MINOLTA HI-MATIC
1962

Serial No.131524
Characteristics and functions
The Minolta Hi-Matic is introduced in 1962. The Minolta Hi-Matic is a very
important device for Minolta as it is the first in a long and successful series ofcameras called Hi-Matic, which will end only twenty years later, in 1982, withthe introduction on the market of the Hi-Matic GF. There are two different
versions of the Hi-Matic, one with a Minolta Rokkor 45mm lens. f.1:2,8 andCitizen UNI.E (M-EC) shutter and a second with Minolta Rokkor 45mm lens.
f.1:2 and Citizen UNI.E (M-11 EB) shutter. The camera #131524 is equippedwith a 45mm lens. f.1:2.8 and Citizen UNI.E shutter active from 1/45" to 1/500"
with working range from EV 8 to EV 17 (from f.1:2.8 and 1/45" to f.1:16 and1/500"). The synchro-flash is at 1/30". The sensitivities of the allowed films gofrom 6 to 1600 Asa (9-33 Din). This camera has a traditional appearance withchrome caps and a faux leather central part of an unusual but elegant graycolor. On the upper cap there are: the foldable crank for film recovery, the flashslide bearing the serial number, the word "HI-MATIC", the thread for using theflexible release (Cable Release), the charge lever (30° pre-run and 220° for thecomplete advancement of the film), entirely in satin-finish metal and, on the farright, the window of the additive type counter with automatic zeroing at theback. On the back side of the upper cap are located: the small gray striped
plastic window of the eyepiece and the large wheel for setting the sensitivity of
the film used which shows the Din scale in black field and the Asa scale in silver
field. To set the sensitivity you need to raise and rotate the outer ring where asmall reference can be placed on the integer or even intermediate values. The
rest of the back is entirely occupied by the door of the film compartment, hinged
to the right. In the viewfinder the luminous frame is visible with the telemetricsystem in the center, while on the right is located the black needle of thegalvanometer that moves in a field with extreme painted red that highlight overand under exposure. Previously we find the viewfinder window, the rangefinderwindow and the large window of the selenium exposure meter. Under theviewfinder window is the word "minolta" with shiny characters on a satinbackground. All this is contained in a large cantilevered frame that ends with thetwo triangular rings for the use of the shoulder strap positioned on the verticaledges. The lens is contained in a satin-finished metal frame with black parts
and a large part in black ribbed plastic that is used to adjust the focus. In theimmediate vicinity of the machine body the distance scales are positioned infeet (on the right: 3-30 plus infinity) and in meters (on the left: 0.9-10 plus
infinity). The most external satin-finish ring nut is used to adjust the diaphragms(2.8 - 4 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16), to the setting of the laying B and also to theactivation of the Auto function. The Auto position refers to a red arrow facing thecamera that must coincide with the white arrow on the fixed ring. Along this lastring is the lever for activating the mechanical self-timer with a delay of about 10seconds. In the front part immediately outside the first lens we find theindications: "Minolta Rokkor 1: 2.8 f = 45mm". To the right of the lens, in an
unusual position, is the shutter button consisting of a large inverted metal L
covered with a small piece of gray leather. To the left of the lens is the socket
for the flash sync cable that allows for ‘M’ and ‘X’ synchronizations. Along theleft side of the camera is the large hinge with the back opening system: raise
the small chrome lever. Instead, for closing it is sufficient to bring the parts
closer by applying light pressure until it clicks. On the lower side there are: thethread for the use of the stand, the release button for the clutch for film
recovery, the "Japan" engraving and, on the far left a recess covered by thelower part of the door of the film compartment which serves to facilitate theintroduction of the loader since the recovery knob is not liftable.
Weight 740g.
Width 138mm; height 84mm .; depth 67mm. lens included.