Minolta's 1976 flat-bodied pocket SLR — first 110-format SLR, 25-50mm f/4.5 zoom, aperture-priority.
The Minolta 110 Zoom SLR of 1976 was the first single-lens reflex camera for the 110 pocket-film cartridge. Rather than shrinking a conventional SLR shape, Minolta stretched the flat 110 pocket-camera format and added a prism hump and a large zoom lens; it was produced until 1979, when the more conventionally shaped 110 Zoom SLR Mark II replaced it. Sellers usually list this original flat-bodied model simply as the Minolta 110 Zoom.
The fixed lens is a manual-focus 25-50mm f/4.5 zoom, roughly a 50-100mm equivalent in 35mm terms, with macro focusing to 28cm, a pop-out hood and a 40.5mm filter thread. Exposure is aperture-priority automatic via a front CdS meter with compensation dial; shutter speeds run 10s to 1/1000s plus battery-free bulb, and flash is by hot shoe only with 1/150s sync.
It suits collectors of subminiature and oddball 1970s designs more than regular shooters: through-the-lens reflex framing and true macro were rare luxuries in 110, but the format's small negative limits print quality. The flat body is pocketable in a coat and genuinely usable when 110 cartridges can be found, with Lomography still producing the film.
Check the CdS meter responds and the auto shutter fires at varying speeds, since only bulb works without battery power; meter cells and electronics are the common failure points at this age. Inspect the zoom for haze and fungus, confirm the exposure-compensation dial turns, and remember 110 film is available only from niche makers, so factor film cost into any purchase.