Minolta Hi-Matic F - A Bargain Range Finder!

[@luc5798]

I found a 7SII for 4€ at a garage sale a few years ago. Recently, I opened it up and really cleaned it up well. I added a pink filter on the viewfinder (grade 1 1/2), and now it's as good as new! Even if it's not the best viewfinder (a bit of distortion and you can see the optics a bit...), I can now use it normally and focus very easily! What's great about this camera is that it's mechanical and therefore works without batteries, and it has really superb optics. 40mm is perhaps the perfect lens! It has a handy automatic mode, but to get the right exposure I have to set 50 iso for a 100 iso film. Either it's got a bit old, or it's because the original battery must have been 1.3v... In any case, a superb camera! I buy bulk rolls of film from Fomapan so that I can continue to enjoy photography without restrictions, just like in the good old days!

[@ThirtyFiveStudio]

Saw one for $25, getting it now, thanks for the review!

[@MiracleWinchester]

Kuya!

[@Minolta_Andy]

Hi. I have a couple of the "E's" and have never had a problem with exposure due to battery voltage. I use a single 3v lithium cell mounted in 1 of the battery chambers only and then bridge over the contacts in the 2nd chamber to make an electrical circuit. I've done this by using a small machine screw that's the same height as the chamber. The lithium battery provides a flatter voltage drain curve and lasts for ages. The Hi-matic E produces lovely images with good contrast and colour. This would be in my top 3 of auto exposure rangefinders along with Konica auto S3 and Yashica GX.

[@BrettFosterDotNet]

Great video. Just picked up a "broken" one today for $5nzd (£3 ish). Fixed it already and I'll be running some lomo redscale through it asap. Hey, some sample pix would take your videos up another level imho...

[@renoyuansyah5109]

Saw this video and found it pretty useful as I just got this Hi Matic as my first Rangefinder, thanks for the concise review !

[@dangerpowers123]

Thank you

[@Blofeld76]

Interesting thing if you look at Hi-Matic F manual it says voltage of batteries used should be 1.4 volts. Usually cameras that use discontinued mercury batteries voltage is 1.3 or 1.35 volts. So easiest way to get right voltage is use two hearing aid batteries which are exactly 1.4v.

[@dangerpowers123]

I use the 1.5 volt LR44s ...two of them...but wonder does using two batteries cause an increase to voltage over a single battery...hmmm

[@Blofeld76]

@@dangerpowers123 I was little unclear. I meant of course using two 1.4 volts hearing aid batteries instead of using two 1.5 volt batteries. So total capacity of two batteries should be 2.8v instead of 3 volts. Don't know then how much 0.2v difference makes to exposure with Hi-Matic. Some of lightmeters are more sensitive for small current difference than others.

[@dangerpowers123]

@@Blofeld76 ahhh i see. Well I shot a few rolls of film with the two LR44 batteries and found it a tiny bit underexposed...so think I'll just adjust for it with the ISO.. as thankfully it's not auto ISO on this camera. But love to see a video on how to adjust the voltage etc..

[@dangerpowers123]

@@Blofeld76 ahhh i see. Well I shot a few rolls of film with the two LR44 batteries and found it a tiny bit underexposed...so think I'll just adjust for it with the ISO.. as thankfully it's not auto ISO on this camera. But love to see a video on how to adjust the voltage etc..

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

@@dangerpowers123 Hi, I think the Hi-matic F 'S meter is voltage independent so you don't need to compensate

[@fors2345]

Thanks so much for this video. Just got my hi-matic f working with the two lr44 batteries, had to push the batteries right to the bottom of the holder, then it worked!

[@dangerpowers123]

That's great news! It's a brilliant little camera.

[@MLG_s3npa1]

Just got one for 15€ from a local flea market. It had a sing on it that said the shutter wasn't working, reasoning why the price was so low. I took the risk and bought a pair of lr44's and well look at that. Works like a charm and in a nearly mint condition!

[@dangerpowers123]

Great stuff

[@mariogamecrazy]

I just got the black FP version for $5 at a flea market. Going to buy some batteries and start shooting. Thanks for the guide!

[@dangerpowers123]

Brilliant, great pocket film camera

[@zisispapalexiou5956]

When you use a flash, as the manual says, your "aperture is automatically adjusted for correct exposure" ie to the correct f stop. You just need to set the correct Guide number of your flash, which is basically your flash's power @ ISO 100.

[@dangerpowers123]

Thank you for sharing

[@yettsoman4364]

@@dangerpowers123 I realise this is an oldish post, but I think the batteries also control the shutter as well as the meter, so the guide number method won't work?

[@lunawroblewski]

Looking to get this from a guy who sold me a minolta autocord a while back along with a speed graphic. Still talking prices but I can't wait. It'll be my third minolta.

[@dangerpowers123]

Good luck. I hope you get it

[@frederikvanreusel]

my grandpa has the same camera but the original version that's even 10 years older, I would love to try it.

[@dangerpowers123]

Sounds like eBay is calling you to buy one 😜

[@rogerturner2647]

I watched your Video and bought this camera and it will be here in a couple days.... Looking forward to getting out and using it... This is my first range finder thank you so much for your video...Roger

[@dangerpowers123]

Thank you and I hope you have lots of fun with it.

[@Blofeld76]

Good review. I like these small automatic rangefinders. Just bought Hi-Matic F from flea market for 18€. It didn't have battery so couldn't tested it. Looks in very good shape and doesn't have any leakage in battery chamber. Fingers crossed that it comes alive with batteries. Just thinking this model could be pretty easily tuned to work perfectly with modern batteries. It would be pretty easy to solder schottky diode between other battery connections so voltage would drop to the level of original mercury battery voltage. If my Hi-Matic will work I just might go and try it.

[@dangerpowers123]

Great idea, I know something similar is done to drop the voltage in the Nikon F FTN finders.

[@3281997]

great thanks for the battery info .

[@dreamdiction]

Manually setting the aperture is crucial for choosing the depth of field so it's annoying that I can't manually choose the aperture and let the electronics set the corresponding shutter speed.

[@dangerpowers123]

Try an Olympus pen D. It's the same size but has full aperture and shutter control

[@dreamdiction]

@@dangerpowers123 Half-frame . . . yikes :)

[@dangerpowers123]

@@dreamdiction ha ha true

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

Hi, I think the Hi-matic F 'S meter is voltage independent so you don't need to compensate

[@carltanner9065]

Everyone here going to flea markets, I hope you're taking powder along with you. Otherwise it could end up a rather itchy visit!!!🤣🤣😝😝 Just bought myself a F. Looking forward to using it😊

[@acidsnow5915]

that is a great camera! would love to try this one day! thanks for sharing this with us really really enjoyed watching this :D

[@dangerpowers123]

,thank you. I hope you snap one up on eBay...some bargains can be found as people assume they are broken when my camera hack usually does the trick.

[@dangerpowers123]

ACID SNOW hay your channel looks great, I'll subscribe!

[@lukassteinhuber6566]

Hi, so i've inherited a minolta himatic f, but i can't get the battery check to light up. I've tried with 4 lr44 batteries and with the hack you show in the video, but no luck. The shutter works perfectly though. Any ideas? I don't wanna waste any film.. Thanks

[@anonharingenamn]

I just bought one online for £20 + postage. Seller said he used it until he bought a fancier rangefinder. Let's hope it works!

[@JJSchlechte]

picking one up this sunday!

[@MikesVoyagesAndDrives]

Thanks for the video. I will receive mine next week and I will check out that battery hack :) I've seen different methods and I guess one will work for me, too. All the best from Switzerland ...

[@dangerpowers123]

All the best. Hope it's arrived safely and your out using it soon

[@malypavel25]

How did the photos come out?

[@joedecan264]

It’s going for 70 on eBay

[@DAODUYDONGmini]

the focus ring on mine is very loosen. And the camera does not work even after I changed the battery

[@jonathandowman2770]

Looks fun - great mug.

[@dangerpowers123]

jonathan dowman , ha ha well you just can't beat, strong coffee from a WW2 China mug 😀

[@apinamummo]

Got one of these for a few euros. It didnt have batteries so i put couple LR44s in. Doesnt seem to work. But i noticed that the batteries got really hot when i took them out. Any suggestions?

[@dangerpowers123]

Hmm..... If you definitely put them in the right way round ... Then it should work. Just double check it try inserting the batteries in different ways. Otherwise it could be an electrical issue with the camera ... In which case it's not fixable really. Hopefully not

[@mariasole9593]

I bought mine like 4 years ago I think, and now I wanted to see how and if it worked. So I saw this video and all, bought all the things, batteries film etc. And everything's in, but I don't think it's working, because the red light doesn't light up:(( so that pretti sad

[@rorythorns1597]

F

[@anickakup8984]

Maria Sole i have the same exact issue:,(

[@odinnh7872]

Had any luck with this problem yet?

[@ericasimoes8434]

Just got one of these for me! It is an amazing camera

[@dangerpowers123]

Erica Simoes , I hope the battery hack works for you as well. I'm now shooting it a little lower ISO than the film says as I think with two LR44s it very slightly under exposes. So ISO 200 film I'll shoot at 100.

[@ericasimoes8434]

Film Camera Reviews it is now with 4 Lr44. The guy that sold it to me said it was working fine, but i'll try the hack you showed, seems to make more sense with 2 batteries!

[@dangerpowers123]

Erica Simoes I guess see how it meters with 4..it could be it's then getting double the voltage .. so it could impact the metering...then again 4 may give better metering than 2... trial and error I guess. Main thing I love about the camera is the way you focus and small size

[@rezykled]

Can I take photos whitout batteries ?

[@filmismorefun]

I really love that lens hood! It looks just like the G model, but with a range finder.

[@dangerpowers123]

filmismorefun i hope you don't mind I gave your channel a shout out on my other video just posted on the Olympus twin. As it's down to you I discovered such a fun point and shoot. Wanted to give you credit mate

[@dangerpowers123]

filmismorefun , lens hood is sweet

[@filmismorefun]

Film Camera Reviews Hey thanks! I'm glad you mentioned the Olympus vid, I totally didn't see it in my feed yet. I'll go check it out!

[@ochianda5221]

I certainly need films. Anyone got any ideas where I could get one?

[@SteveCrowe37]

Do you by any chanve have samples of pictures youve taken with this camera? I have a suspicion it would be the perfect camera for a project im working on. Thanks in advance!!

[@dangerpowers123]

I'd suggest go for it and get one. I'm sorry my sample images are all family photos I prefer to keep private. But it's a brilliant camera ..highly recommend

[@bixxx7075]

Hi, I have the exact same camera sitting around at home. After I’ve watched your video, I tried to pushed in two lr44 into the camera. Surprisingly, battery check could illuminate, but sadly shutter won’t open upon firing. Any thoughts on this issue?

[@dangerpowers123]

Hmmm... Ok so are you absolutely sure. What I would do is hold the camera up to a bright light with the camera back open and the ISO set to say 200. And wind on and fire a shot..looking through the back of the lens to see if the aperture blades open and the shutter fires. You should see the light for a brief second shine through the back of the open camera if the shutter and lens are working. But I suppose it just be the above doesn't work. And then I think it's maybe an electrical fault...sorry. If the battery light is on then it should work...so try testing it as described above with the back open

[@FleischmannJan]

Very nice video, thank you so much :)

[@dangerpowers123]

Thank you

[@mrdrizz9270]

Had mine for a week and have noticed that I get way over exposed images. Not sure why that is. But by adding a variable ND filter and having it at 2 stops seems to fix the issue. But still get the odd frame that's way off.

[@dangerpowers123]

Blimey !! I suppose you could shoot it iso permitting at 4 stops under via to iso dial ..to save on the use of the ND filter... But even so ... It's not a battery voltage thing then ?

[@SenoraDroolcup]

Hi, question for you! I just inherited one of these cameras and am very excited to start shooting with it. You mention in your video that you pull your film -1 stop (set the ISO 100 for a 200 speed film) to compensate for the difference in battery voltage with modern batteries. Do you then pull process the film (process it as 100), or do you process it at box speed? Thank you!

[@dangerpowers123]

You process it box speed at 200. The idea is to give the film more light by lowering the iso so the camera thinks it's a slower film. But Dev as normal

[@SenoraDroolcup]

Film Camera Reviews okay, that’s what I thought but I wasn’t positive. Thank you!!

[@Giten420]

i have minolta hi-matic CS. they look exactly alike but mine is black. is it rare?

[@dangerpowers123]

I think it's less common. Best thing you can do is look for them on eBay and then change the setting to show completed sales ... Give you a good idea of the rarity and price

[@Giten420]

Film Camera Reviews alright thanks alot! Great video btw

[@tedlyly]

Hey, just wondering what maximum aperture it goes to and also how high you can set the ISO? It looks really nice in silver and black, there's a local camera store near me in Hanoi that has a black one though! I think after seeing this video I may have to pick it up! It's a super light little camera isn't it, but quite sturdy feeling. I normally shoot on my Nikon F2 but it's quite heavy, be nice to have something reliable but lighter.

[@dangerpowers123]

Edward Tang the lens aperture starts at F2.7 and the ISO goes from 25 to 500 ISO. Sometimes he black versions are called the hi-matic FP. The P standing for professional as black paint cameras at the time were used more by the pros.

[@dudyball95]

hi, so i just got this minolta, and cant find the film u showed (like u said) do u have any other suggestions? thnx fir this video anyways!

[@dangerpowers123]

I use two man types of film. Although search on eBay as even old expired film is worth using. I like Ilford XP2 400 super. And also Agfa Vista 200 film. But any fuji or kodak film is worth using.

[@bdotttttt]

Got one for super cheap, although upon inspection the battery compartment spring was corroded and essentially fell off. Do you or know anyone that could fix this?! Great video btw!

[@dangerpowers123]

I think your best bet is to have a go at repairing it yourself.... As the cost of fixing it will probably be more than the camera is worth. I know others have managed it. Otherwise post on the various film cameras Facebook groups photos of the camera and ask if anyone else has done this specific fix.

[@medic071]

Minolta Hi-Matic F or Yashica Electro 35 GX. What to choose?

[@dangerpowers123]

Minolta hi- matic for the smaller size. The yashica electro has a great lens though... But most have electronic issues these days

[@medic071]

@@dangerpowers123 Thanks! Finally I chose Yashica, mint condition so I hope it will not die soon. Minolta - you're right the size is much more compact and honestly I prefer it's design. It will be my next choice now, hope I will find one in good condition as well. Do you have any tips where to look around? Thanks again!

[@dangerpowers123]

@@medic071 I always use eBay, but friends reckons Facebook market place is getting good for film cameras

[@hercii]

Bro in Slovakia it costs around 180€!!! :(

[@daniellehaley6208]

Where did you get your lens cap?

[@dangerpowers123]

eBay I think 👍🏻

[@justinevasquez5894]

I just got mine. Does it work without batteries?

[@dangerpowers123]

You need batteries

[@justinevasquez5894]

Film Camera Reviews thank you, I tried to shoot the camera and the shutter wasn’t working

[@atroche1978]

I picked up a clean Hi-matic E with the 40mm 1.7 Rokkor-QF lens. I was quite pissed off with the bastard who sold it to me cause he listed it as working with a clean battery compartment. For what I paid on eBay it should've been working. The original mercury batteries were still in the compartment, with a bunch of green caked up residue. It didn't work so I assumed the battery juice ate the wiring. Anyways, I removed the bottom plate and soldered a wire from the battery plate to the circuit board, which thankfully, was easily accessible. Fired right up with some 675 zinc air batteries. Took the top off and cleaned up the viewfinder. Replaced the light seals. Camera is good as new now. The seller is still a bastard IMO. Lol.

[@dangerpowers123]

You did amazingly well to restore it back to working order. Yerr some really dishonest sellers on ebay.

[@monkeysausage2404]

Prices have exploded on this camera.

[@dangerpowers123]

I hope not because of my review ha ha. I don't remember paying much at all. But that was years ago...I think generally film cameras are going up in value.

[@durbanpoison8831]

Holy potatoes! MINT condition is about $100-150 on ebay :)

[@muchenpics]

Is this outer casing metal?

[@dangerpowers123]

Yes 👍🏻

[@launchmattmatty_cz_5301]

Asmr 🖤

[@jasonbedford1940]

Hold it still for ch*&st sakes!

[@dangerpowers123]

That's the alcohol withdrawal...

[@phoslurperr]

You should quit moving the camera do much! I wonder what rules the exposure uses - does it try to maintain 125 shutter until light is to low, and with more light does it stop down nore or shoot higher speed. If you don't do your own processing, i think it would be good to shoot a roll of slide film to judge exposure. Film gas so much latitude that goid commercial processors can adjust prints several stops.