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SAMPLES

SUMMARY
Sometimes EBay is an addiction and the urge to search for cameras is too great to ignore. On one such evening while feeding the need, I happened upon a stout little Minolta rangefinder that I was not familiar with. The price was right, the description included most of the necessary information that leaves one with at least a grain of confidence, and of course I needed the fix. After a quick search on the Minman site, which I highly recommend for information regarding Minolta rangefinders, SLRs, lenses, etc., I decided this little Minolta A-2 rangefinder would be mine. As luck would have it the auction gods were looking down on me with approval and knew I would give this adorable shooter a good home. I'm glad to say that they were right.

In 1955 Minolta introduced a new series of rangefinders designated by the first model simply called the 'Minolta A'. A year later the A-2 was introduced which included a few modifications to an already user friendly camera. The A-2 features two different non-interchangeable lenses, the Rokkor 45mm f2.8 and the f3.5. I was lucky enough to acquire the f2.8 version. One of the added features of the A-2 was a top shutter speed of 1/400. In fact it has a very nice range from 1 sec. to 1/400 including a Bulb setting. The 'A' originally peaked at 1/200 with some later models getting up to 1/300, and while the original 'A' incorporated a non-standard linear aperture scale, the A-2 reverts back to good old standard f-stops. The range on this model is f2.8 to f22, and the aperture setting dial is around the lens housing. The rangefinder incorporates a small, center diamond split screen for focusing and has a parallax correction feature that moves the framing lines while turning the focus dial.

Another interesting feature is the shutter dial. Situated on the top of the camera near the cold shoe, this allows for the use of an external meter that can be coupled to the shutter dial. When the meter is attached to the camera the shutter settings can be automatically adjusted with the meter. There is a depth of field scale around the base of the lens housing, and a PC connector on the front with M and X flash sync, as well as a self timer. The frame counter is underneath the camera next to the rewind release, and it has quite a large advance lever throw. Once the camera is loaded with film, advance a couple of frames and then simply turn the frame counter to '1' and start shooting. The hinged back can be opened by using a fingernail to pull down on a small lip at the bottom of the locking mechanism located near the rewind knob. When rewinding the film, depress the release underneath the camera and pull up on the rewind knob, then turn, this will allow for the necessary clearance from the viewfinder housing. The only negative I could say about this camera is that the focus dial is a little awkward to use. But the Rokkor lens is sharp and the Optiper MXV shutter is smooth and quiet. I've nicknamed this camera the 'Minolta Fat Boy' due to its short, stout body design. That, along with all of the great features, makes the 'A-2' another solid, quality camera from Minolta. There were other more advanced models introduced as well, such as the Super A. Some of these included interchangeable lenses. To add to the confusion, Minolta decided to release an 'A2' digital camera a couple of years ago, which makes searching for this classic camera a little difficult.

CLEANING AND REPAIR
Rarely does a camera come from an EBay auction that does not have to be cleaned or repaired to some degree. Other than utilizing some cotton swabs dipped in glass cleaner to clean the lens, and a damp cloth to wipe down the body, there wasn't much that needed to be done to this camera. All of the lens elements are in front of the shutter, so place the shutter speed to B and the aperture wide open. Hold down the shutter release with one hand, keeping the shutter blades open, and clean the rear lens element with a cotton swab in the other. Leather cleaner brought back the shine to the black leatherette. If necessary use some metal polish on a soft toothbrush to bring some life back into the metal finish. Since I didn't need to do any major repairs on this little beauty I don't have much information to impart. Check out the 'Minolta A Shutter Repair' link below to get further information regarding the repair of the previous version of this camera, the 'A' which is still very similar to the 'A-2'.

EBAY SUGGESTIONS
The A-2 Rangefinder is not a common camera, but also doesn't command high prices either. Personally I am very happy with this camera and think it is a great little shooter. When an auction does occur, expect to pay around ten to twenty dollars for the camera, minus shipping. I've seen a few auctions with cases, or the metal lens cover included. As usual ask as many questions as you can about the shutter functionality, if the aperture dial turns smoothly and if the lens is clean and free of fungus or haze. Again there is an exteral meter available, but I wouldn't speculate on the likelyhood of one of these still working. This camera is small, durable and well made.

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Minolta Links
MINMAN Rangefinders
Additional Minolta Manuals
KonicaMinolta Corp.
Yahoo Minolta Discussion Group
Guide to Classic Cameras
Minolta A Shutter Repair
Minolta Super A