Minolta Maxxum 650si

The introduction of the 35mm Minolta Maxxum 650si single-lens reflex (SLR) camera in the 1990s was a significant step for the company. The camera, which was sold in the U.S., was named the Alpha 507si in Japan and the Minolta Dynax 650si in Europe.

It was a versatile model suitable for both amateur and professional photographers looking for an easy-to-use camera with high image quality. With microcomputer control of the built-in flash, automatic exposure, and autofocus, the camera offered users precise control over their shots.

The Maxxum 650si was particularly notable for its Minolta A-type bayonet mount, which allowed the user to easily change lenses depending on the situation. The camera also utilized Minolta’s advanced TTL phase detection system, which used three CCD sensors to ensure fast and accurate autofocus.

The camera offers a variety of 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 available.

In terms of lighting situations, the camera offers a built-in flash that can be used in low-light conditions. The flash also has a red-eye prevention mode. For added flexibility, there is a port for an external flash.

The Minolta Maxxum 650si uses through-the-lens (TTL) metering with a 14-segment honeycomb pattern silicon photocell (SPC) and fuzzy logic control to ensure precise exposure. The metering range is between EV 0 and 20, while 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.

Focus on the exposure modes of the SLR camera

The Minolta Maxxum 650si features four different exposure modes: program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes. Each mode provides the photographer with different control over the camera settings, allowing them to achieve the desired exposure for their shot.
In Standard mode, also known as Program mode, most of the settings are made by the camera. The aperture and shutter speed are automatically selected based on the lighting conditions and ISO setting. However, the photographer can still adjust exposure compensation and flash output.

In Aperture Priority mode, the photographer can manually set the aperture while the camera adjusts the shutter speed to achieve the proper exposure. This mode is especially 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 ideal for controlling motion blur.

In manual mode, the photographer has full control over camera settings and can manually adjust both aperture and shutter speed. This mode is especially useful for photographers who want to make adjustments in varying lighting conditions and have complete control over exposure.

Camera viewfinder and film advance functions

The camera viewfinder is a fixed eye-level pentaprism that provides the user with a 92% (V) x 94% (H) field of view and has a magnification of 0.75X (with 50mm lens at infinity). With a diopter adjustment of -1 diopter and continuous adjustment from -2.5 to +0.5 diopters, the interpupillary distance from the eyepiece frame is 18.4mm. The focusing screen is Acute-matte (G) and provides a clear and precise view of the subject.

The Minolta Maxxum 650si is equipped with various film transport functions that make handling the camera easier. There is an automatic advance to the first frame, a single frame advance and a continuous advance with up to 2 frames per second. The camera also has an auto rewind function and manual start of auto rewind. Rewind takes about 15 seconds for a 24-frame roll and about 23 seconds for a 36-frame roll.

DX-encoded film is automatically set at ISO 25 to 5000, while manual setting is possible from ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3 f-stop increments.

The electronic self-timer has a 10-second delay, making it easier for the user to take pictures. There is a tripod mount on the bottom of the camera.

The camera is powered by a 6V 2CR5 lithium battery (eBay / Amazon*). One battery supplies the camera with enough power for up to 600 shots with flash. Battery status is indicated by a four-level indicator in the data panel of the housing. In addition, the camera has a quartz data back that can be used until 2019. This allows the date of recording to be imprinted. The data back requires a CR2024 battery (eBay / Amazon*). If you don’t use the function, you can do without the battery.

A special feature of the Minolta Maxxum 650si is the panorama function, which 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 Maxxum 650si

It is not possible to use the Minolta Maxxum 650si without 35mm films. However, there are still a variety of 35mm films that can be developed in most photo labs today. Among the possible films for the SLR are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color images and the Ilford Delta 100* for black and white photos.