The Maxxum 4 SLR camera, manufactured by Minolta in the 2000s, is characterized by its ease of use and numerous automatic functions, but also offers some manual options.
The camera was offered under different model names. Thus, it was available as Dynax 4 in Europe. In China, it could be bought as Alpha 3 (α-3). In other countries, it could be found as Dynax 3, not to be confused with Dynax 3L. In its native Japan, photographers could buy it as the α-Sweet II L (Alpha Sweet II L).
Different lenses can be used with this camera as it has a port for interchangeable lenses. There are a variety of exciting lenses that are compatible with the Minolta A bayonet mount. Thus, there is a suitable lens for most major focal lengths. Zoom lenses are also on offer.
The camera's built-in automatic focusing system is especially useful for snapshots. For shots in less light, you are assisted in focusing with the focusing light. If desired, there is also the option to focus manually.
Exposure meter
A light meter is an indispensable feature of this camera. It can be used with different film sensitivities. Manually, one can set values from ISO 6 to ISO 6400 in 1/3 increments.
If you use the automatic detection, values from ISO 25 to ISO 5000 can be used. The value is recognized by the coding on the cartridge. If this coding is not available, you should use the manual setting.
When using the flash, the values ISO 25 to ISO 1000 can be used.
Exposure modes
The Minolta Maxxum 4 offers a range of exposure modes to suit different shooting situations and creative preferences.
P (Program) mode automatically sets both aperture and shutter speed for optimal exposure.
A (Aperture Priority) mode allows the photographer to manually set the desired aperture while the camera adjusts the shutter speed accordingly.
S (Aperture Priority) mode works in reverse: the photographer selects the desired shutter speed while the camera adjusts the aperture.
In M (Manual) mode, the photographer has full control over the aperture and shutter speed settings.
Additionally, PA/PS (Programmed Aperture/Shutter) modes offer a combination of manual control and automatic adjustments for specific shooting situations.
In addition to these exposure modes, the Minolta Maxxum 4 offers five scene program modes: portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, and night portrait. These subject-specific modes optimize camera settings to achieve the best results in each shooting situation.
Portrait mode emphasizes skin tones and softens the background, while Landscape mode brings out depth and detail for landscape shots. Close-up mode enhances focus and sharpness for capturing small subjects or details. Sports mode allows fast shutter speeds for freezing action and capturing fast-moving subjects.
Finally, Night Portrait mode balances exposure between the subject and the background in low-light conditions for well-lit portraits in nighttime settings. These exposure functions and scene modes provide the photographer with versatile options to achieve the desired results.
Shutter speeds and apertures
The camera comes with an electronically controlled, vertically moving focal plane shutter. It supports shutter speeds ranging from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds. Additionally, there is a Bulb mode for long exposures.
The available aperture values depend on the lens used.
Built-in flash and flash connector
This camera is equipped with a built-in flash whose guide number is 12. At an ISO setting of 100, the maximum range of the flash is up to 4 meters.
Various flash modes are available, including auto flash, auto flash with red-eye reduction, fill flash, fill flash with red-eye reduction, and flash cancel. In addition, an external flash can be connected. The sync speed is 1/90 second.
The Minolta Maxxum 4 is equipped with a self-timer that has a lead time of 10 seconds. A cable release can also be connected. Here, however, not the classic cable releases go, but a RC-1000S or RC-1000L cable from Minolta.
A multiple exposure mode is available on this model. There is a thread on the bottom of the body for mounting on a tripod.
Measuring 12.7 x 8.7 x 6.05 cm, the Minolta Maxxum 4 weighs 315 grams without the lens. So the body is very compact for a 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses.
Batteries for the camera
The camera is powered by two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*), which are still readily available today. The battery capacity depends on the usage. If the flash is used for 50 percent of the shots, one set of batteries can be used for 14 rolls of film with 24 frames each.
Films for the Minolta Maxxum 4
The Minolta Maxxum 4 is designed for the 35mm format. There are still films for 35mm format that are readily available and can be used with this camera.
Various photo films are available for this Japanese SLR camera from online retailers. For example, the Ilford Delta 100* for impressive black and white images and the Kodak Gold 200* for brilliant color images. Both films are recommended in test reports for their wide range of applications.
Color films can be developed using the C-41 process, which is offered by most professional photo labs. In Germany, the development of color films is also possible at well-known drugstores. For the development of black and white films, a special black and white developer is needed.
Film transport
The Minolta Maxxum 4 is equipped with a 35mm format exposure range of 24mm x 36mm. Thanks to the motorized film transport function, the film is automatically transported further after each exposure. The camera can shoot approximately 1.7 frames per second. Once the film is fully exposed, it is automatically wound back into the cartridge. The duration of this process is about 8 seconds for a 24-frame film. It takes a little longer for a 36-frame film.
Value of the camera
The current value of the camera depends, of course, on the fact that it is no longer manufactured and is only available used. The price for one is currently around 210,62 €. The actual purchase or sale price may vary depending on condition, functionality and included accessories.
