Minolta 24 Rapid (c. 1965)
The Minolta 24 Rapid is a 35mm rangefinder that shoots square 24×24mm frames on Agfa Rapid cassettes. Agfa created the format to compete with Kodak's Instamatic cartridge, and it was especially popular in Europe. The camera came out around 1965 (some sources say 1964). Minolta advertised it as the "world's only rapid-system camera." It has a compact metal body, was made in Japan, and was sold in silver.
The lens is the interesting part. It's a custom-ground, four-element Rokkor 32mm f/2.8, designed specifically for the Rapid format and exclusive to this model. It sits in front of a Seiko leaf shutter with four speeds (1/30-1/250 plus B) and stepless apertures from f/2.8 to f/22. Exposure is automatic via a CdS meter, but the camera also offers aperture-priority and full manual control. That three-way exposure system was fairly sophisticated for the format. The meter cell sits inside the lens filter thread, and the camera runs on a 625 battery. Minimum focus is 0.8m, and it weighs 461g with dimensions of 124 x 83 x 61mm.
The main practical catch is the film. The camera requires dedicated Rapid cartridges, both for the fresh film and as a take-up spool. As one Lomography user put it, before buying one, "be sure to have almost 2 empty rapid cartridge." Standard 135 cartridges won't work without modification.
Modern reviewers have been surprisingly warm to it. 35mmc (2024) called it "not inspiring but, like a screwdriver, it gets the job done," and endorsed the view that it's the best pick for square frames on 135 film. Used examples can still be found for under $80 USD complete with case and lens cover.
Known Specifications
- Format: 24×24mm square on Agfa Rapid cassettes (135 film)
- Lens: Minolta Rokkor 32mm f/2.8, four-element Tessar-type
- Shutter: Seiko leaf, 1/30–1/250 + B
- Exposure: Automatic (CdS meter), aperture-priority, or full manual
- Meter battery: 625
- Focus: Rangefinder, minimum 0.8m
- Weight: 461g
- Dimensions: 124 x 83 x 61 mm
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