Minolta Dynax 7xi

The Minolta Dynax 7xi is one of the high-end models of the xi series. The SLR camera was introduced in the early 1990s. In the USA it was marketed as the Minolta Maxxum 7xi. In Japan, there was a functionally identical camera as the Minolta Alpha 7xi.

Like all models of the xi series, this model comes with an autofocus system. However, manual focusing is also possible. The lens can be changed freely. For this purpose, a Minolta A bayonet is used. For this mount, there is a wide range of different lenses for various applications.

As with the focus, there are several automatic exposure settings. The aperture value and shutter speed can be set automatically by the camera. Aperture priority and shutter speed priority are also available. Exposure compensation is also available on this model. There is also a manual mode. Here you can choose between values of 1/8000 second and 30 seconds for the shutter speed.

The film speed can be read out through the DX code on the film cartridge. Values from ISO 25 to ISO 5000 are supported. You can also set the sensitivity manually. In manual mode, you can choose in the range from ISO 6 to ISO 6400.

The Japanese camera is well suited for long exposures. In Bulb mode, the shutter can be opened for a variable time. For blur-free shots, the camera can be mounted on a tripod. A self-timer is also available.

The Minolta Dynax 7xi comes with a built-in flash. It has a guide number of 12 at ISO 100 and a recharge time of about two seconds. An external flash can also be connected. There are several suitable ones available from Minolta.

According to the manual, the camera without lens and film weighs 650 grams and measures 16.3 x 10 x 6.7 cm. The power source of the 35mm photo camera is a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This battery also supplies power to the information display on the top of the housing. Here, among other things, the exposure settings, modes and the number of pictures already taken are displayed.

Films for the Minolta Dynax 7xi

The Minolta Dynax 7xi is built for the 35mm format. A possible film for colour pictures is the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A nice option for B&W images is the Kodak T-Max 100*. Both films give reliable results and hold around 36 images. Of course there are other films from other manufacturers. For example, Foma, Fujifilm, Ilford or Lomography should be mentioned here.

The exposure area of the Minolta Dynax 7xi is 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is automatically transported after each exposure. You can take about 4 pictures per second with the camera.