Minolta Dynax 303si

The Minolta Dynax 303si is an SLR camera. The 35mm camera was built by Minolta and sold in Europe. In Japan it was sold as the Minolta Alpha 360si. In the USA, the camera was available for photographers as Minolta Maxxum QTsi. In addition, there was a QD (Quartz Date) model variant with the option of imprinting the recording time.

The lens of the 35mm camera is interchangeable. A Minolta A bayonet was used for this purpose. The camera is equipped with an autofocus system. There is a wide range of suitable lenses with different focal lengths. Lenses with zoom function are also available.

The Japanese camera has a built-in light meter. The light meter is built for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 5000. The film speed is automatically determined via the DX code on the film cartridge. The exposure metering is done through the lens.

There is no manual mode. Aperture and shutter speed are set automatically by the camera. There are special modes for portrait, sports, close-up, landscape and sports photography. There is also a mode for portrait pictures at night. For the shutter speed, the camera has values from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds to choose from. The aperture setting depends on the lens. With the Minolta 35-80 mm f/4-5.6 lens, it is between f/4 and f/32.

In low light conditions, the built-in flash can be used. The flash has a guide number of 12 at ISO 100 and is charged after about three seconds. In addition, there is the possibility to connect an external Minolta flash.

The Minolta Dynax 303si has a self-timer and a tripod socket. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds.

According to the manual, the dimensions of the Minolta Dynax 303si are 13.5 x 9 x 5.82 cm. It weighs 340 grams. The camera requires two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). These last for up to 65 rolls of film on average.

The film is automatically transported by the camera with a motor. It can take up to one picture per second in continuous shooting mode. The return transport to the film cartridge is also motorised. The number of photos taken is shown on the display on the top.

Films for the Minolta Dynax 303si

The Minolta Dynax 303si is a 35mm camera and requires 35mm film. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. A 35mm film for colour photography is the Fujifilm Superia 400*. A possible black and white film is the Ilford FP4 Plus*.

Colour film is developed using the C-41 process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab. B/W film must be processed in a suitable developer. For most films there are instructions on the appropriate steps and the correct photo chemistry.