MINOLTA HI-MATIC AF2
1981

Serial Nr.2177356
Minolta Code 0463-200

Characteristics and function
The Minolta Hi-Matic AF2 is a direct descendant of the Hi-Matic AF of 1979.
The programmed electronic shutter is a Seiko AFP (892) and works from EV 6
(1/8" with f/2.8) to EV 17 (1/430" at f/17). The lens is a 38mm Minolta. f/2.8 with
4 lenses in three groups; the minimum shooting distance is 1 meter (3.3 feet).
This camera was only produced in the black version. On the upper cap there is,on the left, the recess in which the flash can slide upwards when activated,followed by the foldable chromed crank for rewinding the film, the white writing"Hi-Matic AF2", the button and to its left, in a rectangular window, the additive
frame counter with automatic reset when the back is opened. The loading leverin the rest position is tapered to the machine body while it has a pre-stroke ofabout 30°. The front side of the camera is occupied by the flash, by the chrome
cursor - surmounted by the white writing “Flash On” - which, when moved to theright, in the direction of the arrow, causes the flash to raise and activate.
Continuing to the right we find the viewfinder window that shares the frame withthe left window of the autofocus system. Then there is a black plastic part with 8
small slits that covers the sound buzzer (Beeeep). Then follows the window on
the right of the autofocus system and finally the white writing “Minolta” (newlogo with the Rising Sun in the “O”). The central part of the front is occupied by
the lens mount, in oversized black plastic which contains, in addition to theobjective lens, the ribbed plastic ring for adjusting the sensitivity between 25
and 400 ASA (upper window flanked by the words "ASA" and "ISO") and, at thebottom, the CdS cell of the exposure meter. Around the first lens on a black field
there are the white writings “Minolta Lens” and “38mm 1:2.8 Ø46mm”. The
external part of the lens body is threaded in order to adapt Minolta filters with adiameter of 46mm. The lever for activating the mechanical self-timer with adelay of about 10 seconds is placed at the bottom right next to the lens.
Two triangular-shaped metal rings allow the shoulder strap to be attached.
On the rear side of the AF2 we find the orange "flash ready" light, therectangular viewfinder window, a label that explains the meaning of two soundmodes (Beep-Beep = system out of focus or out of range of the
flash/Beeeeeeeep = poor light - use the flash). In the viewfinder there is theluminous frame with the parallax indications in the close-up distances, the redsignal of insufficient light, at the bottom, the signals of too short distance autofocus out of working range and distance from the flash to the subject too
much for the range of the flash (represented respectively by a foreground andby the mountains) which are flanked on the right by a red signal that makes thesignal evident. In the center of the viewfinder there is the rectangle of the focus
area with distance memory system (pressing the shutter button for half thestroke of the button itself). The film compartment door is hinged along the rightside and the release system is incorporated in the film recovery handle (lift andpull as far as it will go). On the back we find on the left the black plastic cap of
the battery compartment (2 AA 1.5v) and the chromed metal thread for use of
the stand. In the rear position, to the right, we find the small black button torelease the clutch for recovering the film. An irregularly shaped and wide black
elastic plastic cap to cover half of the front side of the camera serves to protect
the lens and the autofocus-viewfinder system. On the cap there are the words"Auto Focus" and "MINOLTA" in relief. The serial number and the word "Japan"
are placed in a special area on the back.
Weight 335 batteries, shoulder strap and cap excluded.
Length 129mm. Height 76mm. Depth 53.5mm.