MINOLTA PROD 20’s
1990

Serial Nr.29698
Minolta Code 0489-557

Characteristics and functions
The Minolta Prod 20's was introduced in 1990. It was an exercise in Minolta's
style: this camera is nothing more than a re-bodied AF-E II with the addition of
the Self-Timer function and was sold in a limited and numbered edition,accompanied by packaging and accessories that recalled the production of theobjects in the 1920s. The camera is autofocus and automatic in exposure (AE).
The lens is a Minolta 35mm f.4.5 with the possibility of a minimum focus of
0.95m. The electronically programmed shutter works from EV 9 to EV 16.2 for
100 ISO films. Film sensitivity setting is only possible by means of DX-codedfilm magazines. The Prod 20's comes with a satin aluminum top and bottom
cap. The writing "PROD - 20’S" appears on the top shell followed by"NO.29698" (serial number) engraved and painted in black; proceeding to theright you will find the porthole of the automatic additive frame counter. Further tothe right is the dual-function aluminum shutter button: partially pressed it locks
the focus (AF) and exposure (AE), if pressed fully, it releases the shutter andadvances the film; it is surrounded by a chrome crown that serves as a lock forthe shutter button: a small black dot must be made to coincide with "L" (Look) tolock the shutter and turn off the camera, while rotated in correspondence withthe red dot engraved on the upper casing turns on the camera and unlocks thebutton. Two chrome rings appear on the sides of the camera where you canattach the shoulder strap for transport. The central band of the camera iscovered with brown imitation leather, while the film compartment door is inbrown plastic with the same effect as the part covered in imitation leather. On
the front, a protrusion comes forward along the right-hand corner to hold thebattery and hold the camera more firmly with your right hand only. The central
part of the front side is in satin finish aluminum fixed with 4 visible screws andcontains the autofocus system with the viewfinder window in the center at thetop; while below the lens is placed inside an oversized chrome frame where,around it, the indications appear: "Minolta f = 35mm 1: 4.5 (22) Made in Japan".
The lens coverage is provided by a customized satin aluminum cap with
"PROD" engraving and rubberized interior to improve grip on the chromedframe. To the right of the lens is the lever to arm the self-timer (rotate 90 °counterclockwise). The self-timer is activated by pressing the shutter button
halfway. A red led lights up for the shutter delay time (10 seconds). The
electronic flash is oriented vertically and is hidden under a large porthole with achrome frame located in the upper left part of the front. The exposure meter cell
is positioned along the chromed frame of the porthole of the flash. The rear sideof the camera is practically all occupied by the film compartment door (hinged tothe right) which has the slider to its left for unlocking the door itself (lower theblack slider by 3mm). To close the back, bring the parts together and press until
the lock clicks again. The eyepiece window has a circular shape, in theviewfinder you can see: the bright frame and the focus area (with cancelable
memory). On the aluminum caseback we find engraved and painted in black“Manufactured by Minolta”. More to the left is the thread for the use of the stand,
while to the far right is the release system of the entire bottom that is used toget to the battery compartment (1 DL223A 6v.), A slot is used to introduce a
coin to be able to rotate the selector from position "L" (look) to position "O"(open) - make the black dot coincide. The caseback is covered with a die-cut,transparent adhesive that helps not to scratch the satin aluminum of thecaseback itself.
Weight 390g. batteries excluded.
Length 141.5mm. Height 73mm. Depth 49mm.