The Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus is a 35mm autofocus SLR camera made by Minolta in 1998. This camera is part of the company’s line of autofocus SLR cameras and was manufactured in a factory in Malaysia. It was sold in the USA.
The model is very similar to the Minolta Maxxum HTsi, but a little more stripped down. The Eye Start Focus and Film Ead functions were removed from the special functions. Multiple exposures were limited to two shots. The lens mount was changed from metal to plastic.
The Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus has a Minolta A lens mount that allows the use of a wide range of Minolta lenses.
The focusing system of the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus is a TTL phase-detection autofocus system based on two vertical AF sensors and a central cross-type sensor. The system can be switched to manual focus or the use of a single sensor, depending on the user’s preference.
The camera offers five programmed modes for different shooting situations, which include fully automatic mode, preferred shutter mode, preferred aperture mode and manual mode. Manual mode is supported via the viewfinder and offers full control over camera settings.
The exposure metering system of the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus is a 14-field TTL metering system with a Si photodiode that can be switched to spot metering via the central field. There is also a manual correction function that allows adjustments of up to +-3EV.
The Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus has an electronically controlled focal plane shutter with shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second. The viewfinder is a penta-mirror that displays 90% of the image plus additional information on an LCD sector. The viewfinder also includes a microprism focusing aid for manual focusing.
The camera also has a flash with a guide number of 12, controlled by a second Si-photodiode. The flash serves as an auxiliary light in low light conditions and helps with autofocus. It is also possible to connect a Minolta flash.
The Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus weighs 350 grams without lens, film and CR2 batteries and has dimensions of 135 x 90 x 59 mm. Two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are needed for taking pictures. These last for more than 400 pictures.
Films for the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus
35 mm films are also needed for the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus. 35mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most laboratories.
Supported films are in the ASA/ISO range from 25 to 5000 with DX detection, the range with manual setting is ISO 6 to 6400. So practically all 35mm films on the market can be used with the camera.
Possible films for the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus that can still be bought today are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for colour photos and the Ilford Delta 100* for black and white photos. Of course, there are other manufacturers of 35mm film on the market.
The exposure range of the camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is automatically advanced by the 35 mm camera. The motor allows about 2 pictures per second.
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 |
| Exposure compensation | ± 3EV |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 1 to 12 Meter / 3.28 to 39.37 Feet |
| Flash recycle time | circa 3 seconds |
| Flash Connection | Connection for Minolta flash units |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| 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 | 350 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Europe: Minolta Dynax 505si |
| Country of production | Malaysia |
| Estimated value / Used price | 35,47 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 2 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of April 13, 2023 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 35,00 Euro (37.88 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus
What type of focusing system does the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus utilize?
It employs a TTL autofocus system with phase detection, relying on two vertical AF sensors and a central cross sensor. Users can switch to manual focus or a single sensor if preferred.
How many shooting modes are available on this 35mm SLR camera?
The camera offers five programmed modes: fully automatic, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, and manual. Manual mode allows full control over camera settings via the viewfinder.
What kind of lens mount does the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus have?
It features a Minolta A-mount, enabling compatibility with a wide array of Minolta lenses.
What is the maximum shutter speed this camera can achieve?
The electronically controlled focal-plane shutter provides speeds ranging from 30 seconds to 1/4000 of a second.
Does the Minolta Maxxum HTsi Plus include a built-in flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with a guide number of 12, assisted by a second Si-photodiode. This flash also aids autofocus in low-light conditions; external Minolta flashes are also compatible.