The Minolta Maxxum 600si is a 35mm format SLR camera that was introduced to the American market in the 1990s. It enjoyed great popularity among amateur photographers and professionals alike. In Europe, the camera was sold under the name Minolta Dynax 600si. Another variant of the camera, the Maxxum 650si, offered a panorama mode and a data back.
The camera uses a Minolta A-type bayonet mount for easy lens changes. The autofocus system is based on Minolta’s TTL phase detection system with three CCD sensors and offers three focus modes: AF-S, AF-C and AF-A.
Exposure is metered through the lens using TTL metering with a 14-segment silicon photocell and fuzzy logic control. The camera offers a metering range of EV 0 to 20 and a spot metering range of EV 3 to 20 (at ISO 100 and f/1.4). The electronically controlled vertical focal plane shutter offers 1/4000 to 30 second exposure and Bulb mode.
The camera has several exposure modes, including program mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode, and aperture priority mode. Auto settings for DX film range from ISO 25 to 5000, while manual settings range from ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3 stop increments. An electronic self-timer with 10-second delay and a tripod mount are also provided.
The Minolta Maxxum 600si has a built-in flash as well as a port for an external flash, and offers flash sync at 1/200 second or slower. High-speed flash sync reaches up to 1/4000 second. The camera’s viewfinder is a fixed eye-level pentaprism with a field of view of 92% (V) x 94% (H) and a magnification of 0.75X with a 50mm lens. The diopter adjustment of the viewfinder ranges from -2.5 to +0.5 diopters.
Power is supplied to the camera by a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery can be found quite easily online. One battery charge is enough for about 600 pictures, if in half of the pictures, the flash is used.
Films for the Minolta Maxxum 600si
The camera’s film transport system is automatic and offers frame advance, continuous advance at up to 2 frames/second, and automatic rewind.
According to the manual, the Minolta Maxxum 600si needs 35mm film to take pictures. 35mm film is still offered by various manufacturers. A recommendation for color photos is the Kodak Ultramax 400* and for B&W shots the Kodak T-Max 100*.
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 | Model variant |
| 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 | Europe: Minolta Dynax 600si |
FAQ about the Minolta Maxxum 600si
What type of autofocus system does the Minolta Maxxum 600si utilize?
It employs Minolta's TTL phase-detection system with three CCD sensors, offering AF-S, AF-C, and AF-A focusing modes for versatile shooting situations.
Describe the camera's metering system and its range.
The Maxxum 600si features TTL metering through the lens with a 14-segment silicon photocell and fuzzy logic control. Its metering range is EV 0 to 20, with a spot metering range of EV 3 to 20 (at ISO 100 and f/1.4).
What kind of film does this SLR camera require and what is its maximum shooting speed?
The Minolta 600si uses standard 35mm film. It offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 2 frames per second.
How does the Minolta Dynax 600si (European version) handle flash synchronization?
It offers flash synchronization at 1/200th of a second or slower, and high-speed flash synchronization up to 1/4000th of a second, allowing for flexible flash photography.
What is the battery life of this 35mm camera, and what type of battery does it use?
The Minolta Maxxum 600si uses a 2CR5 battery and provides approximately 600 shots per charge, assuming roughly half the shots use flash.