Minolta Dynax 5

The Minolta Dynax 5, a 35mm SLR camera with built-in flash, automatic exposure control and an autofocus, made its debut in the early 2000s and was manufactured in a factory in China.

It has been marketed globally under various names. In the US it was called the Maxxum 5, while in the European market it was known as the Dynax 5. In China it was available as the Alpha 5 (α-5) and in Japan it was available as the Minolta α-Sweet II (Alpha Sweet II).

Lens and Focus

The Dynax 5 camera comes with a Minolta A-type bayonet mount, making it possible to use a wide range of lenses compatible with this system. This means that a large number of focal lengths can be taken into account.

The built-in focusing unit features a TTL phase detection system and provides both autofocus and manual focus options.

An automatic AF-assist lamp, which is used in low-light or low-contrast environments, makes the focusing process noticeably easier.

Light metering function

The Minolta Dynax 5 has a TTL metering cell that includes a 14-segment honeycomb SPC for ambient light and a 4-segment flash meter SPC for flash light. It can work with variable film speeds and supports automatic ISO adjustment from 25 to 5000 for DX-coded films. Values from ISO 6 to ISO 6400 can be set manually in 1/3 steps. When using the flash, ISO values between 25 and 1000 are available.

Exposure control

The Minolta Dynax 5 offers a variety of exposure modes, including P, A, S, M, PA/PS, and five scene modes such as portrait, landscape, macro, sport and night portrait. Each mode is specially tuned to different shooting situations and creative preferences.

Exposure compensation can be used with the automatic setting, which is particularly recommended for backlit photos.

Exposure times and aperture range

Equipped with an electronically controlled, vertical focal plane shutter, the camera allows exposure times from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second and a bulb mode for long exposures.

The aperture values that can be set depend on the lens.

Integrated flash function

The camera is equipped with a built-in flash that has a guide number of 12. A red-eye reduction mode can be used in flash mode.

Flash sync speed is 1/125 second or faster and syncs at all speeds in HSS mode.

HSS mode requires the use of a compatible external flash unit including the 5600HS(D), 3600HS(D) and 5400HS.

Additional features

A 10-second self-timer is part of the Minolta Dynax 5’s equipment. A cable release can also be connected, although special Minolta cable release types RC-1000S or RC-1000L are required.

The model includes a multiple exposure mode and also a bracketing function. The underside of the camera body has a thread for attaching a tripod. The display with the selected settings is on the top.

The Minolta Dynax 5, measuring 127.0 x 87.0 x 60.5mm and weighing 335 grams without batteries, is particularly compact for an SLR camera with interchangeable lenses.

Power source and battery capacity

The camera is powered by two CR2 lithium batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Battery life is highly dependent on usage and ambient temperatures.

If the built-in flash is not used, up to 30 rolls of film with 24 frames can be shot at a temperature of 20°C and up to 24 rolls of film at -10°C. If the flash is used in 50% of the shots, the number is reduced to 14 or 11 rolls. If only flash is used, 9 rolls at 20°C and 7 rolls at -10°C are possible.

Suitable films for the Minolta Dynax 5

The Minolta Dynax 5 was designed for 35mm film and a wide variety of 35mm films are compatible with this camera. The films should have a sensitivity in the range of ISO 6 to 6400. If you want to use the camera’s automatic sensitivity detection, you should use DX-encoded film.

Prime options include the Ilford Delta 400* for striking black and white images and the Kodak Gold 200* for vivid color shots. Both films are highly rated in reviews for their versatility. In addition, there are also providers such as Lomography, Rollei or Foma who offer suitable films.

Film handling and exposure process

The Minolta Dynax 5 exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm in 35mm format. The camera features automatic film advance, with single frame and continuous advance (3 frames/second) options. As soon as the film is fully exposed, it is automatically drawn in.

The inserted film can be viewed through a small window on the back of the camera. It is important not to open the back of the camera before the film has been loaded.

Market value at the moment

The current value of the camera depends heavily on when production stopped and whether it is only available used. The current price is 64,97 Euro. However, the purchase and sale price may vary depending on the condition of the camera, functionality and available accessories.