35mm Minolta MF SLR System |
Minolta was, more than any of the other Japanese camera companies, a fully integrated camera company almost from its earliest roots. Starting in the twenties, Minolta contracted with German companies for lenses and shutters to manufacture complete cameras. In 1937, after a reorganization as Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko K.K., what was later to be named Minolta emerged to become the first Japanese camera company to manufacture every component of the cameras that it produced.
The Minolta 35mm SLR line of first and early innovations is impressive: the first built in CdS exposure meter, one of the very earliest Japanese SLRs, quick return mirror, auto diaphragm, first 35mm SLR with built in integrated motor (SR-M), first multi-mode automatically controlled exposure system, first commercially viable 35mm auto focus systems (Maxxum).
Despite its superb optics, as well, the Minolta systems always seemed to have some fatal flaw or another the kept it from moving into a much more commanding market position, except for brief intervals. For example, the XM was intended as a viable pro market candidate, and it might have been. However, for some enigmatic reason the decision was made to not offer it with a motor coupling except as a separate model with a built in motor. This lack of flexibility coupled with the extraordinary cost of the motor model led to its demise.
Lens codes (Elements/Groups) for early Minolta lenses:
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