Minolta Dynax 60

The Minolta company from Japan developed the Dynax 60 SLR camera. This came onto the market in 2004. It offers many automated functions and is therefore especially suitable for beginners. Its manufacturing site was a factory in China.

An almost identical model was sold internationally under different names. Thus, the Minolta Dynax 60 was the European version. In Japan, the model was known as Minolta Alpha 70, while in the US it was called Minolta Maxxum 70.

Lenses

The camera has an interchangeable lens mount. It is compatible with Minolta A bayonet lenses. There are a variety of lenses with different focal lengths for this mount. In addition, the Minolta can be used with zoom lenses. A classic standard lens for the SLR is the Minolta 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6.

The camera has an autofocus system. The focus is automatically adjusted for each photo. An optical indicator in the viewfinder shows if the focus is positioned correctly. An auxiliary light improves autofocus in low-light conditions. There is both a single autofocus mode and a continuous autofocus mode. If necessary, the focus can also be adjusted manually.

Exposure meter and film speed

The camera’s light meter ensures proper exposure and can handle film with ISO values from 6 to 6400. It is possible to set the film speed either manually or automatically. However, if the automatic is used, which reads the ISO value from the cartridge, only settings from ISO 25 to ISO 3200 are allowed.

If no cartridge is encoded and the automatic is still selected, the unit will set the ISO value to 25. In this case, it would make sense to regulate the ISO setting manually.

Exposure options

The Minolta Dynax 60 offers several exposure options. Common modes also found in modern cameras include P, A, S, and M, often referred to 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 (program automatic): In this mode, the camera automatically regulates both aperture and shutter speed for balanced exposure.

A mode (Aperture Priority): Here the photographer selects the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed for optimal exposure. Aperture selection can control the depth of field and thus the degree of background blur.

S (Aperture Priority) mode: In this mode, the photographer sets the shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture for proper exposure. The shutter speed determines how long the camera sensor is exposed, thus affecting motion blur and the ability to capture or freeze motion.

M Mode (Manual): In manual mode, the photographer controls both aperture and shutter speed. These settings are made according to their artistic vision and the prevailing lighting conditions. This mode requires a thorough knowledge of exposure fundamentals.

Various scene modes are available in many cameras, in addition to PSAM modes designed specifically for certain shooting scenarios:

Portrait mode: this mode selects a wide aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field, highlighting the subject against a blurred background. Portrait mode is ideal for taking attractive portrait shots.

Landscape mode: in landscape mode, a smaller aperture is usually selected to achieve a greater depth of field. This allows both the foreground and background to be clearly captured. This mode is especially good for capturing wide vistas and detailed landscapes.

Macro Mode: Macro mode optimizes camera settings for detailed shots of small objects such as flowers or insects. By selecting a smaller focus distance and aperture, sharpness can be improved.

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

Night Portrait Mode: This combines a slower shutter speed and the use of flash to create well-lit portraits against a dark background. This creates a balanced mix of ambient light and flash that delivers an aesthetically pleasing result.

Shutter and shutter speeds

The SLR camera features an electronically controlled shutter that runs vertically. Through this shutter, exposure times can be set from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds. The Bulb mode of the Minolta Dynax 60 also allows for long exposures.

Flash

The Minolta camera has a built-in flash with a guide number of 16 at ISO 100, and the flash can be used with lenses up to a focal length of 28 mm. When using the built-in pop-up flash, there are several modes to choose from, including auto, fill-flash, and the option to disable the flash. However, there is no red-eye reduction option.

There is also the option to connect an external flash from Minolta. The sync speed is 1/90 second.

Additional features and size of the camera

The Minolta Dynax 60 has a self-timer and a tripod socket on the bottom, in addition to its main features. Modes for multiple exposures and bracketing are also available.

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the device weighs 375 grams. The dimensions are 13.5 x 9.2 x 6.65 cm.

Batteries for the camera

Two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*), which are easily available online, are required to operate the camera.

Actual battery life may vary depending on specific conditions of use. Various tests have been conducted under specific conditions to determine this.

Films for the Minolta Dynax 60

The Minolta Dynax 60 is designed for use with 35mm film. Despite the advent of digital technologies, the 35mm format has retained its charm and is still popular with many photographers due to its universality and ease of use. For this reason, various manufacturers continue to produce film in this format.

The Fujifilm Superia 400* for color images and the Kodak T-Max 400* for black and white images are excellent options. Product tests and testimonials confirm that these films offer solid performance and are suitable for a variety of photographic needs.

Film Development

Color film is typically developed using the C-41 process, which is a standard procedure at most photo labs. Often this process is also offered in drug stores. Thus, in most cases, it is possible to have color films developed without any problems. Professional photo labs, of course, also offer this service.

For the development of black and white films, a special black and white developer is needed. With the right equipment and chemicals, you can also perform this process at home in your own photo lab.

Film transport

The Minolta Dynax 60 has negatives in the 24 mm x 36 mm format. This camera has a motorized film transport that does not require manual operation. The speed is approximately 3 frames per second.

When a roll of film runs out, the film is automatically rewound. It is important to open the back of the camera and remove the film only after this process is complete.

Value and Price

Since production of the Minolta Dynax 60 has been discontinued, the camera is only available used these days. The price of a used copy varies depending on its condition, averaging around 72,35 Euro.