Minolta Uniomat
I love when cameras exceed my expectations. You might, like me, think that a camera from 1960 with a programmed shutter and aperture would be questionable, not in this case though. The Minolta Uniomat has a selenium meter just bellow the shutter button that moves a galvanometer on the top plate. If you adjust the exposure ring around the lens it moves an arm also in the window with the galvanometer needle, when the arm and the needle match that is the suggested setting for the scene. When adjusting the camera like this you actually have no independent control over the shutter and aperture it follows a set program line. I’ve created this handy little chart which does actually give an indication of the aperture and shutter speed for any EV setting.
You can see in the pictures where I allowed direct sunlight to reach the lens that the images are quite washed out, I think quite a bit of this came from the original uncoated Minolta filter that I left on for the testing.
May 15th, 2013 at 2:31 am
I would very muich like to use your program line chart for this camera in my blog. I woulod, of course, give proper attribution and a link to your blog if you are willing. My blog is at http://johns-old-cameras.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/minolta-uniomat.html
May 15th, 2013 at 7:33 am
That would be fine John, you may use that image for your blog as you described.
May 15th, 2013 at 7:53 am
Thank you very much
June 13th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Had mine about three weeks now. A bit hefty but solid at the same time. looking forward to having my first rolls processed. Nice review!
June 14th, 2013 at 10:21 am
I hope they turn out well Red, it’s a really nice looking camera as well as being pretty good.