Minolta Dynax 30

The Dynax 30, an SLR camera from the Japanese manufacturer Minolta, was offered for sale from 2004. It is equipped with many automatic functions and is therefore ideal for photography novices.

Almost identical models exist, which were sold under different names worldwide. In Europe, it was offered as the Minolta Dynax 40. It carried the name Dynax 30 in other regions. In Japan, photography enthusiasts could purchase it under the name Minolta Alpha 50, and in the U.S. it was available as Minolta Maxxum 50.

Lenses

The 35mm camera is equipped with an interchangeable lens mount. It can be used with Minolta A bayonet lenses. A wide range of lenses with different focal lengths are available for this mount. Zoom lenses are also compatible with the Minolta. A common standard lens for the SLR is the Minolta 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6.

The camera is equipped with an autofocus system. Each time a picture is taken, the focus is automatically adjusted. A visual signal in the viewfinder indicates whether the focus is set correctly, and an auxiliary light improves autofocus in low-light conditions. A single autofocus mode and a continuous autofocus mode are available. Focus can also be adjusted manually if desired.

Exposure meter and film speeds

The camera’s built-in light meter ensures appropriate exposure settings. It supports film sensitivities from ISO 6 to ISO 6400, and film sensitivity can be adjusted either manually or automatically. When using the automatic function, which reads the ISO value from the cartridge, only values from ISO 25 to ISO 3200 are available.

If there is no encoding and automatic is still used, the system will set the value to ISO 25. In such cases, it is advisable to determine the ISO setting manually.

Exposure Modes

The Minolta Dynax 30 offers several exposure modes. The most commonly used modes, which are also common in modern cameras, are P, A, S and M, also known as “PSAM” modes. In addition, the Minolta has special scene modes designed for specific shooting situations, such as portrait, landscape, macro, sports, and night portrait.

P mode (programmed auto): In this mode, the camera automatically regulates both aperture and shutter speed to achieve a balanced exposure.

A mode (Aperture Priority): This allows the photographer to set the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed for proper exposure. The aperture can be used to control the depth of field and thus the blur or sharpness of the background.

S mode (Aperture priority): In this mode, the photographer sets the shutter speed and the camera adjusts the aperture accordingly to achieve the correct exposure. The shutter speed affects how long the camera sensor is exposed, which in turn affects motion blur and freeze or capture.

M Mode (Manual): In manual mode, the photographer has full control over both aperture and shutter speed. They set these parameters according to their creative vision and the lighting conditions. This mode requires a good understanding of exposure fundamentals.

In addition to PSAM modes, some cameras have special scene modes designed for specific shooting situations:

Portrait mode: this mode selects a wide-open aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field, making the subject sharp against a blurred background. This is ideal for capturing advantageous portraits.

Landscape Mode: Landscape mode typically uses a small aperture to achieve maximum depth of field and ensure that both the foreground and background are captured clearly. This mode is particularly well suited for capturing sweeping landscapes and detailed scenery shots.

Macro Mode: Macro mode optimizes camera settings for detailed shots of small subjects, such as flowers or insects. A shorter focus distance and smaller aperture can be used to improve sharpness.

Sports Mode: Sports mode focuses on fast shutter speeds to freeze motion and minimize motion blur. This is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects during sports activities or other fast-paced situations.

Night Portrait Mode: this mode combines a slower shutter speed with the use of a flash to create well-exposed portraits against a nighttime background.

Shutter and exposure time

The SLR camera has a vertically moving, electronically controlled shutter. The shutter allows exposure times from 1/2000 second to as fast as 30 seconds. The Minolta Dynax 30’s Bulb mode allows for long exposures.

Built-in flash & flash connector

The Minolta is equipped with a built-in flash. At ISO 100, the flash has a guide number of 12, and it can be used with lenses up to 28mm. When using the built-in pop-up flash, there are several modes to choose from, including auto, fill-flash, and the option to turn the flash off. Both flash modes also offer a red-eye prevention feature.

In addition, an external flash from Minolta can also be connected. The sync speed is 1/90 second.

Other features and size specifications

The Minolta Dynax 30 has additional features such as a self-timer and a tripod mount on the bottom of the camera. There is also a mode for multiple exposures and bracketing to meet the creative needs of photographers.

According to the information in the user manual, the camera weighs 335 grams. The dimensions of the camera are 13.5 x 9.2 x 6.65 cm, which makes it compact and easy to carry.

Batteries

The camera requires two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) for power, which are easily available online from various stores.

Battery life may vary depending on specific conditions and intended use. Tests were conducted under certain conditions to evaluate battery life.

In Scenario A, at a temperature of 20°C/68°F, 30 rolls of film were used with a Minolta 28-100 f/3.5-5.6 lens. Before each exposure, the shutter button was half-pressed for ten seconds and the focus was set from infinity to 2m (6.6 ft.). In this scenario, the batteries could power 24 rolls of 24 shots each.

In scenario B, at a temperature of -10°C/14°F, 24 rolls of film were used. Here, the shutter release was half-pressed for five seconds before each exposure and the focus was also set from infinity to 2m (6.6 ft.). In this situation, the batteries were able to supply 18 rolls with 24 exposures each. These tests give an indication of how battery life can vary under different conditions.

Film recommendations for the Minolta Dynax 30

What film is preferred for the Minolta Dynax 30? The camera is designed for use with 35mm film. Despite technological advances and the advent of digital cameras, the 35mm format remains in high demand among many users due to its versatility and ease of use, resulting in it still being produced by several manufacturers.

For both color and black-and-white images, the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus* are recommended. Various test reports confirm that these films deliver reliable results and are suitable for a wide range of applications.

Development of the film

The development of the color film is done through the C-41 process, which is standard at most photo labs. Many drugstores offer this service as well. For more professional requirements, you can turn to specialized photo labs.

Black and white films require special development, which can also be done at home in a darkroom if you have the necessary equipment and knowledge.

Film transport

The negatives created with this camera are 24 mm x 36 mm. The Minolta Dynax 30 has a motorized film transport that automatically transports the film without the need for manual intervention. The speed is about 1.7 frames per second.

At the end of a film roll, the automatic return transport of the film starts. The camera back should not be opened and the film removed until this process is complete.

Value and Price

Production of the Minolta Dynax 30 has been discontinued and nowadays it is only available used. Prices for this camera can vary greatly depending on condition and any accessories that may be available. The estimated value for a used model is around 77,71 Euro.