Minolta AL-F Analogue camera

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Description from the seller

Minolta AL-F — 35mm Rangefinder Camera with Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 (1967)

Hello from Japan!
We provide high-quality cameras and lenses to the world.

Introduced in 1967, the Minolta AL-F is a compact, fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder camera from the golden era of Japanese rangefinders. Often affectionately called the "Baby Hi-Matic," it pairs a coupled rangefinder for precise manual focusing with a shutter-priority automatic exposure system: the photographer selects the shutter speed and the camera's CdS meter sets the aperture automatically.

The fixed lens is the well-regarded Minolta Rokkor 38mm f/2.7, a four-element, three-group design known for sharp, characterful rendering in a remarkably pocketable all-metal body. The camera features Minolta's CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) metering, which uses the CdS cell system to balance exposure in high-contrast scenes, as well as the "Easy Flash" system that couples the aperture to the focus distance for simplified flash photography. The Seiko leaf shutter offers speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 sec, and the CdS meter is calibrated for ISO 25 to 500 film. The minimum focusing distance is 0.8 m. "JAPAN" is engraved on the base plate (Made in Japan).

Lens / Filter Thread
This is a fixed-lens camera; there is no interchangeable mount. The lens accepts 46 mm screw-in filters.

Condition: USED — Near Mint
Pre-owned, with almost no signs of use. This is an exceptionally clean example for a camera of this age, with both the optics and the controls in outstanding shape.

Serial Number
Please check the photo.

Appearance
The body is almost free of scratches and remains very attractive, with crisp engravings and clean leatherette. Please check the photos for details.

Optical Condition
The lens is very clear. No fungus, no haze, no balsam separation, and no noticeable scratches were observed.

Viewfinder / Rangefinder
The viewfinder is very clear and the coupled rangefinder (double-image) patch is bright and sharp, making focusing easy.

Functional
Tested and operating properly. The controls have an as-new feel. The CdS exposure meter powers on and responds correctly. The Seiko leaf shutter operates, and focusing via the coupled rangefinder is smooth and accurate.

Battery
The light meter is designed for a PX625 / PX13 type 1.35V mercury battery, which is now discontinued. For accurate metering, a modern 1.35V equivalent such as a WeinCell MRB625 zinc-air cell is recommended. A battery is not included.

Bundled Items
- Minolta AL-F camera body
- Minolta front lens cap
- Kenko 1A (skylight) 46 mm filter, currently mounted on the lens

No case, strap, or battery is included. Only the items shown in the photos are included.

Important Notes for Used Items
As this is a used item, subtle imperfections may exist that are not individually described.

Shipping
We ship via Japan Post (ePacket Light). Your package will be handed over to the local postal carrier in your country for final delivery. For high-value items, we may use FedEx or DHL.
We only ship to registered addresses.
We ship within 3 business days after payment.

Customs and Taxes
Import duties, taxes, and other fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office before bidding.
We do not under-declare item values or mark items as "gifts."

Returns and Buyer Protection
Handled in accordance with Catawiki's Seller Terms.
If you have any questions, please contact us before bidding.

Thank you for visiting our listing.
Japan has one of the world's largest used-camera markets.
We appreciate your interest.

Seller's Story

Welcome to Snow Optics Japan! We are a professional camera and vintage lens store based in Hokkaido, Japan. We specialize in high-quality Japanese vintage cameras and classic manual focus lenses (such as CONTAX, Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and more). "Quality and Honesty" is our policy. Our professional staff carefully inspects, cleans, and tests every item before listing. We always provide detailed photos and honest descriptions about the optical and functional conditions, including any minor flaws, so you can bid with 100% confidence. We pack all items extremely carefully with robust materials to ensure they arrive safely to Europe and the rest of the world. We are looking forward to delivering fantastic Japanese camera equipment to you. Thank you for visiting our auctions!

Minolta AL-F — 35mm Rangefinder Camera with Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 (1967)

Hello from Japan!
We provide high-quality cameras and lenses to the world.

Introduced in 1967, the Minolta AL-F is a compact, fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder camera from the golden era of Japanese rangefinders. Often affectionately called the "Baby Hi-Matic," it pairs a coupled rangefinder for precise manual focusing with a shutter-priority automatic exposure system: the photographer selects the shutter speed and the camera's CdS meter sets the aperture automatically.

The fixed lens is the well-regarded Minolta Rokkor 38mm f/2.7, a four-element, three-group design known for sharp, characterful rendering in a remarkably pocketable all-metal body. The camera features Minolta's CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) metering, which uses the CdS cell system to balance exposure in high-contrast scenes, as well as the "Easy Flash" system that couples the aperture to the focus distance for simplified flash photography. The Seiko leaf shutter offers speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 sec, and the CdS meter is calibrated for ISO 25 to 500 film. The minimum focusing distance is 0.8 m. "JAPAN" is engraved on the base plate (Made in Japan).

Lens / Filter Thread
This is a fixed-lens camera; there is no interchangeable mount. The lens accepts 46 mm screw-in filters.

Condition: USED — Near Mint
Pre-owned, with almost no signs of use. This is an exceptionally clean example for a camera of this age, with both the optics and the controls in outstanding shape.

Serial Number
Please check the photo.

Appearance
The body is almost free of scratches and remains very attractive, with crisp engravings and clean leatherette. Please check the photos for details.

Optical Condition
The lens is very clear. No fungus, no haze, no balsam separation, and no noticeable scratches were observed.

Viewfinder / Rangefinder
The viewfinder is very clear and the coupled rangefinder (double-image) patch is bright and sharp, making focusing easy.

Functional
Tested and operating properly. The controls have an as-new feel. The CdS exposure meter powers on and responds correctly. The Seiko leaf shutter operates, and focusing via the coupled rangefinder is smooth and accurate.

Battery
The light meter is designed for a PX625 / PX13 type 1.35V mercury battery, which is now discontinued. For accurate metering, a modern 1.35V equivalent such as a WeinCell MRB625 zinc-air cell is recommended. A battery is not included.

Bundled Items
- Minolta AL-F camera body
- Minolta front lens cap
- Kenko 1A (skylight) 46 mm filter, currently mounted on the lens

No case, strap, or battery is included. Only the items shown in the photos are included.

Important Notes for Used Items
As this is a used item, subtle imperfections may exist that are not individually described.

Shipping
We ship via Japan Post (ePacket Light). Your package will be handed over to the local postal carrier in your country for final delivery. For high-value items, we may use FedEx or DHL.
We only ship to registered addresses.
We ship within 3 business days after payment.

Customs and Taxes
Import duties, taxes, and other fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office before bidding.
We do not under-declare item values or mark items as "gifts."

Returns and Buyer Protection
Handled in accordance with Catawiki's Seller Terms.
If you have any questions, please contact us before bidding.

Thank you for visiting our listing.
Japan has one of the world's largest used-camera markets.
We appreciate your interest.

Seller's Story

Welcome to Snow Optics Japan! We are a professional camera and vintage lens store based in Hokkaido, Japan. We specialize in high-quality Japanese vintage cameras and classic manual focus lenses (such as CONTAX, Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and more). "Quality and Honesty" is our policy. Our professional staff carefully inspects, cleans, and tests every item before listing. We always provide detailed photos and honest descriptions about the optical and functional conditions, including any minor flaws, so you can bid with 100% confidence. We pack all items extremely carefully with robust materials to ensure they arrive safely to Europe and the rest of the world. We are looking forward to delivering fantastic Japanese camera equipment to you. Thank you for visiting our auctions!

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Minolta
Model/type nr
AL-F
Physical condition
Near mint
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Serial number
792746
Estimated period
1960-1970
JapanVerified
114
Objects sold
100%
protop

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