Cameras/General info about Minolta-16
Advertisement
Question
Good day Mr. Silver,
I'm new in this hobby of collecting snap-shot cameras circa 1970s or older. Do you have any general info about the following Minolta-16 Rokkor 1:28, F=22mm? Manufacturing date? The unit has this numbers "754656" stamped at the side. How much it might sell for? I'm being asked US$150.00 for it. Mint condition inside w some minor "wear" marks externally. Thanks in advance.
Aldrin
Hello Aldrin,
We don't have lists of serial numbers for these cameras, so I can't tell you what exact Minolta-16 model you have, but from the f2.8 lens I know it's one of the many versions made from 1960 to 1974. In general, the Minolta-16 is a popular series of subminiature cameras, made for many years by Minolta of Japan, for 10 x 14 mm exposures on 16mm film in little cassettes. All of the various models are VERY common, and truly excellent examples usually sell (depending on exact model) in the $35 to $50 range. Obviously, $150 is too much.
Best wishes,
David Silver
Related Articles
David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.