The Minolta Alpha 7700i is an SLR camera from the Japanese manufacturer. It comes with a variety of automatics and was introduced in the late 1980s. Outside of Japan, functionally identical copies were sold to photographers as the Minolta Dynax 7000i and Maxxum 7000i.
The lenses of the camera can be changed. Lenses with a Minolta A bayonet can be used. There are a variety of different lenses for this mount. The 35mm camera has an autofocus system. The focus can also be adjusted manually if desired.
The Minolta Alpha 7700i has a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 6400. Film sensitivity can be set either manually or automatically. For automatic, the camera technology uses the DX code on the film cartridge.
Aperture and shutter speed can be set manually. However, there is also an aperture and shutter speed automatic mode. In addition, there is also a fully automatic mode for exposure setting. For the shutter speed, you have the choice between 1/4000 second to 4 seconds. Additionally, there is a Bulb mode for long exposures.
Other features of the camera are the self-timer with a lead time of ten seconds. There is also a connection option for a flash and a tripod.
The dimensions of the Minolta Alpha 7700i are 15.3 x 9.3 x 6.9 cm. The camera body weighs 590 grams. A 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is responsible for the power supply. These batteries can be easily purchased online.
The batteries also power the automatic film advance. After each shot, the film is automatically transported further. The motor manages up to three frames per second. Among other information, the display on the top of the camera shows the number of photos taken.
Films for the Minolta Alpha 7700i
Great films for the Minolta Alpha 7700i that are still available and easy to buy today are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color images and the Ilford Delta 400* for B&W images. Of course, there are many other 35mm films that you can use with your SLR camera. There is suitable material from Foma, Fujifilm, Lomography, Rollei or Adox.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 3 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta A mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/4000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 4EV (0,5EV to) |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Connection for Minolta flash units |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Size | 15,3 x 9,3 x 6,9 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 6.02 x 3.66 x 2.72 inches |
| Weight | 590 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta Maxxum 7000i, Europe: Minolta Dynax 7000i |
| Estimated value / Used price | 44,34 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of January 1, 2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 56,14 Euro (60.61 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 44,00 Euro (47.63 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Alpha 7700i
What type of camera is the Minolta Alpha 7700i, and what are its key features?
It's a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with interchangeable lenses, autofocus, and a variety of automatic and manual settings for exposure control. It also features a built-in light meter and motor-driven film advance.
What kind of lenses are compatible with this camera model?
The Minolta Alpha 7700i uses Minolta A-mount lenses. A wide range of lenses with this mount are available, offering diverse focal lengths and functionalities.
Does the camera offer any automatic features, or is it purely manual?
It offers both. The Minolta Alpha 7700i includes fully automatic, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual modes for exposure control, providing flexibility for different shooting situations.
What is the camera's film advance speed and other shooting capabilities?
The motor-driven film advance allows for up to three frames per second. Additional features include a self-timer and connections for external flash and tripod.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Minolta Alpha 7700i, and what type of battery does it use?
The camera measures 15.3 x 9.3 x 6.9 cm and weighs 590 grams. It requires a 2CR5 battery for power.