Minolta Dynax 40

The Minolta Dynax 40 is an SLR camera from the Japanese company. It was sold from the beginning of 2004. It comes with all sorts of automatics and is therefore well suited for beginners.

Almost identical models were sold globally under different names. Thus, the Minolta Dynax 40 was available in Europe. In other countries, it was sold as the Dynax 30. Japanese photographers could buy it as the Minolta Alpha 50. In the USA, it was again available as the Minolta Maxxum 50.

Lenses

An interchangeable lens mount is available on the 35mm still camera. Lenses with Minolta A bayonet can be used with this camera. A variety of different lenses with different focal lengths are available for this mount. Zoom lenses can also be used with the Minolta. A standard lens for the SLR is the Minolta 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6.

The camera is equipped with an autofocus system. This means that the focus is automatically adjusted every time a picture is taken. An optical signal in the viewfinder indicates if the focus has been set correctly and an auxiliary light assists the autofocus in low light. There is a single autofocus mode and a continuous autofocus mode. If desired, you can also set the focus manually.

Exposure meter and film speeds

The exposure meter in the photo camera ensures correct exposure settings. It is designed for films from ISO 6 to ISO 6400, and the film speed can be set manually or automatically. If you use the automatic mode, which reads the ISO value from the coding on the cartridge, only values from ISO 25 to ISO 3200 are possible.

If there is no encoding, but you still use the automatic, a value of ISO 25 is set. In this case, it is better to set the ISO setting yourself.

Exposure modes

The Minolta Dynax 40 comes with several exposure modes. The most common exposure modes still found on modern cameras are P, A, S, and M, often referred to as “PSAM” modes. In addition, the Minolta offers scene modes tailored to specific shooting situations, such as portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, and night portrait.

P (Programmed Auto) mode: In this mode, the camera automatically sets both aperture and shutter speed to ensure a balanced exposure.

A mode (Aperture Priority): This mode allows the photographer to set the desired aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed for proper exposure. The aperture controls the depth of field, so you can control the blur or sharpness of the background.

S (Aperture Priority) mode: In this mode, the photographer selects the desired shutter speed while the camera adjusts the aperture to achieve proper exposure. The shutter speed determines how long the camera’s sensor is exposed, which affects motion blur and the ability to freeze or capture motion.

M Mode (Manual): Manual mode gives full control over aperture and shutter speed. Photographers set these parameters according to their creative vision and available light. This mode requires a good understanding of exposure principles.

In addition to PSAM modes, some cameras offer scene program modes tailored to specific shooting situations:

Portrait mode: in this mode, a large aperture is selected to produce a shallow depth of field, so that the subject is in focus against a blurred background. It is ideal for capturing flattering portraits.

Landscape Mode: Landscape mode typically uses a small aperture to maximize depth of field and ensure that both the foreground and background are in focus. This mode is good for capturing sweeping vistas and detailed landscapes.

Close-up mode: Close-up 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 emphasizes fast shutter speeds to freeze action and minimize motion blur. It is suitable for capturing moving subjects in sports or other fast-paced situations.

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

Shutter and exposure times

The SLR camera comes with a vertically-operating electronically controlled shutter. The shutter offers shutter speeds from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds. The Bulb mode of the Minolta Dynax 40 allows you to take long exposure shots.

Flash

The Minolta comes with a built-in flash. The flash has a guide number of 12 at ISO 100, and it can be used with lenses up to 28 mm. When using the pop-up flash, you can choose from different modes. Thus, there is an automatic mode, a fill-in flash and the possibility to turn the flash off. For both flash modes, there is also the option for a red-eye prevention mode.

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

Additional features and dimensions

Additional features of the Minolta Dynax 40 are the self-timer and the tripod thread on the bottom. There is also a mode for multiple exposures and for bracketing.

According to the manual, the camera weighs 335 grams. The dimensions are 13.5 x 9.2 x 6.65 cm.

Batteries

You can’t use the camera without batteries. Two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are responsible for the power supply. This type of battery can be found very easily in stores online.

The useful life of the batteries varies depending on the specific conditions and the area of use. Under the given circumstances, tests were conducted with different parameters.

In case 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 release was half-pressed for ten seconds and the focus was set from infinity to 2m (6.6 ft.). Under these conditions, the batteries were able to power 24 rolls with 24 shots per roll.

In Case 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 could supply 18 rolls with 24 exposures each.

Films for the Minolta Dynax 40

What film is recommended for the Minolta Dynax 40? The camera is designed to use 35mm film. The 35mm format remains popular with some users due to its compatibility with many cameras and ease of use, resulting in some manufacturers producing for this format.

A good choice for color and black-and-white images is the Kodak Ultramax 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*. Test reports confirm that both films deliver solid results and are suitable for a variety of applications.

Film development

Color film is developed using the C-41 process. It is common for most photo labs to offer the C-41 process. It is possible to have color film developed at many drug stores. However, professional photo labs also perform developments.

The black and white film must be processed in a black and white developer. This is also possible at home in your own photo lab.

Film transport

The negatives of the 35 mm camera are 24 mm x 36 mm. This camera model has a motorized film transport that is not controlled by manual operation. The speed is around 1.7 per second.

At the end of the film roll, the return transport is started automatically. Only when this process is complete may the rear panel be opened and the film removed.

Value and Price

Production of the Minolta Dynax 40 has been discontinued. You can only find them used today. Prices for the photo camera vary depending on its condition. The value of a used copy is about 47,70 Euro.