MINOLTA UNIOMAT (II)1962

Serial No.197958
Minolta Code 0132

Characteristics and functions
In 1960 Minolta presents the series of "compact" cameras called "Uniomat".
Between the Uniomat presented in 1960 and the Uniomat (II) of 1962 there are
only slight aesthetic changes, while the technical characteristics remainunchanged. The Uniomat (III) launched on the market in 1964, on the other
hand, has lower performance: the shutter works from 1 / 8s. at 1 / 800s., theallowed sensitivities range from 25 to 800 Asa. Presented in this sheet, theUniomat (II) is equipped with a Rokkor 45mm lens. f.1: 2.8 and Optimer Uni
Citizen shutter (M-11) working from EV.6 to EV.18 (from f.2.8 with 1 / 8s. to f.16
with 1 / 1000s.). The shutter is equipped with "M" and "X" sync-flash and alsowith a mechanical self-timer with a 10s delay. Focusing takes place by meansof a combined rangefinder or an estimate by means of the ring with shooting
distances in meters and feet. The selenium cell, located in the small window
located on the grille at the front under the shutter button, works coupled to thegalvanometer placed in a rectangular window located near the flash slide. The
sensitivities of the films admitted in the calibration of the exposure meter range
from 6 to 1600 Asa. Also the exposure with flash light is facilitated by thepresence of the ring of Guide Numbers linked to the correspondence of theletters A, B, C, D, E for the use of flash-lamps according to what is reported on
the “Flash Guide Table” adapted on the back of the camera itself. The Minolta
Uniomat (II) has a classic appearance with an upper casing in satin-finish
aluminum and a central part in gray-green leather. On the upper casing there
are: the foldable crank for recovering the film, the object slide that bears theserial number, the words "Uniomat", a rectangular window that contains theneedle of the galvanometer and the pedinator needle of green color. Then wefind the shutter button, located in an advanced position, chrome-plated withcentral thread for the use of the flexible shutter. Finally we find the rectangular
window of the additive counter with automatic zeroing at the back opening. On
the front side there is the window of the exposure meter followed by a large
window framed by a chromium-plated cantilevered frame that contains theviewfinder, the small window of the rangefinder and the word "minolta". On theback side of the upper casing we find the viewfinder window complete withluminous frame and parallax references at minimum shooting distance. The
charging lever, in satin-finish aluminum, works in a slot that runs all around theright side of the camera to end at the front under the exposure window. The
back, hinged along the right side, is covered in gray-green leather and has a
black silkscreened metal plate with the Flash Guide Table in the center. On theleft side is instead located the release system for the opening of the back - raise
the chromed tongue located at the upper end by 4-5mm. On the back we find:on the left a large flare covered by the door which facilitates the introduction of
the film spool; the nut screw for using the tripod, the JAPAN engraving and theclutch release button for recovering the exposed film located in a slightly
depressed area. The Minolta Rokkor 1: 2.8 45mm lens is positioned in the frontcovered in artificial leather. In the part closest to the camera body is thesensitivity ring in Asa in the center and in Din on the right. On the left are thedistances in meters: 1, 1.2 1.5 2, 3, 5, 10 which refer to the letters of the FlashMatic system (A, B, C, D, E). A ring in black ribbed plastic serves to calibrate
the exposure meter: it must be brought forward by about 2mm and then rotatedby matching the white point with the desired sensitivity. More externally there isa part in glazed, fixed aluminum, which contains all the scales for focusing inmeters and feet with references for the use of light bulb or electronic flashes.
For this purpose, the red lamella selector on the right side of this ring must be
moved to "M" or "X". In the immediate vicinity of this selector we find the green
lamella for arming the self-timer. The last ring, the front one, is used to set theestimation focus by matching a white point located in the ruled part with thedistances screen-printed in black on the previous satin ring. The lens mountends with a double ring; in the one of smaller diameter there are the writings
that identify the lens: "Minolta" "Rokkor" "1: 2.8 / 45". There is also the thread
for adapting 40.5mm diameter filters. On the sides of the camera, along thefront edges, are the two chrome rings for attaching the shoulder strap. Weight440g.
Width 138mm.; height 79mm.; depth 76mm., lens included