a camera for the common man

Minolta A in 1957 Ad

Toronto. I first heard American composer Aaron Copland’s “fanfare for the common man” back in late 1957 when I picked up a Westminster LP titled “Copland“.

And like Copland’s well covered composition, the little Minolta was indeed made for the common man. In 1957, I had its slightly pricier brother, a Minolta Super A which looked much the same except for the faster f/1.8 Rokkor 50mm lens.

Minolta struggled for a foothold in North America, competing against the German marques, Japanese makers, and local (American) cameras with ads like this one in LIFE magazine’s November 11, 1957 issue.  A big thanks to George Dunbar for sharing this find with me and bringing back the pleasure the little camera gave me as I worked diligently to learn photography.

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