Minolta Maxxum 530si RZ

The Minolta Maxxum 530si RZ is an SLR camera from the 1990s. The 35mm camera was produced by Minolta in a factory in Malaysia. It could be bought in the USA at the photo retailer Ritz Camera. It comes with a data back (Quartz Date). This back allows the recording time to be imprinted in a corner of the images. Functionally similar models, but lacking the data back, are the Minolta Dynax 500si Super and the Maxxum 500si.

According to the manual, the photo camera’s dimensions are 14.7 x 9.25 x 6.75 cm. At the same time, the body weighs 405 grams without film and lens.

The lenses of the 35 mm camera are interchangeable. It comes with a Minolta A bayonet and is often equipped with a zoom lens. Focusing is facilitated by a built-in autofocus. There is a wide range of lenses that can be attached. All Minolta AF lenses for the analog cameras can be used. Minolta MD and MC lenses are not supported.

Exposure modes of the SLR camera

The camera has several exposure modes. In program auto mode, the aperture and shutter speed are set automatically. The camera technology can also determine the film speed itself. This is done via the DX coding on the film cartridge. Values in the range of 25 to 5000 are supported. The film speed can also be set manually. Here, the sensitivity range is from ISO 6 to ISO 6400.

Other exposure modes are aperture priority and shutter priority. Here, the aperture or shutter speed is selected and the camera chooses the appropriate metering value. There are also special modes for sports shots, landscape shots, portraits, night shots and close-ups. Exposure compensation with plus-minus 3 stops is available.

The Minolta Maxxum 530si RZ also offers a manual mode. Here, aperture and shutter speed can be set freely. The available apertures are determined by the respective lens. For the exposure time, you can choose between values of 1/2000 second and 30 seconds. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposures.

For long exposures, the camera should be mounted on a tripod. There is a thread on the bottom of the housing for this. There is also a self-timer with a lead time of 10 seconds. There is also a mode for double exposures.

Flash

A pop-up flash provides sufficient light in all situations. This can be used automatically if desired. It can also be used as a fill-in flash. An automatic mode to avoid red-eye on the pictures is available. The output is rated at a guide number of 12 at ISO 100. An external flash from Minolta can also be connected to the SLR. The sync speed is rated at 1/90 second.

Batteries

Power is supplied by a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This battery can be easily purchased online. On the top there is a display with information about the settings and the number of photos taken.

Additionally, a CR-2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is needed for the data back panel. This is used for the built-in clock and usually lasts much longer than a normal battery. If you do not use the data back panel, you can also do without the battery.

Films for the Minolta Maxxum 530si RZ

The Japanese SLR is equipped with an automatic film transport. The motor manages up to one frame per second in continuous shooting mode. On the back, there is a small window that shows the inserted film. Of course, the camera must not be opened until the film has been rewound into the cartridge.

The recording area of the 35 mm camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. So up to 36 pictures fit on one roll of film.

Speaking of film, the Minolta Maxxum 530si RZ is designed for 35mm film. 35mm film is still offered by various manufacturers. These manufacturers include Kodak, Fujifilm, Ilford, Foma, Rollei and Lomography. A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford XP2 Super*. These films give good results in everyday use and are flexible.