The Minolta Alpha 707si SLR camera was designed and built by the Minolta company as a 35mm camera. The model dates back to the 1990s. In Europe, it was marketed as Minolta Dynax 700si. In the US, the camera was available as Minolta Maxxum 700si.
Interchangeable lenses
The Minolta Alpha 707si offers its users the freedom to choose different lenses according to their individual requirements and preferences. With the compatible Minolta A-bayonet system, numerous options are available to adjust the focal length, aperture, and other settings to achieve the desired photographic result.
From wide-angle lenses for stunning landscape shots, to standard lenses for everyday use, to telephoto lenses for sports or portrait photography, the variety of lenses allows for creative and versatile photography.
Autofocus system
The Minolta Alpha 707si's autofocus system is based on advanced TTL phase-detection technology and uses four highly sensitive CCD sensors. Autofocus can be conveniently activated by eye-launch or by half-pressing the shutter button.
In addition, the camera features omnidirectional/multidimensional predictive focus control, which enables accurate focusing even with moving subjects. In low-light and low-contrast conditions, the built-in AF illuminator automatically provides enhanced autofocus performance.
For those who want full control over focus, there is also the option to manually adjust the focus.
Exposure Meter
The Minolta Alpha 707si is equipped with a state-of-the-art light meter that is rated for an ISO range of 6 to 6400. The camera technology can read the sensitivity of the film stock by encoding it on the film cartridge, with automatic settings supported for ISO values from 25 to 5000. However, this still covers most films.
Exposure Modes of the Minolta Alpha 707si
The camera also offers a variety of exposure modes that give the photographer creative control over shooting settings. These include Program Automatic mode (P mode), Aperture Priority mode (A mode), Shutter Priority mode (S mode), and Manual Exposure mode (M mode), all of which have +-3 stops of exposure compensation.
In Program AE mode, the camera automatically controls aperture and shutter speed based on lens specifications and subject characteristics. In addition, the camera offers PA (Programmed Aperture Control) and Ps (Programmed Shutter Control) modes, which give the photographer creative control over program settings.
In Aperture Priority mode, the user can manually select any desired aperture in 0.5 EV increments, while the camera automatically sets the shutter speed based on the automatic exposure program.
In shutter priority auto mode, the user can manually select any desired shutter speed between 1/8000 and 30 seconds in 0.5 EV increments, while the aperture is automatically set by the automatic exposure program.
In manual mode, the user has full control over shutter speed and aperture, with both selectable in 0.5 EV increments. The viewfinder indicates correct exposure, as well as over- and underexposure at manual exposure settings, and the camera has a BULB setting for long exposures.
Flash
The Minolta Alpha 707si is equipped with a flash that has a guide number of 12 (at ISO 100) and covers a field of view of 24 mm. Flash recharge time is about 2.5 seconds and the flash is powered by the camera. In addition, the flash has a pre-flash function to reduce red-eye, as well as wireless remote flash control. There is also the option to connect an external flash.
Dimensions & Battery
According to the manual, the 35mm camera has dimensions of 15.3 x 9.8 x 7.1 cm and weighs 595 grams without film and lens. The power source of the SLR camera is a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*), which is readily available online.
There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom of the camera body, which is useful when using the camera's self-timer for group photos or self-portraits. The self-timer has a ten-second lead time, and the camera also has a double exposure mode.
A special feature of the Japanese mode is a panorama mode and a data back. With the data back, the date of the shot can be imprinted on the images. In panorama mode, part of the image is covered to create the impression of a panorama.
Films for the Minolta Alpha 707si
The Minolta Alpha 707si is designed for 35mm format and uses film accordingly. There is still a wide selection of color and black and white film stock for this format.
Photographic films such as the Kodak Ultramax 400* for impressive color shots and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for first-class black-and-white shots are available from online retailers. Both films have performed convincingly in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday use. There are also films from other manufacturers such as Adox, Foma, Rollei and many more that are suitable for this format.
Camera specifications: Exposure range & film transport
The Minolta Alpha 707si camera has an exposure range of 24mm x 36mm and can typically take around 36 frames on a roll of film. Film transport is done automatically by a motor in the camera that moves the film along after each frame. The maximum frame rate of the motor is three frames per second, but this is rarely utilized in practice to avoid reaching the end of the film roll too quickly.
Price & Value of Minolta Alpha 707si Camera
Camera prices can change over time and vary depending on where the camera is sold, the sales channel, the condition of the camera (new or used), and any additional accessories or lenses that are included.
To find out the current price for a Minolta Alpha 707si camera, it is recommended to check various online trading platforms, camera retailers or auction and second-hand platforms. There you can find current price information for used or new copies. It is also advisable to check the condition and features of the camera to make sure it meets the desired requirements.
