Minolta Alpha 507si

The Minolta Alpha 507si is a 35mm single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera that was introduced by Minolta in the 1990s. It was sold in Japan. In the USA it was sold as Maxxum 650si. In Europe the name for the model was Minolta Dynax 650si.

This camera was designed for both amateur and professional photographers who want a versatile camera that is easy to use and capable of producing high-quality images. The camera features a microcomputer control of built-in flash, AE, and AF, which provides the user with precise control over their shots.

One of the most notable features of the Alpha 507si is its Minolta A-type bayonet mount, which allows the user to easily swap lenses depending on the situation. The camera uses Minolta’s through-the-lens (TTL) phase-detection system with three CCD sensors to provide quick and accurate autofocus.

The camera has several autofocus modes, including AF-S: Single Shot, AF-C: Continuous autofocus with predictive focus control, AF-A: Automatically selects AF-S or AF-C according to the subject, and Manual focus.

The Minolta Alpha 507si also features a built-in-flash type that is automatically activated in low-light/low-contrast conditions. It also features a mount for an external flash.

The camera uses through-the-lens (TTL) metering with a 14-segment honeycomb-pattern silicon photocell (SPC) with fuzzy logic control to ensure accurate exposure. The metering range is EV 0 to 20, while the spot metering range is EV 3 to 20 (ISO 100, f/1.4). The camera’s shutter is electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter, with a range of 1/4000 to 30 seconds. There is also a bulb mode.

Exposure modes of the SLR

The Minolta Alpha 507si offers four exposure modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. Each mode provides the photographer with a different level of control over the camera settings, allowing them to achieve the desired exposure for their shot.

Program mode is the default mode and is ideal for photographers who want the camera to handle most of the settings. In this mode, the camera automatically selects the aperture and shutter speed based on the lighting conditions and the ISO setting. The photographer can still adjust the exposure compensation and flash output, but otherwise, the camera takes care of the rest.

Aperture Priority mode allows the photographer to set the aperture value manually while the camera adjusts the shutter speed to achieve the proper exposure. This mode is useful for controlling the depth of field, as a larger aperture (lower f-stop number) will result in a shallower depth of field and a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) will result in a deeper depth of field.

Shutter Priority mode is the opposite of Aperture Priority, allowing the photographer to set the shutter speed manually while the camera adjusts the aperture value. This mode is useful for controlling motion blur, as a slower shutter speed will result in more blur, while a faster shutter speed will freeze the action.

Manual mode provides the most control over the camera settings, allowing the photographer to set both the aperture and shutter speed manually. This mode is ideal for photographers who want complete control over their exposure and are comfortable making their own adjustments based on the lighting conditions.

Viewfinder

The camera’s viewfinder is an eye-level fixed penta-prism with a field of view of 92% (V) x 94% (H) and a magnification of 0.75X (with 50mm lens at infinity). The diopter adjustment is -1 diopter with continuous adjustment from -2.5 to +0.5 diopters, and the eye-relief is 18.4mm from the eyepiece frame. The focusing screen is Acute-matte (G), providing the user with a clear and accurate view of their shot.

The Minolta Alpha 507si has several film transport features that make it easy to use. The camera has automatic advance to the first frame, single-frame advance, and continuous advance up to 2 frames/sec.

The camera also has automatic rewind and manual start of automatic rewind possible, with a rewind speed of approx.15 sec. for 24 exp. roll and approx. 23 sec. for 36 exp. roll. The camera also has an automatic setting for DX-coded films ISO 25 to 5000 and a manual setting from ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3-stop increments.

The camera’s self-timer is electronic with a 10-sec. delay, making it easy for the user to get in the shot. On the camera bottom is a mount for a tripod.

The camera uses one 6V 2CR5 lithium battery pack (eBay / Amazon*), which provides enough power for up to 600 pictures with flash use. The battery condition is indicated by a four-stage indicator in the body data panel. The camera also has a CR2024 battery (eBay / Amazon*) for the quartz data back, which can be used until the year 2019.

The Minolta Alpha 507si also has a panorama feature that masked the film plane from 36 x 24mm or 1.5:1 aspect ratio to 36 x 12mm or 3:1 aspect ratio.

Films for the Minolta Alpha 507si

Without 35mm films, the Minolta Alpha 507si does not work. 35mm films are still produced today. They can be developed in most photo laboratories. Possible films for the SLR camera are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color pictures and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white photos.