MINOLTA HI-MATIC F1972

Serial Nr.1154259
Minolta Code: 0168

Characteristics and functions
The Minolta Hi-Matic F was introduced in 1972 and was produced in Silver andBlack versions. The Hi-Matic F is the direct descendant of the Hi-Matic E, butmuch more compact in size. The Hi-Matic F has automatic exposure control bymeans of the programmed electronic shutter, Seiko-ESL (705), with a working
range from EV 0.9 (4 seconds and f.2.7) to EV 17 (1/724” and f.13) for 100 Asa
films. The sensitivity of the admitted films ranges from 25 Asa (15 Din) to 500
Asa (28 Din). The lens is a Rokkor 38mm. f.2.7 with 4 lenses in 3 groups and iscoupled to the rangefinder. On the upper cap, in satin-finish aluminum, we find:the foldable knob for the recovery of the film which also acts as a release for theopening of the back, if pulled to the end of the stroke; the hot shoe-flash, whichbears the serial number engraved, a square-shaped red LED as a signal toregulate battery efficiency, placed in the immediate vicinity of the shutter button;
the chrome shutter button is placed in the forward position and has the internal
thread for the use of the flexible release (Cable Release II); continuing to theright we meet the satin metal charging lever with a black plastic end part which
in rest position completely surmounts the upper casing, while it has a pre-strokeposition of about 30°. The progress of the film also causes the shutter to becocked at the same time. Next to the loading lever, on the far right of the upper
cap, is the square window of the frame counter, an additive with automatic
resetting at the opening of the back, where the white numbers on a black field
and a red reference arrow are visible. On the back side of the upper cap we findon the left the black plastic frame of the eyepiece window, then, continuing to
the right, we find the red button for checking the status of the batteries,
contained in a black plastic frame (pressing it causes the 'lighting of the red led
placed on top, if the batteries are efficient). Lastly, on the far right, we find thewindow that indicates the smooth running of the film (you can see a red signal
scrolling from right to left on a black field). The rear side of the camera isentirely occupied by the back covered with black faux leather and hinged along
the right side. The front side of the top shell is occupied by the viewfinder
window, on the left, followed by the window of the rangefinder, followed in turnby the black inscriptions “Minolta” and “HI-Matic F” placed on two lines. The
bright frame with parallax indications in close-up shots is visible in theviewfinder. A red led on the right side lights up to indicate slow shutter speeds.
The flash symbol, which is highlighted on the right side, indicates the presenceof the flash. At the center of the viewfinder is the rangefinder collimation system.
In the central part in black faux leather there is the lens mount with a plate on its
right indicating that the device has an electronically controlled programmed
shutter. The lens mount is oversized compared to the front lens in order tocontain the cell at the top of the exposure meter CdS; while at the bottom thereis the window of the admitted film sensitivity (25-50-100-200-400), expressed inAsa. To adjust the sensitivity, you need to rotate the black striped plastic ringaround the lens. All around are white writings: “Rokkor 1:2.7 f=38mm” and“Minolta Camera Co., Ltd.”. To the right of the sensitivity window is marked inwhite "ASA". The lens mount is threaded with a diameter of 46 mm for the useof Minolta filters. On the lens body we find a first black plastic band with theGuide Number values in meters (7 - 56) and in feet (22 - 180) for the use of theflash. A chrome ring with a black dot is used to select the desired NG. Going
towards the outside of the body of the lens we find another black plastic ringwith ribbed focus distances in feet (from 2.6 to infinity) and in meters (from 0.8
to infinity), this is the focus ring which is easily maneuvered using the black
plastic foot located at the bottom. The distances shown on the black band referto a red dot placed on the extreme part of the chromed frame of the lens. The
socket for the flash cable is located on the left side of the shell. Two chromerings placed along the front corners are the attachment points of the shoulder
strap. On the bottom there are: the large black plastic door of the battery
compartment, which must be slid to the left and then raised. A transparent
plastic tab helps in the extraction of the batteries (2 PX-640 1.4v, mercury); thethread for use with the stand and the small chrome button to release the clutch
for the recovery of the film. Weight 350g. batteries excluded.
Length 113mm. Height 73mm. Depth 54mm.