Minolta Freedom Zoom 90 P&S - worth reviving?

BradS · Aug 24, 2014

A while ago, my parents gave me a box full of all their old film cameras. I've been slowly picking through them. I have a Minolta Freedom 90 Zoom point and shoot. Seems like it was a pretty decent camera. Everything appears to work but the battery went dead before I loaded a film so I'm not sure of the quality of the lens and auto exposure system. It takes a 2CR5 battery...which appears to cost between $7.00 on eBay and $12.00 at the local Home depot. So, I'm wondering if this plastic fantastic from the 1990's (?) is worth the expense of a battery?

Was this a decent camera? or just another one to toss in the discard pile?

timor · Aug 25, 2014

I looks like solid, expensive in own time, camera. I have Samsung Zoom p&s and it performs very well, I can print without much trouble 11x14. It uses 1xCR2.
Judging from the pictures and fact, that it takes such a large battery seems that it is of larger size. If you think it is too big to carry in the pocket, then you know...

Paul Howell · Aug 25, 2014

I not used a Minolta Freedom Zoom, but I have a couple of Pentax IQ zooms which are rather sharp, the Pentaxs uses a CR2 with cost less than the CR5s. Fit into a pocket. One of my faviorate camera is a Vivitar auto focus with a 2.8 35mm lens, it uses standard AA.

mgb74 · Aug 26, 2014

Doesn't directly answer your question - but check the prices on Amazon and Rakuten for those batteries.

mweintraub · Aug 26, 2014

Wait, this manual says it uses CR123 batteries.

http://www.derrybryson.com/manuals/Minolta/MINOLTA FILM CAMERAS/Freedom/Freedom Zoom 90 Manual.pdf

If this is the case, the CR123 seems to be popular with P&S cameras so if you ever get a Olympus Stylus, you can use it there too. I swap batteries between my P&S cameras. They last forever.

BradS · Aug 26, 2014

I have the camera and a dead battery that was powering it....It definitely uses a 2CR5 type.

elcabezagrande · Aug 26, 2014

There are at least three different versions of the Minolta Freedom Zoom 90, the Zoom 90, Zoom 90ex, and Action Zoom 90. Yours is probably the ex version. I would put a battery in it and use it.

BradS · Aug 26, 2014

The one I have looks like the one offered for sale in this eBay listing (not me, not my ebay item).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Minolta-Freedom-Zoom-90-35mm-Point-and-Shoot-Film-Camera-/301139424248?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item461d4ef3f8

MichelleB03 · May 12, 2020

Hello, I'm having a problem with my Minolta Riva zoom 90. When I turn it on, all indicators in data panel are blinking. You have any idea about this issue? Thanks

Paul Howell · May 12, 2020

Minolta made pretty good lens, I have a Freedom as well, 35 to 140 but seldom use it, mine takes 123 lithium so not too bad in terms of battery cost. Still I, unless you find cheaper batteries I would give it a pass. If you really want a cheap reilable point and shoot look for a Pentax IQ Zoom or Konica Z up with takes 123 batteries.

BradS · May 12, 2020

MichelleB03 said:
Hello, I'm having a problem with my Minolta Riva zoom 90. When I turn it on, all indicators in data panel are blinking. You have any idea about this issue? Thanks

Hi MichelleB,
Welcome to PhotoRio!
I'm sorry to say but, it sounds like your camera is dead. The electronics have developed some issue that is probably not worth having repaired.

BradS · May 12, 2020

Paul Howell said:
Minolta made pretty good lens, I have a Freedom as well, 35 to 140 but seldom use it, mine takes 123 lithium so not too bad in terms of battery cost. Still I, unless you find cheaper batteries I would give it a pass. If you really want a cheap reilable point and shoot look for a Pentax IQ Zoom or Konica Z up with takes 123 batteries.

Six year old thread...the Minolta is long gone. Sold it for postage. Buyer said it worked perfectly and was very pleased.

Minolta Freedom Zoom 90 P&S - worth reviving?

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