Minolta Alpha 7xi

The Minolta Alpha 7xi is one of the high-end models of the xi series. The SLR camera was introduced to the public in the early 1990s and sold in Japan, Minolta’s home market. In Europe, it was marketed as the Minolta Dynax 7xi. In the USA, a functionally identical camera was available to photographers as the Minolta Maxxum 7xi.

Like all models of the xi series, this model is equipped with an autofocus system. However, manual focusing is also possible. The lens can be freely exchanged. A Minolta A bayonet is used for this purpose. For this mount there is a wide range of different lenses for different applications.

As with focusing, there are several automatic settings for exposure. The aperture value and shutter speed can be set automatically by the Japanese camera. Aperture priority and shutter speed priority are also available. Exposure compensation is also available on this model. There is also a manual mode. Here you can choose between values of 1/8000 second and 30 seconds for the exposure time.

The film speed can be read via the DX code on the film cartridge. Values from ISO 25 to ISO 5000 are supported by the automatic mode. The sensitivity of the film can also be set manually. In manual mode, values in the range of ISO 6 to ISO 6400 can be selected in 1/3 steps. Here, of course, one does not necessarily have to choose the value of the film, but can freely adjust the value accordingly, e.g. for pushing the film.

The Japanese camera is well suited for long exposures, for example at night. In Bulb mode, the shutter can be opened for a variable period of time. For blur-free shots, the camera can be mounted on a tripod. A self-timer is also available. It has a lead time of ten seconds to get into position.

The Minolta Alpha 7xi has a built-in flash for low-light shooting. It has a guide number of 12 at ISO 100 and a charging time of about two seconds. An external flash can also be connected. Several suitable flash units are available from Minolta.

According to the manual, the camera body weighs 650 grams without lens and film and measures 16.3 x 10 x 6.7 cm. The power source of the 35 mm camera is a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This battery also supplies power to the information display on the top of the body. Here, among other things, the exposure settings, modes and the number of pictures already taken are displayed.

Films for the Minolta Alpha 7xi

The Minolta Alpha 7xi is built for the 35mm format. Films are still produced for this. A nice film for colour shots is the Kodak Gold 200*. A solid option for black and white images is the Kodak T-Max 400*. Both films give very nice results and hold about 36 images with the SLR. Of course there are other films from other manufacturers. For example Foma, Adox, Fujifilm, Ilford or Lomography.

The exposure range of the Minolta Alpha 7xi is 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is automatically transported to the next free area after each exposure. The motor manages up to 4 exposures per second.