The 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) Minolta Dynax 650si was introduced by Minolta in Europe in the 1990s and sold as the Maxxum 650si in the US. In Japan, it carried the name Minolta Alpha 507si.
The camera was designed for photographers looking for ease of use and high quality images, both amateurs and professionals. It features microcomputer control for the built-in flash, automatic exposure and autofocus to give the user precise control over shooting.
Of particular note is the Minolta A-type bayonet mount, which allows for easy lens changes as needed. The camera uses Minolta’s TTL phase detection system with three CCD sensors for fast and accurate autofocus.
The Dynax 650si features several autofocus modes including AF-S for single shots, AF-C for continuous autofocus with predictive focus control, and AF-A, which automatically selects between AF-S and AF-C, depending on the subject. Manual focus is also possible.
In addition to the built-in flash, the camera can also connect an external flash. Accurate exposure is ensured by a transmitted light metering (TTL) with a silicon photocell (SPC) with 14 segments in a honeycomb shape and fuzzy logic control. The metering range is between EV 0 and 20, and the spot metering range is between EV 3 and 20 (ISO 100, f/1.4).
The camera’s shutter is an electronically controlled vertical focal plane shutter with a range of 1/4000 to 30 seconds. A bulb mode is also available.
Exposure Modes
The Minolta Dynax 650si provides the photographer with four different exposure modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. Each mode provides a different amount of control over the camera settings and allows the photographer to achieve the desired exposure for their shot.
In the default mode, Program mode, the aperture and shutter speed are automatically selected by the camera based on the lighting conditions and ISO setting. This mode is ideal for photographers who want the camera to make most of the adjustments. However, exposure compensation and flash output can still be adjusted by the photographer.
Aperture Priority mode allows the photographer to manually adjust the aperture value while the camera adjusts the shutter speed to achieve the proper exposure. This mode is useful for controlling depth of field.
Shutter Priority mode allows the photographer to manually set the shutter speed while the camera adjusts the aperture. This mode is useful for controlling motion blur.
Manual mode allows the photographer to manually adjust both aperture and shutter speed, giving them the most control over camera settings. This mode is ideal for photographers who want complete control over exposure and can make adjustments themselves depending on lighting conditions.
With the Minolta Dynax 650si, you have a camera in your hands that offers numerous film advance features that make it easy to use. It has auto advance to the first frame, frame advance, and continuous advance at up to 2 frames per second.
The camera also has an auto rewind function and a manual start auto rewind function with a speed of about 15 seconds for a 24-frame roll and 23 seconds for a 36-frame roll. In addition, the camera is capable of automatically detecting DX-encoded film from ISO 25 to 5000 and manually adjusting from ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3 increments.
The electronic self-timer function of the camera has a delay of 10 seconds, which makes it easier for the user to take the picture. Below the camera is a thread for a tripod.
The camera is powered by a 6V lithium battery 2CR5 (eBay / Amazon*), which provides enough energy for up to 600 shots with flash. Battery status is indicated by a four-level indicator in the data panel of the housing. The camera also features a CR2024 battery (eBay / Amazon*) for the quartz data back, which can be used until 2019.
The Minolta Dynax 650si also offers a panorama function that reduces the exposure area from 36 x 24 mm or 1.5:1 to 36 x 12 mm or 3:1. This creates the impression of a panorama.
Films for the Minolta Dynax 650si
The Minolta Dynax 650si was built for the 35mm format. Although the 35mm format has been around for a long time, there is still a demand for it, leading some manufacturers to make films for this format. Possible films for the Japanese camera that can still be easily purchased today are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 400* for B&W photos.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 2 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta A mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/4000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Date imprinting | Yes |
| Panorama function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash recycle time | circa 2 seconds |
| Flash modes | Red-eye reduction |
| Flash Connection | Connection for Minolta flash units |
| Flash sync speed | 1/200 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Battery capacity | circa 600 pictures |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta Maxxum 650si, Japan: Minolta Alpha 507si |
FAQ about the Minolta Dynax 650si
What autofocus modes does the Minolta Dynax 650si offer, and how do they differ?
The camera provides AF-S for single shots, AF-C for continuous autofocus with predictive focus control, and AF-A which automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C depending on the subject. Manual focus is also an option.
How does the camera handle exposure metering, and what is its range?
It uses TTL through-the-lens metering with a 14-segment honeycomb silicon photocell (SPC) and fuzzy logic control. The metering range is EV 0 to 20, with a spot metering range of EV 3 to 20 (ISO 100, f/1.4).
Describe the shutter capabilities of this SLR.
The Dynax 650si features an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with speeds ranging from 1/4000th of a second to 30 seconds, including a bulb mode for long exposures.
What type of lens mount does the Minolta Dynax 650si utilize?
It uses the Minolta A-type bayonet mount, allowing for easy lens changes. This is a common and well-regarded system for its reliability and wide range of lenses.
What film types are compatible with the device, and how does it handle film advance?
The camera is designed for 35mm film and automatically detects DX-coded film from ISO 25 to 5000. Manual ISO settings from 6 to 6400 are also possible. It offers various film advance options, including automatic, single-frame, and continuous shooting at up to 2 frames per second.