Minolta 16mm cameras
Minolta 16I, 16MG and 16Ps (Front to back)
Minolta had a long history of making 16mm cameras. The Minolta 16mm story goes back to 1947 with the introduction of the Konan 16 Automat, made by the Konan Institute. Minolta took over the Konan Institute and produced its own version, the Minolta 16 Automat in 1955. The main difference between the Minolta and the earlier Konan was a new and film cassette. The Minolta 16mm film cassette became the nearest thing subminiture cameras would ever get to a standard.
Like it's Konan forebare, the Minolta 16 Automat use a telescopic body style that was very compact. Minolta continued to produce cameras with basically the same body right up to the point when they stopped making 16mm cameras in 1974. But they also produced a wide range of other 16mm cameras with a variety of body styles and at a variety price points. This wide range of cameras can be a bit confusing as many different types were available at any point in time.
The original telescopic design was intoduced in 1955 and produced right through to 1974. The 16 Automat became the 16I in 1957, adding the ability to use a range of filters and close up attachments. In 1960 the 16I became the 16II and added a wider range of shutter speeds and apertures to the mix. The 16I and 16II models were available in a range of colours in addition to the common silver models, including black, gold, blue, red, magenta and green. In 1972 the 16II cost £19.55 camera only, or £26.95 including a flash and accesory kit.
In 1960 Minolta introduced a second line simpler cheaper cameras with the 16P, which had a single shutter speed and weather symbol exposure control. This was replaced in 1965 by the 16Ps which was identical except for the addition of a leaver on the front which allowed for the section of a second shutter speed, primarily for flash operation. It was even marked the 16P, but it can be distinguised by the lever. In 1972 the 16Ps cost £13.95 camera only, or £19.95 including a flash kit.
In 1962 Minolta introduced a third line, and their first 16mm camera with a built-in selenium cell exposure meter, with the 16EE model. The 16EE was based on a similar form factor to the 16P. In 1964 the 16EE was replaced by the 16EE2.
In 1966 a forth luxury line was introduced in the form of the 16MG. In my opinion the 16MG is by for the prettiest of the whole Minolta 16mm line. In 1972 the 16MG cost £38.95 camera only, or £44.95 including a flash kit. In 1970 the 16MG was joined by the top of the line 16MGS. This introduced a range of innovations, the main one being a larger negative size. By moving from double perforated film to single perforated film space was found to increase the negative area from 10x14mm to 12x17mm. In 1972 the 16MGS cost from £65.95 camera only to £146.95 including a comprehensive accessory kit.
In 1972 the last of the line was introduced, the 16QT. This camera was based on the 16MGS form factor, and produced the same 12x17mm negatives, but with a reduced specification. It did introduce some new features however. For example it was the first (and only) Minolta 16mm camera to have a focussing lens with four settings. Previous cameras had fixed focus lenses which relied on depth-of-field to get everything in focus from about 9 feet to infinity. Close-up lenses were used for subjects closer than 9 feet away. In 1972 the 16QT cost £39.95 camera only, or £45.95 including a flash kit.
The following timeline shows the models and when they were produced:
Note that I dont know the precise discontinuation date of the 16EE2. But according to the UK Camera Guide 1972 is was not available in 1972
These cameras could be considered the predecessors of the 110 cameras introduced in 1972. Like 110 film, the film used by these cameras is basically 16mm movie film in special cassettes. Minolta stopped selling 16mm cassettes at the begining of the 90s, but if you are dedicated enough you can buy a device to trim 35mm film down to 16mm which you can then load Minolta cassettes with yourself.
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Minolta 16I Condition: C/1 Serial no: 111573 Additional items: Box, case, wrist strap, flash attachement, close up lens attachments 1 and 2, instruction manual Purchase date: 2003 Purchased from: eBay |
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Minolta 16Ps Condition: A/1 Serial no: 454677 Additional items: Box, case, wrist strap, instruction manual, sales tag, film order form and film processing envelope. Purchase date: 2003 Purchased from: eBay |
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Minolta 16MG Condition: B/1 Serial no: 326423 Additional items: Case Purchase date: 2003 Purchased from: eBay |
 
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