Minolta 35 Model II (1953–1958)

Name: Minolta 35 Model II
Brand: Minolta

The Minolta 35 Model II is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced from 1953 to 1958. The Roman numeral is misleading. It was actually the seventh variation of the original Minolta 35, which debuted in 1947 as Japan's first 35mm camera with a coupled rangefinder. The camera was built on the bones of the venerable Leica III and uses the Leica M39 screw lens mount. It improved on the German original in a few ways: the rangefinder and viewfinder share a single window, there is a self timer, and a hinged back makes film loading considerably easier.

The Model II is solid and well built, with the heavy, reassuring feel of a Leica III and its other clones. The body measures 5 3/8" wide by 3" tall by 3" deep with the lens attached (1.5" deep without), and weighs 1 lb. 10.9 oz. The lens is a coated Chiyoko Super Rokkor 5cm (50mm) f/2.8, marked with a blue "C" inside a blue circle on the front ring. The shutter is a horizontal rubberized cloth focal plane type with speeds from 1 second to 1/500, plus T and B. The top speed of 1/500 is a limitation, and the speed progression is non-standard. The speeds are split across two dials. The top dial handles 1/500 to 1/25 plus B, and a front dial covers the slower speeds from 1/25 down to 1 second plus T. To use the slow speeds, set the top dial to 1/25 and the front dial to the speed you want. Change shutter speeds only after cocking the shutter.

The lens focuses manually. A locking pin secures it at the infinity position, like other Leica thread mount lenses. There is no built-in exposure meter and no battery, so the photographer determines exposure entirely. A PC connector sits on the top back for flash. Film advances with a manual lever winder.

Shutterbug (date unknown) noted the Model II's value at launch. In 1953, a Model II with the f/2.8 lens cost $150, against $348 for a Leica IIIf with an f/2 lens. The magazine suggested that for some features and ease of use, the Minolta might have had the edge.

These cameras are known for delicate shutter mechanisms, and it is very common to find non-functioning examples with broken or deteriorated shutters. The shutter curtains in particular are prone to crumbling with age. One collector reported that the curtain width is 32.3mm and that old rubber from deteriorated curtains left pinholes visible under light. A stuck shutter button is also a reported issue. The frame format is 24 x 34mm rather than the later 24 x 36mm standard.

Known specs, in brief: