Minolta Vectis 30

The Minolta Vectis 30 is an APS (Advanced Photo System) compact camera from Minolta's Vectis line, introduced in the mid-to-late 1990s. It's a point-and-shoot with a fixed 28-70mm zoom lens. The body is rangefinder-style and has no manual controls. APS film (IX240) loads drop-in style, and the camera offers the three standard print formats: H (4×7"), C (4×6"), and P (4×10"). Mid-roll film change is supported, one of the genuine conveniences the format was supposed to deliver.

The lens retracts into the body when off and extends when you power up. Owners note it is slow to deploy. A built-in electronic flash handles low light, and the camera runs on a single CR123A battery. The lens is described as six elements in six groups, and owner accounts describe it as capable of good, sharp images, with results dependent on the film stock and lighting. Users have a few gripes. The autofocus can be sluggish in dim conditions, the small grip makes precise framing awkward, and there's no manual override for exposure or focus.

The usual APS caveats apply here, and hard. Film is discontinued as of 2011, so the camera can't be used without hunting down expired cartridges. The electronic components, particularly the flash capacitor, may fail with age. On the used market, the Vectis 30 and its APS siblings have essentially no value beyond collector interest, and listings commonly run $10 - $25. Exact production years, original list price, and detailed specs like shutter range and flash guide number remain undocumented. If you own one with a manual, the Archive would welcome the record.

Known specs:

- Type: APS (IX240) compact point-and-shoot, rangefinder-style

- Lens: 28-70mm zoom, 6 elements in 6 groups

- Formats: H, C, P print formats; drop-in loading; mid-roll change

- Flash: Built-in electronic

- Battery: CR123A