The Minolta Maxxum 400si is an SLR camera from the 1990s. The Minolta camera was built in a factory in Malaysia.
Additionally, it was available as the Minolta Maxxum RZ400si. This variant was sold exclusively in the stores of the American photo retailer Ritz Camera. In Europe, it was available for purchase as the Minolta Dynax 500si for photographers. Relatively similar models with slightly more features are the Alpha 303si and the Maxxum 450si.
Like all Minolta Maxxum models, this camera also has the option to change lenses. For this purpose, 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 large selection of suitable lenses for the lens mount. All Minolta AF lenses can be used. MD or MC lenses cannot be used.
The Minolta Maxxum 400si also has a light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 25 to ISO 5000. The film speed is read via the coding on the film cartridge. Exposure metering is done classically through the lens.
Exposure modes can be selected from a range of options. There is a program automatic mode that leaves all settings to the camera technology. There is also aperture priority and aperture priority. In addition, there are modes for sports photography, portrait photography, night portrait photography, landscape photography and for macro photography. Exposure compensation of plus-minus three stops can be used in the exposure modes.
Of course, there is also a manual mode. In this mode, the aperture and shutter speed can be selected by the user. The options for aperture depend on the lens. For the shutter speed, you can choose between values from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposures.
The SLR camera has 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 about two seconds. There is also a fill-in flash mode and an option to reduce the red-eye effect in the pictures. There is an option 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 very practical for group photos or long exposures, for example. This prevents camera shake during long exposures, for example.
With a size of 14.7 x 9.2 x 6.6 cm, the Minolta Maxxum 400si 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 number of photos taken. In addition, the power for the motor to transport the film comes from the battery.
Films for the Minolta Maxxum 400si
What films are needed for the Japanese 35mm camera? The camera is designed for 35mm films. These films are still being manufactured and can be specified from almost any developing vendor. Possible films for the Minolta Maxxum 400si that can still be purchased today are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford HP5*. There is also suitable film stock from Fujifilm, Adox, Rollei, Lomography and other manufacturers.
