Minolta A
From Camerapedia.org
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| Picture by Voxphoto. (Image rights) |
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| Picture by Voxphoto. (Image rights) |
The Minolta A was launched by Chiyoda Kogaku in 1955. It was the first of a new series of rangefinder cameras with a four element Rokkor 1:3.5/45mm lens, an optical viewfinder with superimposed coupled rangefinder, and a rapid wind advance lever. Earliest version had a two-blade Konan Flicker shutter, B, 1/2-1/200s; later versions had Citizen Optiper MX shutters, B, 1-1/300s, all were M and X flash-synchronized. It was an entry level camera for advanced 35mm photography that was ahead of more expensive popular American rangefinder camera models. The Minolta "A" series was developed through the A-2, A-3, A-5, and then into the AL series that were marketed alongside the Hi-Matics. Maybe one of the early cameras that marked the beginning of the victory of Japanese products on the international market.
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| First version of Minolta 'A': note early-style rewind knob, "Chiyoda Kogaku" on shutter bezel |
Links
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| Column in the October 1955 special issue of Photo Art. |
In English:
In French:
- Minolta A on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
In Japanese:
