Minolta Alpha 5

With the Alpha 5, a 35mm SLR camera, Minolta introduced a model in the early 2000s that had an integrated flash, automatic exposure and autofocus. This camera was manufactured in a factory in China.

It was distributed worldwide under different model names. In the United States it was found as the Maxxum 5, while in Europe it was sold as the Dynax 5. It was known to Chinese customers as the Alpha 5 (α-5) and to Japanese photography enthusiasts it was available as the Minolta α-Sweet II (Alpha Sweet II).

Lens compatibility and focus features

Equipped with a Minolta A-type bayonet, the Alpha 5 camera allows the use of an impressive number of compatible lenses, covering a wide range of focal lengths.

Embedded in the camera is a focusing unit that features a TTL phase detection system and allows both autofocus and manual focus to be used.

In addition, an AF assist light, which comes on automatically when the light or contrast is low, makes it much easier to focus.

Light meters & film speeds

The Minolta Alpha 5 is equipped with a TTL measurement unit that includes a 14-segment honeycomb SPC for ambient light and a 4-segment flash meter SPC for flash light. It is able to work with different film speeds and allows an automatic ISO adjustment from 25 to 5000 for DX encoded films. You can manually select values between ISO 6 and ISO 6400 in 1/3 steps. When using the flash, ISO values from 25 to 1000 are possible.

Exposure options

The Minolta Alpha 5 provides a range of exposure modes, including P, A, S, M, PA/PS, and five dedicated scene programs: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sport and Night Portrait. Each of these modes is specifically tailored to different shooting conditions and creative needs.

Exposure compensation can be used in automatic mode and is particularly recommended for backlit shots.

Exposure time and aperture scale

The camera has an electronically controlled, vertically movable focal plane shutter that allows exposure times from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second and a bulb mode for long exposures.

The aperture can be adjusted freely. Available values depend on the lens.

Flash

A built-in flash with a guide number of 12 comes standard with the camera, which also offers a red-eye reduction mode.

Flash sync speed is 1/125 second or faster, allowing all-speed sync in HSS mode.

A suitable external flash is required to use HSS mode, such as the 5600HS (D), 3600HS (D) and 5400HS models.

Additional functions

The Minolta Alpha 5 includes a self-timer that maintains a waiting time of 10 seconds. A cable release can also be used, but you need special Minolta cables of the RC-1000S or RC-1000L versions.

This model offers a multiple exposure mode and an exposure bracketing function. A tripod can be mounted on the thread on the bottom of the camera body. The display showing the selected settings is located on top of the camera body.

Measuring 127.0 x 87.0 x 60.5mm and weighing 335 grams without batteries, the Minolta Alpha 5 is very handy for an interchangeable lens SLR camera.

Power supply and battery efficiency

The Minolta Alpha 5 is powered by two CR2 lithium batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Battery performance varies depending on usage intensity and temperature conditions.

Without using the built-in flash, up to 30 films can be recorded at 20°C and up to 24 films at -10°C. At 50% flash usage, the number drops to 14 and 11 films respectively. With full use of the flash, 9 films can still be recorded at 20°C and 7 films at -10°C.

Film recommendations for the Minolta Alpha 5

The Minolta Alpha 5 is designed for 35mm film and there are many compatible 35mm films on the market. The films should have a sensitivity range of ISO 6 to 6400. If you want to use the camera’s automatic sensitivity detection, you should use DX-coded films.

Excellent choices are the Ilford Delta 400* for stunning black and white shots and the Kodak Gold 200* for brilliant color photographs. Both films have received critical acclaim for their versatility. But there are also other providers such as Lomography, Rollei or Foma who provide suitable films.

Film movement and exposure system

The Minolta Alpha 5 exposes an area of 24mm x 36mm in 35mm format. It has an automatic film transport, with settings for single and continuous shooting (3 frames/second). After the film has been fully exposed, it is automatically rewound.

A small window on the back of the camera allows checking the inserted film. Under no circumstances should the back cover be opened before rewinding the film.

Current Price

The current value of this camera is highly dependent on its end of production and its availability on the used market. The current price is 191,21 Euro. The sale or purchase price may vary depending on the condition of the camera, its functionality and the accessories included in the package.