Minolta Panoramic Point and Shoot Cinematic
In Mint Conditions
Serial # 95106888
The Minolta P’s (or the Freedom Vista or Riva Panorama, depending where you are in the world) is a paradoxical camera. Going by the spec sheet, it’s hard to see why anyone would choose it. Besides a wide 24mm lens, a shutter button, self-timer and flash, it’s a camera seemingly lacking in features. It intentionally exposes less area of the film negative than almost all other 35mm cameras, and it does so to achieve an arguably gimmicky effect- “panorama” photos. 3:1 Ratio
And yet the Minolta P’s’s interesting aspect ratio, punchy lens, and overall ethos make it a camera that I highly recommend to any photographer looking for a unique and rewarding challenge.
The Minolta P’s was made in 1991, a time when the automatic-everything point-and-shoot segment was running at full sprint. It was designed to be a consumer point-and-shoot, easy to use, and to shoot exclusively in a panoramic aspect ratio to capture landscapes and group shots. It was offered in Various Colors.
It’s worth noting that one info-graphic inside the manual suggests that the P’s is the perfect camera to grab a vertical panorama of the Eiffel Tower (2024 Olympics, here I come).
Specifications of the Minolta P’s
- Lens: 24 mm f/4,5 lens, manually operated lens barrier
- Shutter speeds: 1/4 to 1/200 s. when flash is canceled
- Flash: Built-in, range 0.9—2.7 meters (at ISO 100)
- DX code speeds 100 & 400 ISO
- Motor wind and rewind
- Timer with warning light
- Power: CR123 lithium battery
- Weight and Dimensions: 185 grams, 11.6 x 6.2 x 3.4 cm