The Minolta Maxxum 5 is a 35mm SLR SLR camera with built-in flash, automatic exposure (AE) and action-predictive autofocus (AF). It was introduced in the early 2000s and produced in a factory in China.
It was sold worldwide under various model names. In the US the model was known as the Maxxum 5. In Europe it was called the Dynax 5 while in China it was available as the Alpha 5 (α-5). Japanese photography enthusiasts could purchase them as the Minolta α-Sweet II (Alpha Sweet II).
Lenses
The camera is fitted with a Minolta A-type bayonet mount, allowing for an impressive range of lenses compatible with this mount. Thus, most of the important focal lengths are covered.
The integrated focusing unit offers a TTL phase detection system and both autofocus and manual focus functions.
An AF assist light, which activates automatically in low-light or low-contrast situations, makes focusing a lot easier.
Light meter
The Minolta Maxxum 5 features a TTL metering cell with a 14-segment honeycomb SPC for ambient light and a 4-segment flash meter SPC for strobe light. The camera can handle varying film speeds and supports an automatic ISO setting from 25 to 5000 for DX-coded films. Values between ISO 6 and ISO 6400 can be set manually in 1/3 steps. When using the flash, ISO values from 25 to 1000 are available.
Exposure settings
The Minolta Maxxum 5 offers a range of exposure modes including P, A, S, M, PA/PS, and five scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports and Night Portrait. Each of these modes is specific to different shooting situations and creative preferences.
Exposure compensation can be used in automatic mode. For example, when shooting with backlight, you should use this correction.
Shutter speeds and aperture ranges
The camera is equipped with an electronically controlled, vertically moving focal plane shutter that supports shutter speeds from 30 seconds up to 1/4000 second and a bulb mode for long exposures.
Built-in flash and advanced camera features
The camera has a built-in flash that has a guide number of 12. The flash can be used with a red-eye reduction mode.
The sync speed for the flash is 1/125 second or slower and syncs at all speeds in HSS mode.
For the HSS mode you have to connect a suitable external flash. The 5600HS (D), 3600HS (D) and 5400HS are supported.
The Minolta Maxxum 5 is equipped with a self-timer that has a lead time of 10 seconds. A cable release can also be connected, but this requires specific Minolta cable types RC-1000S or RC-1000L.
A mode for multiple exposures is available in this model. There is also a bracketing function. There is a thread for tripod mounting on the underside of the camera housing. On the top is the display that shows the selected settings.
The Minolta Maxxum 5 has the dimensions 127.0 x 87.0 x 60.5mm and weighs 335 grams without batteries. This makes the camera body very compact for a 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses.
Power source and battery power
The camera is powered by two CR2 lithium batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Battery performance will vary based on usage and temperature conditions.
When using the built-in flash in 0% of the shots, up to 30 rolls of film can be recorded at 20°C and up to 24 rolls of film at -10°C. If the flash is used in 50% of the shots, the number drops to 14 or 11 rolls. With full flash usage, 9 rolls can be recorded at 20°C and 7 rolls at -10°C.
Films for the Minolta Maxxum 5
The Minolta Maxxum 5 is designed for 35mm film and there are a variety of 35mm films on the market that are compatible with this camera. The films should be in the sensitivity range from ISO 6 to 6400. If you want to use the automatic sensitivity detection, you should pay attention to the DX coding on the cartridge.
A good choice is the Ilford Delta 400* for captivating black and white photographs and the Kodak Gold 200* for vibrant color images. Both films are recommended in reviews for their versatility. But there are also providers such as Lomography, Rollei or Foma who offer suitable films.
Film transport and exposure mechanism
The Minolta Maxxum 5 exposes an exposure area in 35mm format of 24mm x 36mm. Film advance is automatic, with single frame, continuous advance (3 frames/second) drive modes. Once the film is fully exposed, it will automatically rewind.
Current market value
The current value of this camera is of course dependent on its production completion and its exclusively used availability. The current price is 102,72 €. The purchase or sale price may vary depending on the condition, functionality and accessories included.
