The Minolta Dynax 500si is an SLR camera from the 1990s. In the US, it was marketed as the Minolta Maxxum 400si. Additionally, it was available as the Minolta Maxxum RZ400si. This variant was sold exclusively in the stores of the American photo retailer Ritz Camera. Relatively similar models with slightly more features are the Alpha 303si and the Maxxum 450si. The Minolta camera was built in a factory in Malaysia.
Like all Minolta Dynax models, this one comes with the option for lens replacement. For this, a Minolta A bayonet was built into the camera. The photo camera is equipped with an autofocus and thus automatically focuses on the subject. There is a wide selection of suitable lenses for the lens mount. All Minolta AF lenses can be used. MD or MC lenses cannot be used.
The Minolta Dynax 500si also has a light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 25 to ISO 5000. The film speed is read out via the coding on the film cartridge. The exposure metering is done classically through the lens.
Exposure modes can be chosen from a selection of options. There is a program automatic, which leaves all settings to the camera technology. There is also aperture priority and aperture priority. In addition, there are modes for sports pictures, portrait shots, portrait shots at night, landscape pictures and for macro shots. An exposure compensation of plus-minus three aperture stops can be used in the exposure modes.
Of course, a manual mode is also available. In this mode, the aperture and shutter speed can be selected by the user. The options for the aperture depend on the respective lens. For the shutter speed, you have values from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds to choose from. There is also a bulb mode for long exposure shots.
The SLR camera comes with a built-in flash. This has a guide number of 12 (ISO 100). It can be switched on if desired and has a charging time of around two seconds. There is also a fill-in flash mode and an option for reducing red-eye in the pictures. It is possible to connect an external flash from Minolta. The sync speed is 1/90 second.
The camera is equipped with a self-timer. It has a lead time of ten seconds. There is a tripod thread on the bottom. This is useful for group photos or long exposures, for example.
With a size of 14.7 x 9.2 x 6.6 cm, the Minolta Dynax 500si weighs 380 grams according to the manual. Power is supplied by a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). Among other things, it powers the display for showing information such as settings and the number of photos taken. In addition, the power for the motor for film transport comes from the battery.
Films for the Minolta Dynax 500si
35mm film is needed to take photos with the Minolta Dynax 500si. 35mm film is still produced today and can be developed in most labs. A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Fujifilm Superia 400*. A possible option for black and white images is the Ilford HP5*. Foma, Adox and also Rollei are still other suppliers of 35mm film. There is also suitable material from Kodak.
