Another rare gem...the Minolta AL-E

[Andy Collins]

<p>I have a beautiful Minolta Minoltina AL-S, a very classy RF that's not only compact but it packs a lot of power; speeds from 1s to 1/500s, f-stops ranging from f/1.8 to f/16 in a beautiful 6-element 40mm Rokkor lens, and a selenium meter (actually working in this example). Some time ago I read about a successor to the AL-S called the AL-E, the major difference being a Cds meter which is more accurate, and a reduced range of shutter speeds, 1/8s to 1/500s. Finding one though is like finding the Sasquatch because they're pretty rare. Well, I actually found one on the big auction site and managed to snag it. I was concerned that it would arrive in less than desirable condition even though the pictures looked good. I needn't have worried though because it arrived in very nice, if not somewhat dirty, condition. The viewfinder glass has a small crack but it doesn't interfere with using the RF patch. I couldn't wait to put a roll of film through it to see how well this particular camera worked. On Saturday we took a trip up to Michigan City, Indiana where one can visit the beaches on Lake Michigan or take a stroll through the Blue Chip Riverboat Casino. I snapped several shots on the beach, alternating shooting the scenery with the AL-E while shooting seagulls with my 7D. I figured the AL-E shots would look pretty decent but beyond that I didn't have any expectations. When I got the pictures back though, I was very pleasantly surprised. The lens performed beautifully and the meter seemed to be in pretty good shape as well. This is a pretty cool little camera with the same elegant, compact design as the AL-S. It's going to get a lot more use from me! Here are a few shots that I took over the weekend to test the camera.</p><div></div>

[Andy Collins]

<p>Here it is alongside its older sibling, the Minolta Minoltina AL-S.</p><div></div>

[Andy Collins]

<p>Shot #1--This is the Lighthouse Museum in Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana on the shore of beautiful (but dangerous because of riptides) Lake Michigan. The Lighthouse was built back in 1858.</p><div></div>

[Andy Collins]

<p>Shot #2--A few very nice boats...</p><div></div>

[Andy Collins]

<p>Shot #3--The cooling tower. This is often mistaken for a nuclear power plant but is actually a cooling tower for a coal burning plant.</p><div></div>

[Andy Collins]

<p>Shot #4--The Trees. I love taking pictures of trees for some reason, especially when the leaves are just starting to show. This is a magical time to be outside!</p><div></div>

[Andy Collins]

<p>Shot #5--Just another day in the country; currently there are Canada Geese, Mallards, Geese of the plain-vanilla variety, and Muscovy Ducks making this pond their home.</p><div></div>

[Mike Gammill]

<p>Very nice. You're building up quite a collection of Minolta RF gear. I'm envious.<br>

Thanks for sharing.</p>

[Andy Collins]

<p>Shot #6--Driving in to Brookston, Indiana this morning on the way to work. This was shot through the windshield of my car. Brookston looks like a typical beautiful, small midwestern town in the spring. The slightly-off color cast is due to the dark tint of my windshield.</p><div></div>

[Andy Collins]

<p>So, that's the Minolta AL-E, a very cool camera that I've fallen very much in love with. These were shot on Fuji Superia X-Tra 400. Thanks for looking and reading!</p>

[Andy Collins]

<p><strong>Mike</strong>--Thanks! I am building a pretty nice little Minolta arsenal, and this one is a pretty special one. No need for you to be envious though; you've got a lot of Rokkor lenses that I lust after.</p>

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>Beautifully clear, crisp photographs, Andy, and great pics of the cameras. It's a handsome rangefinder, and shifting the light sensor into the ATL position probably helps the more effective CDs metering. The AL-S is one of my favourites, and I'd love to get my paws on an E, but the chances are fairly remote. The "Spring is Here" image seems to invite the viewer to step right in...</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>It's so cute! So compact! Very sharp snappy results, Andy. The Spring is Here shot just leaps off the screen. Nice.</p>

[luis_vernon1]

<p>A superb camera..I am lucky enough to own one as well.. I bought mine from a fellow in Alberta, Canada in 2005 on Ebay for all of $35 with shipping.. It was and still is fabulous cosmetical and mechanical condition.. I had it CLA'd at Essex Camera in Carlstadt, NJ..<br>

I love the focusing/rangefinder spot.. Plenty of contrast and very quick/easy to use.. and how can you not love the 6 element Rokkor lens..<br>

These are indeed rare cameras...rumor has it that at the time, in 1968.. they were intended for the domestic Japanese and European export makets.. not intended for US consumption..hence the rarity in the States...</p>

[carbon_dragon]

<p>We look at a camera like this today and see a rangefinder with significant manual control and a good lens. But when it was made it was an attempt to make a cheap good picture taker that anyone could use. It's ironic that rangefinders have become premium priced features that only expensive cameras contain.</p>

[chuck_foreman1]

<p>Wow.. another snazzy little rangefinder and a Minolta to boot.. Lucky you! Wonderful pictures too. I agree.. I love when the trees are just starting to bud and the light catches them just so... I love RFs and wish I could try them all out! You must have quite an arsenal!! I think I read somewhere there was a list of RFs ....or just Japanese RFs etc. That would be interesting! I know we'Ve specualted here on the strong similarities in models offerings.. Sounds like a term paper! Excellent photos! Great lens too what battery did it take?!?</p>

 

[steve_swinehart]

<p>I have a Minolta AL that I purchased new from K-Mart in 1965. I bought it for myself as my first "real camera" for my 16th birthday - I still have it, including the leather case. It still works and makes fine photographs. I think it cost me $65.</p>

[patrick_stack]

<p>Andy -</p>

<p>Another beauty and great photos to boot, nice to see spring get to your part of the country, winter can be a long time in leaving.</p>

<p>If I recall correctly you have a Konica Autoreflex T, is that right? I am still going through my collection of bits for weeding out. I came across an as new Hexanon 135 f3.5, with original caps and case.</p>

<p>Since you've been so generous with your time placing all of your posts, and I enjoy reading about your collection and seeing your many photos, I would like to offer it to you as a gift, I'll take care of the shipping. If you'd like to have it it's yours, just let me know. I have no idea how to exchange info for contacting/shipping outside of Pnet forum, but perhaps you do?</p>

<p> Hope you can use it, I'll wait to hear back. Best regards.</p>

<p>Patrick </p>

<p> </p>

[Andy Collins]

<p><strong>Patrick--WOW!</strong> That's <em>unbelievable</em>! Of course I'd <em>love</em> to accept that lens and I'll put it to a lot of use. Thank you so much!!! I sent you an email for contact info. How <strong><em>awesome!</em></strong></p>

[Andy Collins]

<p><strong>Rick</strong>-Thanks for your comments. I remember your post on the AL-S and enjoyed it a lot; that's such a classy camera and makes a nice companion to the AL-E.</p>

<p><strong>Louis</strong>-Thanks so much. I really like the "Spring is Here" shot a lot and hoped that others would, so I'm glad you did as well.</p>

<p><strong>Luis</strong>-I share your sentiment completely; It's really a very cool camera and I'm very excited to have actually gotten it. Thanks for the info on the camera--that explains why it's so hard to find.</p>

<p><strong>David</strong>-I think it's amazing that this and all of the other great film cameras have stood the test of time in this age of digital whizbangery. Sometimes simple is better.</p>

<p><strong>Chuck</strong>-Thanks for such kind comments. I've got a 625 battery in it since that's what it came with.</p>

<p><strong>Steve</strong>-The AL is a great camera. Ralf did a wonderful write-up of it some time ago which is what inspired me to get one, and started my journey into the world of Minolta cameras. The AL-E and AL-S are significantly smaller than the AL. In fact I wondered if AL-S didn't stand for AL-"Small". Maybe not.</p>

[ralf_j.]

<p>Wonderful looking rangefinder Andy and what fine images you have captured with it. I especially like the footprints in the sand photo, it has a sort of poetic feel to it. Well done.<br>

Haven't been around much lately on pnet, busy with work and family, but I must say it is a pleasure reading your posts. All the best, Ralf.</p>

[Andy Collins]

<p><strong>Ralf</strong>-It's great to hear from you! Thanks for your kind comments and critique. I hope all is well for you and your family, especially the "little one". I also hope you can get out soon and get some Spring shots; I miss seeing your work!</p>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>I'm like Ralf, been neglecting PDN a bit, things may calm down soon hopefully. That Minolta looks like a gem, great shots too. I have a AL/F that has the 2.8 lens, yet to try it out, but it is very pretty like yours, and I'm sure the Rokkor will perform well....don't they all!</p>