability**: The Minolta Hi-Matic E is a well-built camera that has proven to be reliable over the years, with many still functioning well today.
### Disadvantages:
– **Battery Dependency for Exposure Meter**: While the camera does not require a battery to function mechanically, the **exposure meter** requires a battery to provide automatic exposure control. This can be problematic since original mercury batteries are no longer made, and finding suitable replacements may require some trial and error.
– **Limited Manual Controls**: While the camera offers **manual aperture control**, the **shutter speed is automatically set by the camera**. This limits creative control for photographers who want to set both aperture and shutter speed manually, though this is typical for consumer cameras of the time.
– **Flash Compatibility**: The camera does not have a built-in flash, and external flash units must be used with the hot shoe or the flash sync port. Flash power must be manually adjusted.
### Conclusion:
The **Minolta Hi-Matic E** is an excellent choice for photographers seeking a **compact, reliable, and easy-to-use 35mm rangefinder camera**. Its **automatic exposure system**, **sharp Rokkor lens**, and **manual rangefinder focusing** make it an enjoyable and capable camera for everyday photography, street photography, or travel. While the lack of fully manual controls might be limiting for advanced photographers, it’s a fantastic option for those who want a straightforward, high-quality film camera without the complexity of more professional models.
Note: We are just like other vintage and antique camera collectors, we buy cameras from different people and markets and places. We do not test, inspect or repair the cameras. We just sell them as we get. Please check the images and videos for better knowledge of the cameras. ONCE PURCHASED WILL NOT BE TAKEN BACK OR REFUNDED! So please check them before placing any orders!
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