For Sale MINOLTA 16 (Minox Clone)

Reinhold · Mar 17, 2011

Minolta 16. Subminiature 16mm "Minox" clone.

Everything works.
Clean.
Nice, except for a tiny scratch on the case (see photo).

Eight extra dedicated filters: #80a, 81b, 1A sky, Y46 yellow, #0, 1, &2.
Three empty film cassettes for those who like to "roll their own".
Also... an original Minolta film cassette box.

$60 plus shipping. I'm not set up for PayPal, but Visa/MC is ok

Reinhold

www.classicBWphoto.com

ic-racer · Mar 17, 2011

I'm interested.

Trask · Mar 17, 2011

Just to clarify -- a Minolta 16 is not a Minox clone. Both produce negatives that are smaller than the 35mm standard 24 X 36 or even half-frame 18 X 24, but the Minox (8 X 11 mm) is smaller than the Minolta 16 (various size depending on model). Minox 9.5mm film, Minolta 16mm film. Both use a plastic cassette, but the Minolta cassette is larger. The Minox can be focused, and the shutter speed changed, but the aperture is fixed at f/3.5. The Minolta can vary the shutter speed and the aperture, but it is fixed focus. I have both, and consider the Minox to be of much higher quality manufacture. And the Minox has much wider range of accessories.

Further info on the Minolta available here:

http://www.subclub.org/shop/minolta.htm

Trask · Mar 17, 2011

Let me add: the filters included in this offer are often difficult to find, especially the 0, 1, and 2 auxiliary lenses that permit proper focus at infinity and closeups. And the included empty cassettes are normally hard to find as well, so this is a very complete kit for someone who wants to get into submini photography.

mgb74 · Mar 17, 2011

And I will add: Minolta cassettes are easy to load. Film is same width as 110, so 110 reels and negative holders can be used, 16mm negative movie film can be used, slit film in a few emulsions can be ordered from Goathill Photo.

Reinhold · Mar 17, 2011

Thanks, that is most informative...

I now know that this is a Model II, with the full range of shutter speeds and extended aperture range.
What's especially useful is the information on the close-up lenses.
I was really puzzled, since they appeared to be nothing more that flat window glass...
The Minolta site link and close-up lens data really helps to understand this nice camera.

Thanks again.

Reinhold

michaelbsc · Mar 17, 2011

Trask said:
Let me add: the filters included in this offer are often difficult to find, especially the 0, 1, and 2 auxiliary lenses that permit proper focus at infinity and closeups. And the included empty cassettes are normally hard to find as well, so this is a very complete kit for someone who wants to get into submini photography.

No kidding they're hard to find. Might be worth that much just for the filters.

But it is true it isn't really a Minox clone. The Minox is a better machine, but IMHO the Minolta beats it in image quality because of the size.

Reinhold · Mar 18, 2011

Still available...

ic-racer · Mar 18, 2011

michaelbsc said:
No kidding they're hard to find. Might be worth that much just for the filters.

Having used those 'focusing lenses' I can say that it is nearly impossible to change them out in the field without 3 hands or without fingerprints all over them.

but IMHO the Minolta beats it in image quality because of the size.

The image size of this camera is not much bigger than Minox but the camera is over two-and-a-half times as big by volume compared to a Minox A. (8x11 vs 10x14 mm image size and 34,560 vs 88,560 mm camera volume)

Having said that, I'm still interested. My only concern is if it has not been recently used to demonstrate a clear lens and you cannot see through the lens to check, without disassembly of the camera. My last Minolta had (there was a url link here which no longer exists)requiring a total camera and lens disassembly. This camera, has 8 surfaces to clean and will be somewhat more involved if needed.

My local dealer, Igor, deals quit a bit in subminimini cameras and usually sells these chrome ones for about $35 USD with filters. http://www.igorcamera.com/subminiatures.htm I did get the one with foggy lens from him but it was only 5 bucks.

Reinhold · Mar 19, 2011

Hmmmm...

I slipped a thin metal mirror into the film gate so light coming thru the lens from the front would illuminate the lens from behind.
No apparent fog or dusty bits front or back.

Next, I cut a little piece of 4x5 film and slipped it into the film gate and took an outdoor shot in some evening light.
Used the yellow filter, ISO 100 film, 1/30 second at f8.
Hand developed it by inspection.

Darn, the film slipped out of the gate.

Try again, but cut the film a bit wider so it wouldn't slide around.
The film curled a bit as I closed the camera, but the light is waning fast, gotta hurry.
Developed it and got a very nice, contrasty negative.
The curled film messed up the focus a bit, but the density and contrast is good.

That was kinda fun, a new experience with fingernail size negatives.
A hekkuva lot different than working with 8x20 negatives.

Reinhold

www.classicBWphoto.com

mgb74 · Mar 19, 2011

Reinhold said:
... A hekkuva lot different than working with 8x20 negatives.

And you won't need a cart to carry it around.

Reinhold · Mar 21, 2011

NLA (no longer available...)

For Sale MINOLTA 16 (Minox Clone)

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