VMLP 40: Minolta Semi P— I’m Getting There…

My first Semi P had a non-original viewfinder.   I searched for a year or so for a cheap donor and, having found one, tried to do the replacement.  It didn’t work out because my working Semi P had been altered in more ways than I thought and attaching the new viewfinder would have required drilling.   Luckily, people continue to dig out old cameras and post them on eBay for little money, so I got a second working Semi P with the original viewfinder intact.

The Semi P is a simple camera. It makes 6×4.5 medium format images and is set up for use in portrait orientation. It has no rangefinder, no meter, a maximum shutter speed of 1/200, and you have to set focus based on the guesstimated distance.   While it lacks nearly all modern camera features, it makes sharp images.   The lack of modern features keeps me on my toes.   When using it, I know that every frame requires my complete attention.   One moment’s daydreaming can easily result in a blank, blurred, or underexposed frame.

Historical Background
Released in 1951, the Semi P was the last folding camera produced by Chiyoko (Minolta became the official name in 1962).   Unlike its immediate predecessor, the Minolta Semi III, the Semi P does not have double exposure protection.  About 70,000 were produced, with the final models being made in 1954.  A few changes were made over the course of its production, but those changes were mostly minor.

Inspection and appearance
Sellers described both cameras as being in excellent condition.   On arrival, I agreed. I did not expect 70+ year old cameras to be in such good condition, especially because they were not high-end models.   The leatherette was intact on both and there was little rust or corrosion on the metal surfaces.

Opening the cameras requires pressing a button that sits to the left of the viewfinder (camera facing away).   On both, the buttons worked, but the bellows needed a little help to extend fully. Haze and fungus are always a concern with old cameras, but both had clean lenses.   Likewise, both bellows appeared intact with no tears or holes.   Next, I examined the shutter because a lot of old folders have shutters that fire at the same speed.  The first Semi P fired at all speeds properly. The second camera had issues with the one-second shutter speed.  Otherwise, aperture rings, shutter rings, and focusing worked properly on both cameras.

Looking at the top of the camera, the film advance is on the left, which took some getting used to.   The original viewfinder has a parallax correction for close-in shots.   A cold shoe sits to the right of the viewfinder, and a flash connection appears on the main lens assembly.   The cameras have different flash connections, which is one of the changes made between models.   The rear of the camera has a red window for observing the film frame count, which while needed, has been a source of light leaks (I think).  Overall, I am pleased with my purchases.

Function and Handling
Using a Semi P means going without a net.   When loading the film, one has to be very careful because it is easy to turn past the frame if you’re not paying attention.    Double exposures are another hazard.  I had multiple double exposures until I settled on a specific procedure when shooting: advance the frame, decide the subject’s distance,  check the metering app, set the aperture, set the shutter speed, set the focus distance, and then fire the shutter.

I adhere to this process because often, I forgot whether I had advanced the film and either got a double exposure or a blank frame.   Now, I never advance the film immediately after a shot.  Instead, I wait until I am ready to take the next image.   In addition, I say each step aloud so I don’t skip anything.   Too many times, I have forgotten to set the next focus distance or change the shutter speed or aperture.   Once I had a shooting procedure to follow, using the camera became much more enjoyable.

Images
Since the Semi P has a top shutter speed of 1/200,  initially, I used only 100 or 200 ISO film, fearing overexposure.  However, once I decided that I wanted to use the camera more, but not so much for close up shots with significant amounts of bokeh,  I started using smaller apertures.  Rarely do I shoot at less than f8, f11 being the usual setting, along with a shutter of 1/200.  These settings allow me to use 200 ISO film in most settings without having to make any adjustments.  I have even used 400 ISO film, such as Pro 400H (as seen in these images).   Due to the exposure latitude of color film, I have no concerns about overexposing by two stops.  However, I carry ND2 and ND4 filters for really bright days–just in case.

Light leaks continue to be an issue with the Semi Ps and my Pearl II.   I have to remind myself to block the red window used to read the frame number immediately after advancing the film.  Also, to never advance the film when the sun is hitting directly on the window.

Impression
VMLP was the reason for the first Semi-P purchase.  I had no specific expectations for its performance.   Since I tend to favor autofocus cameras, the Semi P was far out of my comfort zone.   Guess what?  Despite the occasional double exposures and blank frames, I like the Semi P.   It makes sharp images, and while I am using it, I am forced to pay attention to the task at hand.

Using it has made me much more aware of framing and what I’m actually trying to capture in an image.   Since the Semi P has a top shutter speed of 1/200, it has made me calculate the amount of overexposure being allowed each time I line up a shot.   It has also taught me that color film can accept a significant amount of overexposure and be fine.   I rely on hyperfocal distance much more, as well.   Even though I have a metering app, I find myself using Sunny 16.   Using this camera has forced me to become more than passingly familiar with basic photographic principles, and that experience has helped when using other cameras.

The Semi P is not for everyone.   The learning curve will definitely use up expensive film.  However,  I enjoy using it—it’s lightweight, simple, produces excellent images, and can fit in a pocket.  If you want to get in touch with your inner photographer, try one!

   

2 Comments

  1. I have a Semi P and love it quite a bit, the guessing distance for focus isn’t an issue for me; I tend to shoot mostly buildings and streets, so set it to infinity and use f16 or f11.

    1. Author

      These are great little cameras—the more I use mine, the more I like them. F8 and f11 are typical for me. But I’m pretty good at judging 5-10 distances, so I do sometimes shoot at f5.6 for the bokeh.

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