The Minolta Hi-Matic is a very friendly-feeling 35mm camera introduced in 1981.
There is no motor drive, film is wound with the easy flip of a lever, and rewound with a crank.
So, the pair of AA batteries hold up well, powering only the automatic exposure controlled shutter, the auto focus, and the flash, which can be turned on and off manually.
I found that the camera handles very nicely, and the only shortcomings are the limitation of a 38mm wide angle lens, and closest focus capability of 3 and a half feet.

To test this one out, I loaded up with a 24 exp. roll of Kodak 400 Max, from my freezer.

First sequence was shot at the Mehlville High School Tailgate Sale last weekend. It was a much bigger event than I anticipated.

For the second sequence, I wanted to capture the color of the Virginia Creeper on the fence between our yard and the neighbor. Its brilliant reds normally signal the beginning of our Fall Season here in High Ridge.

To finish off the roll, I took a short hike this morning up at Pleasant Valley nature area (once known as Girl Scout Camp Hi-Di-Ho).

The changing color is just starting to show in patches, mostly on higher ground.

Please click on thumbnails to see enlarged.
All images are Copyright 2012 E.J.Kowalski.