Minolta Hi-Matic E
The Minolta Hi-Matic E was released in 1971 as an improved version of the Hi-Matic C that was a move to a smaller format for the Hi-Matic line.
The E is an automatic camera with a proper rangefinder and a nice 40mm 1.7 lens. The size is not the smallest but still a nice size to use. Mine is black but most seem to be chrome. Black clearly works better and looks great.
My Take:
The Hi-Matic line seems to have been all over the place during its run. Of the Hi-Matic line I have used, the E is one of the good ones. The E does a nice job of giving you a rangefinder for focus, a clean lens but still a simple to use automatic camera. The dependence on the camera for exposure would limit the creativity of a better photographer, but is not that much of a hindrance for me. The E is a bit larger than the king of the group, the 7sII, but felt good in the hand. The lack of exposure control will leave the 7sII as king but don't over look the E if you get the chance. The simplicity and nice lens make the E a nice casual user.
Lens: Minolta Rokkor-QF 40mm 1.7
Film: FujiColor 100