Minolta does not exist anymore, which is a shame, because they made some of the most interesting cameras of the film era. And the used market is full of them, usually cheap, usually excellent.
Here is the thing about old Minolta gear. The lenses are genuinely good. Minolta glass has this rendering that people pay stupid money to replicate with modern vintage-style lenses, and you can get the actual original for the price of a pizza. The bodies are tanks. The design was ahead of its time.
But it is old gear, so be smart. Check the light seals, because they are foam and foam turns to goo after forty years. Check the battery compartment for corrosion. Put a roll through it before you declare it your new personality.
Shooting film in 2025 is a choice, and I respect it, but go in with open eyes. Film costs real money now. Every frame is about a dollar. That changes how you shoot, and honestly, it might change it for the better.
Your father’s Minolta might be better than your mirrorless. Do not tell him I said that.
Leave a Reply