MINOLTA AL
1961

Serial No.189364

Charatteristics and functions
In 1961 the Minolta AL was presented. This 35mm film camera comes with afixed Rokkor-PF 45mm lens. f.1:2. (6 lenses in 5 groups). The Minolta AL isequipped with a Optimer Citizen MLT (M-1) central shutter that works withspeeds between 1/1000” and 1 second plus B. The adjustment is made bymeans of the outer ring nut where the speeds are shown with white digits inblack field, while in red are shown the Light Values (2-19). The mechanical selftimer, with a delay of about 10 seconds, can be used by moving the green leverlocated in the immediate vicinity of the diaphragm scale towards the "V" symbol;
the diaphragms go from f.1:2 to f.1:22 and are shown in white on the black ring
located in the middle position. On the same ring there is also the sensitivity
scale in Asa (18.25.50 100 200 400 800). A large white arrow is engraved on
the lens barrel where the set times and apertures are referenced. To the right ofthis reference is the X-M synchro-flash selector. To change the setting, movethe red lever to the desired position. The synchro socket for the cable is locatedon the left side of the lens barrel.
The focus, coupled to the rangefinder, goes from 90cm. to infinity and theadjustment is made by means of the black ribbed ring with chrome-platedsmooth parts positioned near the machine body - a semi-circular shaped lever,in black ribbed plastic helps the grip of the ring itself - making the focusing
faster. The diaphragm values for the hyperfocal calculation are shown on a verythin chrome strip.
On the upper chrome-plated box we find, from left to right, the foldable crank forfilm recovery, the accessory-carrying slide with the engraved serial number, thewindow where the needle is moved to the light meter, a chrome circular cap, theshutter button with the thread inside for the use of the flexible shutter and, on
the far right, the charging lever that allows you to advance the film,
simultaneously arming the shutter and increasing the number of frames on theframe. On the upper carter there is also the black word “minolta AL” and the redreference symbol of the film top. Front there are the selenium exposure windowand the viewfinder and rangefinder windows contained in a chromed cantileverframe. On the black leatherette side we find, in addition to the lens, an inverted
trapeze in black plastic with “minolta” screen-printed. On the lens, on the other
hand, the figure 1000 is printed, which indicates the maximum shutter time andalso the writing “Minolta Rokkor-PF 1: 2 f = 45mm” followed by the serial
number of the lens itself. The window with the black plastic frame of theeyepiece is located on the back side of the upper carterino. The rest of the backside is occupied by the door of the back covered in black imitation leather wherein the center we find the memorizer of the sensitivity of the introduced film.
Along the left side of the camera is the release mechanism for opening thespine; in the lower part there is the lever to be lowered to obtain the release of
the back itself. The back is closed by pressure.
Two rectangular metal rings placed on the two sides of the camera are thesystem for attaching the shoulder strap. On the back we find from left to right:
the thread for the use of the stand, the release button for the recovery of the film
and the additive type counter with automatic zeroing when the back is opened.
Weight 770g., Length 137mm, height 81mm, depth 66mm.