Minolta HiMatic 11 - my first camera

[m.c.fitz]

<p>The Minolta HiMatic 11 was my first camera, purchased from one of my sisters in 1978. It's a range finder with a fixed Rokkor - PF 1:1.7 45mm lens. It has speed priority, and does really nicely in low light. I passed it along to another of my sisters when I bought an M6 in 2000.</p>

<p>During a recent visit to that sister, in Italy, she gave the HiMatic back to me, because - no surprise - she wasn't using it at all. I was happy to get it back, especially because the on/off switch on a Minolta XE-5 I had with me crapped out, rendering that one useless.</p>

<p>The battery in the HiMatic was dead, but the shutter release works without it. It means, however, that the lens remains wide open and there is no metering. I decided that wasn't a problem, but a challenge. Then I decided to up the ante, and fixed an ultra wide lens to the front of the Rokkor. That meant framing and composing were calculated guess work. I loaded a Delta 100 into the camera, and decided to meter it at 100, since I also used a red filter.<br>

<br />So, metering at 100 with a hand held meter, a red filter, a wide angle lens I can't see through, F 1.7, top shutter speed 500th of a second, and very bright lighting conditions - not a total loss of control, but apart from the loss of one roll of film if it was a total disaster, what did I have to lose ? Nothing at all.</p>

<p>Here are some of the results:</p>

<p> </p><div></div>

[m.c.fitz]

<p>This next was taken from the same position as the previous one, with the wide angle lens attached:</p>

<div></div>

[m.c.fitz]

<p>Another one:</p><div></div>

[m.c.fitz]

<p>This next is taken from the same position as the above:</p><div></div>

[m.c.fitz]

<p>One of the reasons I decided to try the wide angle on the HiMatic is because the lens has some vignetting in the corners when wide open, which to me is part of the charm of this lens. I was curious what the results would be with a wide angle, and I'm quite pleased with what it gives, especially in the landscapes. Those big skies and wide horizons really took to it, I think.</p>

<p>I had forgotten how much I like this camera, and using it again is like getting together with an old friend. The view finder isn't very clear, but it never was. The lens is clean, no haze or fungus, and it really is a very sweet lens. Maybe it's because I used it for so long, and started learning about photography with it, but I really like the 45mm focal length.</p>

<p>Here's one last one, and thank you for reading and looking at what I've posted.</p><div></div>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>Good to be re acquainted with an old friend. Your wide angles are certainly very Holger-esque! The Hi-Matic series are quite nice cameras, and Rokkor lenses are always a treat.<br>

I presume that these images are with the lens wide open? Love the feeling of light in your last photo...makes you want to be there!</p>

[m.c.fitz]

<p>Tony, yes, the lens was wide open with all the images. I agree, the Rokkor lenses are always a treat, and it's great to be using them again.</p>

<p>Thank you, I really like the last photo as well, and right now, I wish I was back there!</p>

[steve_mareno1]

<p>Anything w/ the Rokkor name on it should produce great shots. I was looking at some old 6x6 negatives last night from a Minolta Autocord w/ a Rokkor lens on it, and wow! Those negs are sharp. Hopefully my Rokkor 50 2.8 enlarger lens will prove just as good.</p>

<p>The last shot is a keeper. Red filters seem to have been designed with clouds and sky in mind.</p>

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>Interesting series! I got as far as the similar Hi-Matic 9 in my Minolta-collecting era, but never acquired the Hi-Matic 11. Nice results, considering the limitations of your copy. Thanks for the post.</p>

[Mike Gammill]

Kind of a fish-eye effect. I've got a couple of supplentary camcorder lenses that I might have to try that with.

[m.c.fitz]

<p>Steve, thanks, I quite like the last photo as well, and when I can get back into the darkroom, will print it up. I'd be interested to hear how your Rokkor enlarger lens is, once you get a chance to print with it.</p>

<p>Thanks Rick, I agree, the results were quite satisfactory, considering the limitations I was dealing with. I actually enjoyed the limitations, and not having complete control over the material.</p>

<p>Mike, the fish-eye effect is interesting, and worth trying out. I don't use that lens often, but it can be fun to use.</p>

[chuck_foreman1]

Great Results surprised how nice the rendering wide open. I'd expect any daylight picture would be over

exposed despite the red filter, but I do love these kinds of skies :)

 

Thanks for sharing that!