Minolta Hi-Matic F | Sharp Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 Prime Lens

Minolta Hi-Matic F - Good Condition | 35mm Rangefinder Camera | Sharp Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 Prime Lens

The Minolta Hi-Matic F (S/N: 191149) is a beautifully compact and sophisticated 35mm rangefinder, produced by Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. during the golden era of Japanese analog engineering. It is equipped with the renowned Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 prime lens, a four-element optic celebrated for its exceptional sharpness, natural color rendition, and high contrast. Featuring a fully automatic programmed exposure system and a bright, coupled rangefinder for precision focusing, the Hi-Matic F was designed to provide professional-level image quality in a pocketable, user-friendly form factor. Its brushed-metal finish and classic mid-century aesthetic make it as much a style icon as it is a high-performance photographic tool.

Key Features

• Sharp Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 prime lens for high-resolution, high-contrast film imagery

• Fully programmed automatic exposure system (shutter and aperture) for ease of use

• Bright-line viewfinder with a coupled rangefinder for accurate manual focusing

• Precision Seiko-ESF electronic shutter with speeds from 4 seconds to 1/724s

• Compact and lightweight all-metal body, ideal for street and travel photography

• Unique "Flashmatic" system for simplified flash exposure settings

• Battery check light conveniently located on the top plate

Introductory Paragraph The Minolta Hi-Matic F is a testament to the era when compact cameras were built with the same optical integrity as professional SLRs. This specific unit (S/N: 191149) features the "F" designation, indicating it is one of the more advanced, electronically controlled models in the Hi-Matic lineage. The 38mm Rokkor lens is widely regarded by enthusiasts for its "3D pop," offering a slightly wider-than-standard perspective that is perfect for capturing environmental portraits and urban scenes. Because of its nearly silent electronic leaf shutter and diminutive size, it is a favorite among candid photographers who want the tactile feel of a real rangefinder without the bulk of a larger system.

Condition Report Good condition. The camera body (S/N: 191149) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 prime lens is optically clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The coupled rangefinder is bright and the focusing patch is well-aligned for accurate focus. The electronic Seiko shutter and automatic exposure system have been tested and are fully operational. The aperture blades are clean and snappy. The battery compartment is clean and free of corrosion.

Specialist Note "The Hi-Matic F is a 'sleeper' in the rangefinder world. What I love about this S/N: 191149 is how effortlessly it handles exposure; the Seiko shutter is incredibly smooth and quiet, making it one of the best discreet street cameras I've used. The Rokkor glass is the real star here—it has a specific warmth and micro-contrast that makes black and white film look like it was shot on a Leica. It's a rugged, high-quality Japanese instrument that fits in a jacket pocket but produces negatives that can easily be enlarged to gallery sizes. For anyone wanting an authentic rangefinder experience with the convenience of automation, the Hi-Matic F is a perfect choice."

What's Included

• Minolta Hi-Matic F Rangefinder Camera (S/N: 191149)

• Integrated Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 Prime Lens

• Original Minolta Wrist Strap

• Protective Lens Cap

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Film Format: 35mm (135)

• Lens: 38mm f/2.7 (Prime Lens)

• Shutter: Seiko-ESF Electronic Leaf Shutter

• ISO Range: 25 - 500 (Manual Selection)

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ 35mm Rangefinder Camera

• Battery Type: 2x LR44/SR44 with adapter (Originally 2x HM-N/640)