Minolta Hi-Matic AF2-M
Hi-Matic AF2-M added a motor to the AF2 in 1982. Other than the ASA setting and the flash on/off, this is an automatic camera.
This is kind of the end of the line for the Hi-Matic name. The oldest Hi-Matic that I have is the wonderful Hi-Matic 7s. The AF2-M is almost as big but does not seem like a strait line between the two. The 7s is a substantial rangefinder and the AF2-M is an autofocus plastic point and shoot. In my opinion the Hi-Matic legacy would have been best served to end with the 7sII and live on in glory. But Minolta tried to milk the name in the mass market.
My Take:
Other than not being equal to its older siblings, the AF2-M is a dead simple camera. Autofocus seemed to work well. Image quality was not amazing but for a point and shoot, not bad. The flash recharged quickly and gives you a green light, that is visible next to the viewfinder. One thing it could use is an on/off switch so it does not get fired accidentally. I love that it runs everything: flash, meter, motor, warning beeps and autofocus, all on 2 AA batteries. If you see one at the swap meet for cheap, give it a go but know it was never the peak of the Hi-Matic line. I would say it is a great junk bin rescue but would not sell the 7sII to fund it.
Lens: fixed Minolta Lens 38mm 2.8
Film: FujiColor Supera X-TRA 400
