MINOLTA FREEDOM ZOOM 90Ex
1993

Serial Nr.00430306

Characteristics and functions
The Minolta Freedom Zoom 90Ex was presented in 1993. Minolta Freedom Zoom
90Ex is the name for the American market of the Riva Zoom 90Ex (Minolta Code2414) known in Europe. It is an automatic, motorized, 3-beam infrared autofocus
camera with built-in automatic electronic flash and a 38-90mm Minolta zoom lens.
f./3.5-7.7. The minimum shooting distance is 0.75m. with focal lengths between 38and 56mm. and 0.90m. with focal lengths between 57 and 90mm. The programmedautomatic exposure, for 100 Iso films, ranges from 4 to 17 EV (from 1 "with f./3.5 to1/350" with f./19 - lens set to 38mm.) And from 6 to 17 EV (from 1 "with f./7.7 to1/250" with f./22 - lens set to 90mm.). The range of film sensitivities allowed is from25 to 3200 ISO, with DX-coded magazines. On the upper side of the camera we findthe large display (LCD) with total information. The “Panoramas” and “NocturnalPortraits” symbols are silk-screened along the right side. The small button placed on
the right is used for cyclical setting - by moving the small arrow that appears oriented
to the right. The 5 symbols are silkscreened along the underside of the LCD panel:"Continuous film transport", "Self-timer" (with 10 "delay)," Double shot self-timer "(4and 10 second delay)," Double exposure " and “Using the remote control”. Using thebutton (with cyclic function) on the right, you advance an arrow pointing downwards
which goes from time to time to highlight one of the 5 possibilities. The black, oval
shutter button has a double function: if pressed partially, it locks the focus (AF) andexposure (AE), if pressed fully, it releases the shutter and advances the film. Theshutter button is located in a recess that facilitates the positioning of the index fingerof the right hand and separates the rocker button for adjusting the zoom ("W" to theleft and "T" to the right) from the two buttons for setting the zoom. flash function andthe “Red-Eye Reduction” system setting (the appropriate symbols are silk-screened
in white). These buttons have a cyclic function and the flash settings are: “FlashAuto”, “Flash” and “Flash off”. The set focal length (mm) can be detected on the LCD
panel, as an alternative to the frame counter. On the left side of the Freedom 90Ex
there is the back door release system (lower the slider by 4mm in the “Open”
direction). To close, bring the parts together and press until the lock clicks again. On
the right side of the camera there is the loop for the shoulder strap which is obtainedin the fusion of the shell. On the rear side we find a cantilever mount that contains theEye-Start system sensor with ASZ (Automatic Zoom Standby) which activates andsets the most suitable focal length according to a computerized program active
between 0.75 and 8 meters. Below is the eyepiece window and on the right the green
light for correct focus (upper) and the red flash light (lower). Proceeding to the right,
we encounter the gray oval button for setting / canceling the ASZ function (the word
ASZ appears/disappears in the display) surmounted by the relevant white silkscreened wording. Under the ASZ button there is the small button for intentional
recovery of the film (press with a tip) with the appropriate symbol. The main switch(ON/OFF), orange in color, contained in a cantilevered frame, is surmounted by theindication "On/Off" silk-screened in white. The film compartment door has a window
along the right side for viewing the inserted magazine and is hinged to the right. On
the front of the camera we find a shiny and transparent part of asymmetrical shapethat contains the flash, the viewfinder window with the autofocus system, the lightmeter cell and the RC-1 remote control receiver (optional). Continuing to the right wemeet the word "Minolta" surmounted by the "rising sun" Minolta. The red self-timer
LED is positioned just below the word Minolta. Under the flash, the abbreviation “AF”
is silk-screened in red. In the lower left corner, on two lines, "Freedom" and "Zoom90Ex" are silk-screened in white. Under the flash there is a notch that serves to thetouch of the left hand so as not to interfere with the flash itself. The central
protuberance contains the lens mount with sliding cover controlled by the mainswitch. The characteristics of the lens are silk-screened in white: "Minolta Lens", atthe top and "Zoom 38-90mm 1: 3.5 - 7.7", at the bottom. The handle on the right, inaddition to improving the grip of the camera, also serves to contain the camera
battery (type DL223A or similar). The lower side is crossed by 6 horizontal grooves;in a cantilevered frame there are the words "Malaysia", the serial number
silkscreened in white on a black plastic sticker embedded flush with the back and thethread for the use of the tripod. The battery compartment cap with slider release islocated on the far right. The version with date back (QD) is available. Weight 345g.
battery excluded (in the version without calendar back).
Length 149.5mm. Height 76.5mm. Depth 60.5mm.