Type: | Miniature |
Medium: | 17.5mm film |
Image size: | 14x14mm |
Lens: | Integrated |
Flash: | none |
Origin: | Japan |
Year: | 1946 |
Street price: | $30 |
INTRODUCTIONThe Minetta Camera is a subminiature camera made in Japan in 1946. BEST SUITED FOR:
PERSONAL NOTESThe Minetta is a very small camera, it can easily pass as a toy, but it's a real functionning camera. It was made in Japan, and was imported is large quantities in America under many names. It uses 17.5mm film, which is discontinued since many years now. 17.5mm film, is half width of regular 35mm film, but it has no sprocket holes. You could respool your old spools with fresh film if you want, but the results are not really worth it. Since the image size is small, you have to blow up more and the lens quality won't give you great results. I exposed a few rolls, 10 square exposure per roll. The camera is so small that it difficult to hold properly in my big hands. The finder is small and dim even under sunlight. The shutter has only one speed. Otherwise, it's pretty surprising for its small size. The shutter works fine, the film advance is smooth and the little red window on the back is perfect. CONCLUSIONThe Minetta is ok as a collector's item, a novelty, or a toy. But forget about using it to make real photos. PHOTO SAMPLESVERDICT:
2 FLASHBULBS |