From: munfai@ncb.gov.sg (Choo Mun Fai)
Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 10:46:50 -0500

Extracted from Photo Asia magazine (March 1995 issue)

This is the third and last contribution by T.O Lee on the big three - Canon, 
Nikon and Minolta.

**************************************************************
MINOLTA  :  Novelties At No Extra Cost
------------------------------------------------

The scope of Minolta product range is similar to Canon and Ricoh which 
includes office equipment such as photocopiers and facsimile machines. As 
the photo market gets more competitive and difficult to expand, these 
manufacturers who have a strong office equipment back-up can rely on more 
stabilised annual profits and are capable to withstand the upheavals in the 
photo market.

Some optical technologies can be readily transferred to the office equipment 
sector, saving time and cost. For example, the photographic lens 
technologies can be used to make the photocopier lens sharper and to enhance 
the overall performance of colour copiers.

Historically, Minolta is known by its rangefinder cameras. It was the 
rangefinder image of Minolta that had attracted Leica, the rangefinder world 
leader known for its M-series, to start an alliance with Minolta for the 
legendary CL model. Minolta produced the body and Leica produced the lenses. 
It became a collector's item and set the trend for later rangefinder 
collector models from Contax and Nikon, who used more sophisticated 
materials such as titanium bodies and ruby/sapphire shutter buttons.

The Super ST101 was another successful SLR from Minolta - known for it 
sturdy mechanical construction and high reliability. It is the best buy for 
the down to earth and budget-minded photographer. If one considers the 
features, the quality and dependability against the price tag, it is easily 
the best bargain - even today.

The 7000 series was the first fully automatic auto-focus electronic SLR that 
gave the world, as well as Minolta's competitors, a great shock. This model 
became a resounding success after being launched around the world. At that 
time, Canon faced a dilemma whether to push the EOS system prematurely to 
compete with the 7000 or to wait one more year until the EOS system was 
fully developed, but at the cost of Minolta's domination for one whole year. 
Canon chose to wait and the EOS system regained Canon's leadership in the 
electronic SLR market after that one year, setting the new standard in 
electronic auto-focusing.

The Minolta SLR is the first to make use of the `detachable chip' concept to 
add other optional features to the host of comprehensive features available 
with the fully automatic electronic SLR body. However, this concept has not 
yet gained the degree of popularity which was expected. Maybe in the future, 
this idea may work out ultimately.

Minolta's strategy is to maintain the lowest possible price tag in order to 
build volume and market share. Another important aim is to provide the best 
pre-sales and after sales services. 

*******************************************************************

Choo Mun Fai                        e-mail : munfai@ncb.gov.sg
-----------------------------------------------------------------
    ..see the world in a grain of sand         
   And heaven in a wildflower,                 
   Hold infinity in the palm of your hand    
   And eternity in an hour.                            
-----------------------------------------------------------------