Minolta AF Tele 35 mm Camera Review with Kodak UltraMax 400 Sample Photos in San Diego, California

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

When I stumbled across the Minolta AF Tele in an antique shop and noticed it was fully functioning, I knew I’d found a gem. I’m always on the hunt for vintage point-and-shoot cameras because they are great for traveling and because they each have their own character and vibe when it comes to the photos. I have another 35 mm Minolta camera, the Minolta Maxxum STsi, which is one of my all-time favorite 35 mm cameras. You can read my full review of that camera here! Before the Minolta Maxxum STsi, I’d never had any experience with Minolta cameras, but I’m started to learn that they are definitely a standout when it comes to vintage cameras.

I decided to take the Minolta AF Tele with me on a recent trip to San Diego and I’m obsessed with how the images turned out. Not only was it incredibly easy to use, the photographs also have the perfect retro film vibe that I wanted for my California photos.

HISTORY

The Minolta AF Tele was originally produced in the late 1980s to early 1990s and was created as an accessible camera for beginners and professionals alike. The specific model of the camera featured in this blog post was manufactured in Japan. You can check the bottom of the camera for an imprint to see where yours was produced! The Minolta brand, in general, is a Japanese company, though some of the Minolta cameras are manufactured in other countries as well. I’ve learned over the years that if I see that a camera was produced in Japan, it’s usually a slam dunk. They also typically have a nice aesthetic design and seemingly last forever.

Point-and-shoot cameras really started to gain traction in the 1980s so it was a bit of a competition between all of the major camera companies to produce amazing compact film cameras that were easy to use for the average consumer. The Minolta AF Tele was one of those cameras, though maybe not quite as popular as cameras like the Canon Sure Shot ( I’m still on the hunt for one of these). I find it to be unique and interesting and I definitely never plan to give mine up!

FEATURES

The standout feature of this camera is it’s dual lens system. While it is a compact camera, the lens has two different focal lengths that you can easily switch between. There is a 35 mm f/2.8 lens and a 60 mm f/4.3 telephoto lens. There are other versions of this camera, like the Minolta AF Tele Super, that have slightly different lens options built into the camera.

The Minolta AF Tele also has a built-in flash, a fill-flash button, a self-timer, auto advance, auto rewind, and a tripod mount. This camera is fully autofocus, so there is no need to worry about taking the time to manually focus. However, this also means there are really no manual features at all, so you’re a bit limited when it comes to creativity.

There is also no option for multiple exposures. There is a film rewind button on the bottom of the camera, but it rewinds the film roll all the way back to the beginning, so you will be shooting over your entire roll. While you can still overlap images in this way, it gives you way less control than a camera with a dedicated multiple exposure feature.

The fill-flash button is also a nice addition to the camera, especially if you are shooting with a subject that is back-lit. The main flash will automatically come on when the camera senses there is not enough light, but it’s nice to have the option to turn the fill-flash on when needed.

The camera will automatically set the ISO for your film as well, as long as the film is DX coded, which most films are.

It takes a Lithium CR-P2 battery or two AA batteries, which is a very interesting feature I’ve never seen before in a camera. But it’s definitely nice for those moments when your battery dies on you while traveling and AA batteries are the only ones you can find.

And obviously, one of the best things about these point-and-shoot cameras is that they are compact and easy to travel with! While the Minolta AF Tele is a bit more bulky that other cameras of its class, it is still a nice, small size compared to 35 mm cameras with detachable lenses and zoom lenses.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m kind of obsessed with this camera. The dual lens system is just plain fun to experiment with and gives you that little bit of extra zoom when you’re traveling if you see something farther away that you’d like to photograph. I’m also pleasantly surprised by the sharpness of the lens, especially at the 35 mm setting. It seems a little softer when using the 60 mm lens option. I’m a little bit bummed that there is no multiple exposure option, but I usually assume this is the case with most point-and-shoot cameras from that time period. It’s a rare feature that most people didn’t care for, particularly the average, everyday consumer. This camera is somewhat limited in terms of creativity, considering it doesn’t have any manual features other than the fill-flash, but it’s still a super fun point-and-shoot that is great for capturing candid moments with friends and family, and for traveling with a 35 mm film camera that doesn’t weigh a million pounds or take up a ton of space in your bag.

This is definitely one of those cameras I’ll just quickly grab when I’m running out the door for a family day or a night out with friends. I’m sure it will be joining me on many more trips in the future too. If you see this one out in the wild, snatch it up! I got lucky and found mine for $20, but it seems that the average going rate is about $25 to $70. I’d pick one of these up sooner rather than later if I were you, because these vintage point-and-shoots just keep getting more and more popular!

For these photos, I used Kodak UltraMax 400 35 mm film, but if you’d like more film recommendations, make sure to check out my blog post, The Best Color Film for 35 mm Cameras!

WHERE TO BUY THE MINOLTA AF TELE 35MM CAMERA

eBay

Etsy

Amazon

KEH Camera

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

SAMPLE PHOTOS


And of course, I have to share all of my favorite photos from my trip to San Diego with you!!!

Review of the Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour | RVA Ghosts by US Ghost Adventures | Fun Things to Do in Richmond, VA

(By using the links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Richmond, Va

Whenever my husband and I are visiting a new city, we love going on ghost tours. It’s a great way to learn the history of a new place. We’ve been on ghost tours in London, England, Savannah, GA and Alexandria, VA but somehow we had never been on one in our hometown! Richmond, Virginia is an incredibly old city with a lot of unique history, including the location where Patrick Henry gave the famous “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech. It’s also home to the Edgar Allen Poe Museum! It was nice to enjoy our city from a different perspective and to feel like we were on vacation for an evening. :) We booked the Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour with Richmond Ghosts and even filmed a little YouTube video we’ll be sharing soon, so stay tuned! In the meantime, I’ve included a few photos and favorite moments from our tour below! Oh, and P.S. - Use my code MYLES10 for 10% off your booking with RVA Ghosts!

The tour started outside of Havana ‘59, a local Cuban restaurant with a rooftop bar. I actually just photographed a wedding here in April and it was gorgeous! I’d recommend arriving early to the tour and popping in there for dinner or a quick drink. It’s an incredibly beautiful restaurant and lovely Richmond staple.

Our tour guide, Bryce, was a great storyteller and also gave us a few tips about local restaurants and things to see around the area if you were a visitor. Our first stop was right outside the Richmond Randolph 19 which houses the oldest masonic lodge in America. He told us some spooky stories about the building and the ghosts that frequent it.

A few of our other stops included the Edgar Allen Poe Museum (which I highly recommend a separate visit inside the museum because it’s one of my favorite spots in Richmond - I’ve photographed at least 5 weddings there and it’s odd, unique, and perfectly spooky), the Church Hill Tunnel and JewFro restaurant (a building with a lot of spooky history). The tour was right at sunset so we watched the moon emerge as we wandered through the city which made the tour even more ghostly.

There were a few other stopping points along the way and our guide kept us interested and a little spooked out the whole time. He had an energy that was perfect for ghost tours - slightly theatrical and a little serious with a hint of sarcasm. Loved it! He even pulled out an EMF ghost-hunting device and let us witness it lighting up when spirits were near.

The main street we walked along was N 18th street, a lively part of town with lots of bars and restaurants. If you’re going on this tour with young children, I’d recommend booking the tour for a Monday-Thursday, as the area can get a bit wild on the weekends.

The tour was only an hour long so it would be a great option for kicking your night off if you’re planning on hanging out down there for an evening or grabbing dinner at Havana ‘59 before or after. If you want to continue your evening with spooky haunts, I’d recommend checking out Grandstaff & Stein, a speakeasy that requires a password to get in (check their instagram @booksellersrva!) and has delicious cocktails and food with a prohibition-themed bar. This is actually one of our favorite bars in Richmond!

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS TOUR?

RVA Ghosts also has a few other tour options like the Haunted Pub Crawl (also in Shockoe Bottom and a great option if you’d prefer to drink with friends along the way), the Hollywood Cemetery Tour (a beautiful cemetery in a quieter part of the city - and also the tour is earlier in the day) and the Drink Richmond Walking Tour in Scotts Addition. I think if I were to book this tour again, I probably would book the Haunted Pub Crawl instead, because it would have been nice to actually go into some of the buildings (and grab a drink, of course)! Though, most ghost tours I’ve been on in other cities don’t include building admission so we weren’t expecting it, but I think it would add an extra layer of fun.

While the Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour with RVA Ghosts is somewhat short and sweet, I enjoyed the theatrics of our tour guide and have gained a little more insight into the history of our town. Though, now when I walk by these spots in Shockoe Bottom I’m definitely going to only think about these super creepy ghost stories! I’d recommend this tour if you just want a little something to kick off your night with friends, and I’d follow it up with a visit to Havana’ 59, Grandstaff & Stein and the Roosevelt or Patrick Henry’s Pub in the Churchhill district. And if you’re going all out with a full-spook day, I’d do the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in the morning, the Hollywood Cemetery Tour at 3 pm and finish your day with either the Haunted Pub Crawl in Shockoe Bottom or the Drink Richmond Walking Tour in Scotts Addition. If you want to truly experience the history of Richmond while you’re here, I highly recommend staying in The Jefferson Hotel. It’s known for its ghost sightings and has been around since 1895! My parents stay here every time they visit and absolutely love it. It’s a stunning hotel, especially during the Christmas season. Historical figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald, various US Presidents, and Elvis even stayed there! It’s probably one of the most gorgeous hotels I’ve ever seen, if we’re being honest!

I hope this blog post has helped you plan your visit to Richmond with RVA Ghosts! It’s a unique, diverse city with so much culture, history, and tasty food. Make sure to check out the Jasper Bar too (amazing cocktails) and Stella’s main location in the West End (incredible mediterranean food) if you want more recommendations. :)

If you’re interested in taking the exact tour from this blog post, you can find it here! Or check out more of the Richmond Tour options with RVA Ghosts here. And don’t forget to use my code MYLES10 for 10% off your booking!

Have a magical (and spooky) day!

<3 Myles Katherine





Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2025 Under $2500 | The Best Mirrorless Cameras on the Market

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

You guys know I’m a Canon girlie through and through, but that doesn’t mean I don’t spend my days pining over other brands and wondering what it would be like. There are moments when I’ve considered selling all of my Canon gear and converting, just to try something new and inspire myself in an exciting way. Shooting with new gear is a great way to prevent burnout, especially when photography is your full-time job, like mine. It’s been 13 years since I first started my business and decided to commit to it fully. There have been moments where I’ve wanted to give up. Moments where the hustle was just too much. But whenever I start considering other professions, they just don’t fulfill me in the way that photography does. Photography is my passion, my obsession and my true love. I’m about to head to the Bild Expo with B&H in New York City next week and I can’t wait to learn and experience everything new that’s going on in the photography industry. In the meantime, I wanted to share the cameras that have caught my eye this year and that I would recommend to photographers who want to enhance their photography game, so without further ado, here are the Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2025 Under $2500 - The Best Mirrorless Cameras on the Market.

 
 

1. CANON EOS R6 MARK II

I can’t help but start off with this camera, because, yes, it’s Canon. But I sit at home, hoping and praying that one of these will fall out of the sky and into my lap. I currently shoot with the Canon 5D Mark IV as my main camera, and the Canon EOS R as my backup camera. But I recently invested in the Canon RF 28-70 f/2 L USM lens ( I have a full blog post about this lens here) and the EOS R just isn’t up to par with what this lens is capable of. My plan is to upgrade to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II next year so hopefully I can make that happen! Or maybe I’ll get lucky and win the giveaway at the Bild Expo next week… Anyway. One of the main reasons I want this camera is for the in-body stabilization. The RF 28-70 f/2 lens does not have image stabilization so it would greatly improve my low-light images at weddings and events. It also has dual card slots, which is really important when doing client work. It’s always a risk going into a shoot with only one memory card. What I love about the Canon mirrorless cameras and the newer line of RF lenses is how incredibly sharp they are. I feel as though they are finally competing with Nikon and Sony when it comes to sharpness. It also has a full-frame sensor, 4K video at 60 fps, amazingly fast autofocus, long battery life, 24.2 MP images, a flip-out screen, and excellent low-light performance (ISO 100-102,400 expandable up to 204,800). Overall though, the main reason I love Canon so much is because of the natural color tone and beauty of the images. I find them to be moody, cinematic, and unique when compared to other brands. Canon definitely has their own “look”, which is why I’ve found it hard to switch to other brands. Another reason I love Canon is because I don’t find their cameras to be overpriced. For $2000, it really is the best bang for your buck out of this list.


WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 
 

2. SONY A7 IV

Sony is really good at almost getting me to convert. Their cameras have excellent video, superbly sharp images, incredible full-frame sensors and super fast, reliable autofocus. The Sony A7 IV is a highly desired camera this year, especially for videographers who dabble in photography. The sensor is 33 MP full-frame which definitely beats out the other cameras on this list in that category. I also love how small the Sony cameras and lenses are because I definitely get tired of lugging Canon’s giant gear around. When it comes to video especially, smaller gear is important because you want your video to be smooth and stable. It’s very difficult to hold a Canon camera steady for a long period of time because they are so dang heavy. The only reason I didn’t switch to Sony is because of a deal-breaker for me - it doesn’t have an in-camera multiple exposure feature. For a lot of people, this is not an issue, but multiple exposures are a huge part of my photography style. Some other features of this camera include 4K video at 60 fps, in-body stabilization, and ISO 100-51200. I’d highly recommend this camera for videographers who want the possibility of stunning images as well. Sony truly produces amazingly sharp photos and video. For around $2500, it’s one of the more expensive cameras in this group, but Sony does not disappoint. I feel like Nikon and Canon used to dominate the industry, but Sony has definitely made it’s way up the ladder and is battling for that top spot.

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 

 

3. NIKON Z6 MARK III

Oh, Nikon. They are pretty much Canon’s main long-time rival and evil twin sister. Though, there’s really nothing evil about them, it’s just how I like to think of it. :) It’s just funny when I’m shooting at a wedding and someone is carrying a Nikon camera and says, “Oh, I see you shoot Canon.” It’s ridiculous, but it’s just the way it is! I have a Nikon film camera, the Nikon FE2, that I’m absolutely obsessed with and take with me everywhere. I definitely have an affinity for Nikon’s old film cameras because they have super sharp old-school lenses. The Nikon Z6 Mark III is majorly competing with Sony right now when it comes to video, with this camera capable of 6K video up to 60 fps. It has a “partially stacked” 24.5 MP sensor, which allows for faster autofocus, file reading, and higher frame rates for video. This camera is known as sort of a “flagship” camera, one of the first of it’s kind in this category. It’s sort of hard to deny this camera, but for me it ultimately comes down to the images and the overall color tone, considering photography is my main “thing”. But if you are equal parts photographer and videographer, I’d go for this camera, for sure. It’s also an incredible deal for the price. This camera packs a punch and has a lot of fun creative options built into the camera, like a Rich Tone portrait mode and skin-softening. If I had started off with Nikon and that was my shtick, I’d be freaking out over this camera. For around $2100, I truly can’t believe how affordable this camera is for what you get.

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 
 

4. PANASONIC LUMIX S5 II

I’m not sure why this camera keeps calling my name, but I’m desperate to have one on my shelf at some point. When I was deciding whether to upgrade to the Canon 5D Mark IV or entirely switch my gear over to a different brand, something about the Panasonic Lumix cameras caught my eye. I was looking at the Lumix S1 at the time, but the short battery life ultimately turned me off from it. But the Panasonic Lumix S5 II has definitely improved upon that, and more! This camera boasts a 24 MP full-frame sensor, phase-detect AF (for the first time with their Lumix line), highly-regarded in-body image stabilization and up to 6K video at 30 fps. The main reason I’m drawn to this camera is the in-body image stabilization because it’s known to be one of the best. Plus, this camera is more affordable than some of the other options at ~$1700. I also just love the look of it and find it to be much more attractive than Nikon cameras… sorry…

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 

 

5. FUJIFILM X-H2S

Ugh, I’ve ALWAYS wanted a Fujifilm camera! The Fujifilm X-H2S does not have a full-frame sensor but it still packs a powerful punch with it’s APS-C sensor. The video is known for being incredible, with fast autofocus and subject-tracking. If I was a videographer, I’d have a hard time deciding between this camera, the Sony A7 IV and the Nikon Z6 III. I actually love the way the Fujifilm images look because I find them to have a bit of a film-like quality, with a cinematic feel and unique color experience. If I had endless funds, I’d purchase this one just to have fun with. It has 6.2K video recording and has better low-light performance than previous models by Fujifilm. It also has dual memory card slots, one of those “magical stacked sensors” and film-simulation modes (which I would definitely have tons of fun with). Overall, I find the images and video to be the most unique with this camera, so if you want to stand out and offer something different than the norm, this is a great option. At around $2500 it offers a lot and truly can stand up to the others in its category, even with an APS-C sensor.

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 
 

6. SONY A6700

If you’re working with a lower price point but you still want incredible videos and photos, the Sony A6700 is a great place to start at around $1400. Just because it’s cheaper though doesn’t mean you can’t create incredible work with this camera. It has a 26 MP APS-C sensor, 4K video at 120 fps (let’s be real, who needs 6K video anyway) and is incredibly compact for what it offers. I’m always down for a tiny camera. Sometimes the more expensive cameras get so much hype, but for the average photographer/videographer this camera does just fine. If you’re good at what you do, you can definitely achieve amazing things with this camera. This camera is coveted by content creators for it’s price point and versatility, with a flip-out screen, mic inputs, and image stabilization. If you consider yourself a video/photo hybrid creator, this is a great option for you at a low price point.

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 

 

7. CANON EOS R8

The Canon EOS R8 is another budget option that stands out in its class. If you aren’t willing to shell out $2000 for the Canon EOS R6 II, this one won’t disappoint. This camera actually has the same full-frame sensor as the R6 II but does not have in-body stabilization. It’s really just a budget version of the R6 II. If you’re already shooting with a camera that doesn’t have in-body stabilization, then you probably won’t miss it much. But once you get used to shooting with IBIS, it’s super hard to go back. What’s great about this camera is that it’s super lightweight and perfect for traveling, which is a feature I’m always on the hunt for. It reminds me of the Canon 6D Mark II which is a DSLR but is budget-friendly and still capable of incredible images. If you’re photography-focused and working within a specific budget, this is the camera I’d recommend. It currently retails for about $1300.

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 
 

8. FUJIFILM X-S20

Since I’m on a roll with budget-friendly options, the Fujifilm X-S20 is the low cost version of the Fujifilm X-H2S I mentioned earlier. For ~$1200 you can still get 6.2K video at 30 fps and a 26.1 MP APS-C sensor. It’s known for it’s small body and 5-axis in-body image stabilization. You get a LOT for the price point, including the fun film-simulation options that Fujifilm is known for and the high-end video capabilities. It’s great for content creators because of the dedicated Vlog mode and touchscreen. It’s a great place to start your business if you’re video or content focused but still want the option of taking photos that are unique and film-like. Honestly, I’ve been considering investing in one of these just because it is somewhat affordable and I really want to spend some time messing with those film-simulation modes. I always prefer film photography over digital when possible, so it would be nice to avoid the expenses of shooting film.

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 
 

9. CANON EOS RP

Ok, I couldn’t help but include one more Canon camera, just because a lot of people ask me which Canon cameras are good for beginners. The Canon EOS RP is a great mirrorless camera and only costs around $800. Since it’s an RF mount, you can use the RF lenses which are a newer line of Canon lenses and are much sharper than the EF lenses. If you’re working with a budget, the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.8 STM lens is a great place to start for only $200. If you have the dough for it though, I’d recommend the Canon RF 50 mm 1.4 L VCM lens at $1400. With Canon lenses, the more you’re able and willing to spend, the more it will pay off. With the Canon RP though, it’s kind of insane that at this price point you get a 26.2 MP full-frame sensor and 4K video. It’s also super small and great for travel, along with WiFi, bluetooth and an ISO range from 100-40,000. It’s crazy to think you can get all of this for $800 these days. When I first started getting into photography, I paid quite a high price for the Canon 5D Mark II which only had a 21.1 MP sensor, 1080p video, and an ISO range of only 100-6400.

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

 

 

10. LEICA SL2-S

I know this camera doesn’t fall under $2500, but a girl can dream, right? Leica is really considered more of a luxury brand, and you don’t necessarily get a whole lot more for the price, other than bragging rights. It includes a 24 MP full frame sensor, 4K video at 60 fps, in-body image stabilization and incredible lens options. The Leica SL2-S is around $4800 and is one of the cheaper, more affordable options from their camera line. The expensive lenses amp the price up even more. But if money is no object and you want the best of the best, these cameras are highly coveted and will awe your friends and family. They are beautifully designed and are crafted for photographers who cherish their cameras and value the history behind photography. Leica created the very first 35 mm film camera in the 1920s and is known for their minimalist designs and attention to detail. Think of this as the Porsche version of a camera. Maybe one day you’ll see one of these sitting on my shelf…. one can only dream…


WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

Amazon

KEH Camera (used)

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine