MINOLTA AUTOPAK 700
1966

Seriaal Nr.111643
Minolta Code 0171

Charactieristics 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-finish metal, is very linear:at the left end is the flash-shoe which has the hot contact for the use of both bulb andelectronic flash. The serial number is engraved on the hot shoe. The shutter button is
located on the right side, in an advanced position; inside, a thread allows theadaptation of a separate accessory for the use of the self-timer or the flexible release(Cable Release). The name of the camera is engraved between the hot shoe and theshutter release: “Autopak 700”. On the front, in the satin part of the shell, the word
"Minolta" appears, while at the left end there are the viewfinder window and that of
the rangefinder, both contained in a cantilevered frame. On the front of the satinfinished metal caseback, the words "Minolta Camera Co.Ldt." Appear to the right of
the lens. The lens is contained in a metallic frame with an oversized appearance, somuch so that the CdS exposure meter cell is placed on the front. and there is also thethread for the 55mm. diameter filter attachment so as to be able to use the whole
series of compensation and conversion filters produced by Minolta. In the lower partof 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 0.8m. / 2.6ft. The central ring of the lens is the only one that canrotate: you have to press the small chrome lever located at the bottom 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 is also unlockable, using thesame chrome lever used to set the times, so that it can be moved from position "A" tocorrespond 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 for adjusting
shutter speeds and apertures are moved from the "A" positions. On the rear side of
the upper shell are the loading lever and, on the far left, the black plastic frame of theviewfinder window. In the viewfinder you can see the bright frame for the evaluationof the field of view, complete with references for shooting at close range; in the centeris 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, apressure 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 counter is replacedby the progressive numbering on the loader itself. Two chrome rings on the sides areused to attach the shoulder strap.
The caseback is smooth: on the far left there is the black plastic cap of the battery
compartment (PX 625) for the functioning of the light meter. Proceeding to the right
you will find the thread for the tripod and the wording "Japan".
Weight 535g. battery excluded.
Length 140mm .; height 87mm .; depth 61.5mm.