Minolta Semi IIIC

[julio1fer]

So I got this Minolta Semi IIIC folder (that's what I think it is from the info in Camerapedia), made in Occupied Japan according to the inscription on the tripod socket, at a very right price.





It took three months for my technician to stop all light leaks and clean the lens.

One from the test roll, while we are at it. Bad film, expired GP3, mold, numbers and marks transferred to the film somehow. Good enough for a test, though.



I know there are knowledgeable Minolta fans around here - I would be grateful for any comments as I know little about this model.

[philbirch]

A lovely little camera, seems like you have a middle of run IIIC as described. Camerapedia tells you everything you would need to know about this model, an unusually detailed article.

This Minolta fan is more knowlegable about this camera now!

Semi in camera names means half of 6x9cm this is a 6x4.5cm model.

[Stephen]

Nice camera, the size of the negs gives good quality, at least as good as 120, as most 120 will be cropped anyway. The Semi is not common in the UK.
The fogging or marks on 120 film can come from the fumes of the glues and paint used by the restorer, best stored in a warm airy place for a while to allow it to dry completely. Print through from the backing is almost always strong light as the cause, the only other is radiation, (x ray or nuclear).
Stephen.

[julio1fer]

Thanks for the comments. It is an uncommon camera down here as well, although I would not think it is especially valuable.

I plan to use it. 16 shots of a decent size is not a bad idea and the folder size is right.