Minolta AL-F

The Minolta AL-F is a compact 35mm rangefinder camera from the late 1960s, equipped with a fixed Rokkor 38mm f/2.7 lens. It operates primarily in shutter-priority autoexposure, using a CdS light meter located above the lens element to facilitate filter compensation. The camera is appreciated for its bright viewfinder and relatively small form factor compared to other rangefinders of the era. Prospective buyers should check the rangefinder patch for alignment and clarity. The battery compartment often requires cleaning, as the original mercury cells are no longer available and modern replacements can vary in voltage. SDS checks the accuracy of the selenium or CdS meter, the light seals for perishability, and ensures the leaf shutter speeds remain consistent across the range.