Minolta Freedom II Auto-focus 35mm point-and-shoot camera (serial 3835481)
Minolta Freedom II Auto-focus 35mm point-and-shoot camera (serial 3835481)
The Minolta Freedom II (called the AF-E in some countries) is a quality auto-focus 35mm film point-and-shoot from 1985. This is a wonderfully simple camera with a sharp 35mm f/3.5 lens (4 element in 4 groups).
Apart from its manual rewind switch, it's an auto-everything camera so it's ideal for someone who wants a pure point-and-shoot experience.
The Freedom II requires two AA batteries (not included).
Important note: the camera's manual (linked below) warns on page 10 that "the rewind switch should not be operated when the back cover is open or no film is inside." We once ran across another Freedom II that was seized up due to someone mindlessly playing with the rewind switch.
Manual
https://cameramanuals.org/minolta_pdf/minolta_af-e.pdf
Condition notes
We tested this camera with batteries and film installed (the film was not processed). We also verified the camera's auto-focus and auto-exposure are working correctly. The camera is in very good cosmetic condition (see photos) with only minor wear.
Example photos
Here are some pictures that other people have taken with the Freedom II/AF-E:
https://www.lomography.com/cameras/3334133-minolta-af-e/photos
https://www.lomography.com/cameras/3346168-minolta-freedom-ii/photos
Specs
- Type: Compact autofocus 35mm camera with automatic switch-over flash, DX auto film-speed setting, and auto loading and film transport system
- Lens: Minolta 35mm f/3.5 lens with built-in lens cover; 4 elements in 4 groups; angle of view: 63°
- Film speed setting: Automatic setting for ISO 100 to
- 1000 DX films; manual setting at ISO 100, 200, 400 Film transport: Auto threading, one-step advance to first frame, auto winding, auto rewind
- Viewfinder: Bright-frame type with normal-framing guide, close-framing guides, autofocus zone, flash-wait signal; magnification: 0.45X; power: -1 dipper
- Exposure control: Electronically programmed from EV 9 to EV 16.2; silicon photocell
- Focusing: Infrared autofocus system (0.65m [2.1 ft.] to infinity\ with cancelable focus hold
- Flash control: Flash automatically fires in low-light conditions; automatic charge activation
- Power: Two AA-size alkaline-manganese, sealed carbon-zinc, or rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries; shutter locks when batteries are exhausted
- Battery performance*: Using 36-exposure film
- Alkaline-manganese without flash: 90 rolls
- Alkaline-manganese with flash: 8 rolls
- Nickel-cadmium without flash: 50 rolls
- Nickel-cadmium with flash: 4 rolls
- * As determined by standard Minolta test methods at normal temperatures
- Dimensions: 131.5 × 65.5 × 45.5mm (5-3/16 x 2-9/16 × 1-13/16 in.)
- Weight: 245g (8-5/8 oz.) without batteries