Minolta Freedom Zoom 115
Introduced about 2001, the Freedom (Riva in some markets) Zoom 115 is consumer grade, point and push, simple. Found at a Goodwill for $2.99 and it showed a roll of film in the window.
I am sucker for a cheap camera, especially one with a roll of film. I love the surprise of developing the roll to see what if anything is on there. Roll had 2 images from the previous owner and based on the vinyl record collection in this shot, it was started long time ago.
Top LED screen has a defect black spot but does not seem to impact the use or the ability to read the screen except for making the self-timer icon hard to see. Popped in a new 123A battery and away we go.
One of the first things I noticed was the Viewfinder is a bit small even for a point and shoot. Feels like your peeping through a keyhole. Not that you need it to focus because that is done for you. But even to frame it seemed small. In the Hand it feel like a Point and Shoot. Better quality feel than some but not noteworthy.
My Take:
For $2.99 (roll of film included) I was happy. Even without the partial roll of film I would be happy. For a 17 year old point and shoot design, it was fine. I would not put it on my best of list but it gave decent images and was simple to use. I like that you can control the flash. I did not like how long the flash took to cycle between shots. Overall it was a bit slow.
One interesting note is that as of this writing in 2018 - the Freedom Zoom Date (same but with date function) is available in Amazon for US$49. At $2.99 I was in! At $49.99 I’ll pass. I could (and have) buy a box of similar from thrift stores with that $50.
Film Fuji Superia X-TRA 400
Lens : Minolta Aspherical Lens Zoom 37.5-115mm
