The Minolta Dynax 505si Super was a 35mm autofocus SLR camera launched in 1998 by the manufacturer Minolta and produced Malaysia. The camera was designed to be versatile and offered a range of modes for different shooting styles and conditions. These modes included programmed modes for sports, landscape, portrait, macro and night photography, a fully automatic mode, a preferred shutter speed mode and a preferred aperture mode.
The lens of the 35mm photo camera is interchangeable. For this purpose, a Minolta A bayonet was installed. The viewfinder of the Minolta Dynax 505si Super is a penta-mirror that displays 90% of the image.
The Minolta Dynax 505si Super is equipped with a built-in light meter. The exposure meter is designed for 35mm film from ISO 25 to ISO 5000, if you use the automatic recognition via the DX-coding on the film cartridge. Manually, you can choose between values from ISO 6 to 6400.
Shutter speed and aperture can be selected by the photographer. You can choose from values from 1/4000 second to 30 seconds. The selected settings are shown on the display on the top of the camera. For long exposures there is a Bulb mode. This keeps the shutter open for a variable amount of time.
The camera also has a built-in flash with a guide number of 12, which could be used as an autofocus assist light. In addition, external flashes from Minolta could be connected. The photo camera has a self-timer and a tripod thread on the bottom. There is also a mode for multiple exposures.
The power source of the 35mm camera is two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). You can still get these batteries very easily today. With one set of batteries you get about 400 pictures with partial use of the flash.
The camera is relatively light and weighs only 375 g without lens, film and batteries. The dimensions of the camera are 135 x 90 x 58.5 mm, so it is reasonably compact compared to other SLR cameras.
Films for the Minolta Dynax 505si Super
In the Minolta Dynax 505si Super, photo films are exposed, more precisely 35mm films. Fortunately, 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories. Possible films for the Japanese SLR are the Kodak Portra 160* for colour photos and the Kodak TRI-X 400* for b/w pictures. Both films are well suited for everyday use and perform well according to test reports.
The colour film is developed using the C-41 process. This process is offered by most professional photo labs. B/W film can also be developed at home, as the process is less complicated.
The Minolta Dynax 505si Super exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. The film in the 35mm camera is transported automatically. The motor takes 2 pictures per second. For this speed, the camera must be switched to continuous shooting mode.
Minolta Dynax 505si Super QD
In addition to the normal model, there was also a Quartz Date variant of the camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 2 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta A mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/4000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 5000 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0 to 12 Meter / 0 to 39.37 Feet |
| Flash Connection | Connection for Minolta flash units |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x CR2 batteries |
| Battery capacity | circa 408 pictures |
| Size | 13,5 x 9 x 5,85 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.31 x 3.54 x 2.30 inches |
| Weight | 375 Grams |
| Country of production | Malaysia |
| Estimated value / Used price | 63,58 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 72 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 77,92 Euro (83.34 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 80,88 Euro (86.59 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 73,06 Euro (79.02 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Dynax 505si Super
What kind of focusing system does the Minolta Dynax 505si Super utilize?
It's an autofocus SLR camera, meaning it automatically focuses on your subject, making it easier to take sharp photos. This was a significant feature in 1998.
Can you adjust shutter speed and aperture manually on this 35mm camera?
Yes, it offers manual control over shutter speed (1/4000s to 30s) and aperture, alongside various automated modes. This gives you flexibility in different shooting scenarios.
What type of lens mount does the Minolta Dynax 505si Super use?
It uses a Minolta A-mount bayonet system, allowing for interchangeable lenses. This expands the camera's versatility significantly.
What is the film speed range the built-in light meter supports?
The light meter supports ISO 25 to ISO 5000 automatically via DX coding and manually from ISO 6 to ISO 6400, providing a wide range of film choices.
Does the camera offer any creative shooting modes?
Yes, it features various shooting modes including programmed modes for sports, landscapes, portraits, macro and night photography, along with aperture-priority and shutter-priority modes.
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