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The Minolta Hi-Matic F is
definitely one of the
forerunners of the Point
&Shoot camera. In 1971,
Minolta introduced the
Hi-Matic E, a rangefinder focus
camera with automatic
exposure and no manual
controls. However, The E
does show its heritage with its
40mm f/1.7 Rokkor lens,
parallax correcting viewfinder,
self-timer and Easy Flash
system as well as manual fill
flash.
definitely one of the
forerunners of the Point
&Shoot camera. In 1971,
Minolta introduced the
Hi-Matic E, a rangefinder focus
camera with automatic
exposure and no manual
controls. However, The E
does show its heritage with its
40mm f/1.7 Rokkor lens,
parallax correcting viewfinder,
self-timer and Easy Flash
system as well as manual fill
flash.
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The Hi-Matic F was introduced the next year in 1972. It is a seriously scaled
down version on the Hi-Matic E. The case is still metal, but it is smaller and
lighter and the F sports a smaller, but very nice and slightly wide angle
38mm f/2.7 Rokkor lens. While it retains quick and precise manual
rangefinder focusing, the exposure system is again completely automatic.
There was no way to adjust shutter or aperture settings. The Hi-Matic F also
lost the parallax correcting viewfinder and only has parallax marks for
Infinity and closer than 3.8 feet. These limitations are certainly a detriment
for the photographer looking to have complete control over the camera.
Along with the silver bodied Hi-Matic F, Minolta also released a black bodied
version that they called the Hi-Matic FP. There is speculation that the"P"
stood for "Professional", because at that time, black bodied cameras were
considered more professional. However, the black '''FP''' was identical
except for the inclusion of a self-timer. There was some variation in these
cameras, as there was also a black bodied version labeled Hi-Matic F
without a self-timer.
down version on the Hi-Matic E. The case is still metal, but it is smaller and
lighter and the F sports a smaller, but very nice and slightly wide angle
38mm f/2.7 Rokkor lens. While it retains quick and precise manual
rangefinder focusing, the exposure system is again completely automatic.
There was no way to adjust shutter or aperture settings. The Hi-Matic F also
lost the parallax correcting viewfinder and only has parallax marks for
Infinity and closer than 3.8 feet. These limitations are certainly a detriment
for the photographer looking to have complete control over the camera.
Along with the silver bodied Hi-Matic F, Minolta also released a black bodied
version that they called the Hi-Matic FP. There is speculation that the"P"
stood for "Professional", because at that time, black bodied cameras were
considered more professional. However, the black '''FP''' was identical
except for the inclusion of a self-timer. There was some variation in these
cameras, as there was also a black bodied version labeled Hi-Matic F
without a self-timer.
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| Phoenix, Arizona Photography Enthusiast Specializing in Portrait, Landscape and Fine Art Photography |
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Minolta hit a different mark
by turning the Hi-Matic F
into a carefree Snapshot
machine. Because of the
wide 38mm lens, the quick
focusing and the automatic
exposure, this camera
makes a great camera for
candid scenics and
portraits. It is also great
for fun group shots. The
smaller body and lens
make this camera truly
pocket able so that it can
be on hand where the
action is taking place.
by turning the Hi-Matic F
into a carefree Snapshot
machine. Because of the
wide 38mm lens, the quick
focusing and the automatic
exposure, this camera
makes a great camera for
candid scenics and
portraits. It is also great
for fun group shots. The
smaller body and lens
make this camera truly
pocket able so that it can
be on hand where the
action is taking place.
Click the picture below to see examples from this
camera on my Flickr.com site.