MINOLTA AUTOPAK 700(Second set-up)
1966

Serial Nr.143544
Minolta Code 0171

Characteristics and functions
The Minolta Autopak 700 presented in 1966 is the only device produced by Minolta which uses Pak 126-type magazine films with a negative format of 28.5x28.5mm. - tohave an aesthetic appearance identical to compact cameras for 35mm film.
contemporary to it. The lens is a Rokkor 38mm. f.1/2.8 and the programmed shutter
is a Seikosha-LA (567-LA II) that works from EV 8 (1/30"with f.2.8) to EV 17 (1/250"with f.22). The camera has a classic shape. The upper cap in satin metal is very
linear: at the left end is the flash shoe which has the hot contact for the use of bothlight bulbs and electronic flashes. The serial number is engraved on the hot shoe.
The shutter button is located on the right side, in an advanced position; inside, athread allows the adaptation of a separate accessory for the use of the self-timer orthe flexible release (Cable Release). The name of the camera is engraved between
the hot shoe and the shutter release: “Autopak 700”. On the front, in the chrome partof the shell, the words "Minolta" and "Autopak 700" appear, while at the left end there
are the viewfinder window and that of the rangefinder, both contained in a
cantilevered frame. The words "Minolta Camera Co.Ldt." Appear on the chrome front
to the right of the lens. The lens is contained in a metallic frame with an oversizedappearance, so much so that the CdS exposure meter cell is placed on the front. andthere is also the thread for the 55mm. diameter filter attachment. so as to be able touse the whole series of compensation and conversion filters produced by Minolta. In
the lower part of the lens there is a rail in which the black plastic foot connected to
the focus adjustment slides. This is done by means of the rangefinder, but estimation
focusing is also possible by moving the cursor to the scale in meters / feet. The
minimum shooting distance is 0.8 meters / 2.6 feet. The central ring of the lens is theonly one that can rotate: you have to press the small chrome lever located at thebottom left to unlock the ring from position "A" and set the desired shutter speeds (B,1/30", 1/60", 1/125", 1/250", 1/500"). The selector for choosing diaphragms can also
be unlocked, using the same chrome lever seen before, so that it can be moved fromposition "A" to correspond to the chosen aperture value (2.8; 4; 5.6; 8; 11; 16; 22) .
The EV values scroll through a window on the left side of the lens when the dials foradjusting shutter speeds and apertures are moved from the "A" positions. On the rearside of the upper shell are the loading lever and, on the far left, the black plastic
frame of the viewfinder window. The luminous frame for the evaluation of the field ofview is visible in the viewfinder, complete with reference marks for close-up shooting;in the center is the rangefinder collimation system and on the right appears a yellow
field with red ends where the galvanometer needle marks the EVs set in automatic
exposure. On the left side of the top shell there is the socket for the flash cable. At
the lower left end of the back is the release system for the opening of the film
compartment door: moving it 3mm. towards the top, the coupling is released. To
close the back, a pressure is sufficient to allow it to be hooked again. The back door
has a large window that allows you to see the inserted magazine. The frame counteris replaced by the progressive numbering on the loader itself. Two chrome rings on
the sides are used to attach the shoulder strap. The caseback is smooth: on the farleft there is the black plastic cap of the battery compartment (PX 625) for thefunctioning of the light meter. Proceeding to the right you will find the thread for thetripod and the wording "Japan". Along the right side of the caseback there are tworounded head screws and one along the left side that allow a good support without
scratching the satin caseback.
Weight 535g. battery excluded.
Length 140mm .; height 87mm .; depth 61.5mm.