Minolta Hi-Matic AF2-M (c. 1982)

Name: Minolta Hi-Matic AF2-M
Brand: Minolta

The Minolta Hi-Matic AF2-M is a 35mm autofocus compact from around 1982. It is the third iteration of Minolta's fixed-lens autofocus line, and effectively the end of the Hi-Matic name. The difference from the earlier AF2 is a motor. The AF2-M has fully motorized film advance and auto rewind, where its predecessor needed manual winding. It keeps the same well-regarded 38mm f/2.8 lens (4 elements in 3 groups). The body is black plastic, and the camera runs on two AA batteries.

Beyond the ASA setting and a flash on/off switch, this is essentially an automatic camera. One owner notes that film has to be loaded manually into the take-up spool, as with a non-motorized camera, before the motor takes over. The AF2-M is sometimes compared favorably to the Nikon L35 AF. One French source, BromureFilm, suggests it was underestimated in that market but "deserves to shine" and competes well with the Nikon. The same source notes the most significant difference between the two is the lens.

Surviving documentation is mostly dealer listings and owner accounts rather than period reviews. The known specs are thin but consistent:

Type: 35mm autofocus compact point-and-shoot
Lens: 38mm f/2.8 (4 elements in 3 groups)
Film advance: Motorized; auto rewind
Focus: Autofocus (infrared system)
Flash: Built-in
Battery: 2× AA (1.5V)
Body: Plastic, black
Dimensions: 134 × 78 × 55 mm
Weight: 253g

Current used prices at dealers run roughly $225-250 USD or around CHF 195. Condition and flash function are the main variables, and at least one listing notes a non-working flash.