Minolta Maxxum 700si

The Minolta Maxxum 700si is a 35mm camera. It belongs to the SLR cameras and was introduced in the early 1990s. In Europe, it was marketed as the Minolta Dynax 700si. In Japan, the camera was available for purchase under the name Minolta Alpha 707si for photographers and photographers.

Interchangeable lenses

One feature of the Minolta Maxxum 700si is the interchangeable lenses, which give users the freedom to use different lenses depending on their needs and preferences. With the Minolta A bayonet, various lenses with different focal lengths, apertures, and other settings can be used to achieve the desired photographic results.

From wide-angle lenses for stunning landscape shots, to standard lenses for everyday use, to telephoto lenses for sports or portrait photography, the Minolta A-bayonet system offers an extensive selection of lenses for a wide range of photographic applications.

Autofocus System

The Minolta Maxxum 700si’s autofocus system is based on advanced TTL (Through-The-Lens) phase detection technology and uses four high-resolution CCD sensors. Autofocus can be activated by eye-launch or half-pressing the shutter button, allowing convenient and fast focusing.

In addition, the camera features omnidirectional/multidimensional predictive focus control, which enables precise focusing even on moving subjects. In low-light and low-contrast conditions, an AF illuminator is automatically activated, extending the camera’s autofocus capabilities and ensuring optimal sharpness.

For photographers who want full control over the sharpness of their shots, the Minolta Maxxum 700si also offers the ability to manually adjust focus.

Exposure meter of the Minolta Maxxum 700si

The Minolta Maxxum 700si is a camera that is equipped with its light meter. With an ISO range of 6 to 6400, it is versatile and can read the sensitivity of the film material via a special coding on the film cartridge. However, the automatic film speed setting only supports values from ISO 25 to 5000. Covers most films with this, however.

Various exposure modes

The Minolta Maxxum 700si offers several exposure modes that give the photographer full control over settings or take away work. These include program automatic mode (P mode), aperture priority automatic mode (A mode), shutter priority automatic mode (S mode), and manual exposure mode (M mode), each offering different creative possibilities.

In Program Automatic mode, the camera automatically controls aperture and shutter speed based on lens specifications and subject characteristics. In addition, the camera offers PA (Programmed Aperture Control) and Ps (Programmed Shutter Control) modes, which allow individual control of program values.

In Aperture Priority mode, the photographer can manually select the aperture in 0.5 EV increments and the camera automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed based on the automatic exposure program.

In shutter priority auto mode, the user can manually select any shutter speed between 1/8000 and 30 seconds in 0.5 EV increments, while the camera automatically sets the appropriate aperture based on the exposure program.

In manual mode, the photographer has full control over aperture and shutter speed, which can be selected in 0.5 EV increments. The viewfinder displays the correct exposure as well as over- and underexposure during this process, and the camera has a BULB setting for long exposures to offer even more creative possibilities.

Flash functions

The Minolta Maxxum 700si is equipped with a built-in flash that has a guide number of 12 (at ISO 100) and covers a 24mm field of view. The flash recharging time is about 2.5 seconds and it is powered by the camera itself. In addition, the flash has a pre-flash function that reduces red-eye, as well as wireless remote flash control. It is also possible to connect an external flash.

Dimensions and power source

According to the manual, the dimensions of the 35mm camera are 15.3 x 9.8 x 7.1 cm and it weighs 595 grams without film and lens. As a power source, the SLR uses a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*), which is readily available online.

On the bottom of the camera body is a thread for a tripod, which is handy when using the camera’s self-timer for group photos or self-portraits. The self-timer has a ten-second lead time, and there’s also a mode for double exposures.

Film selection for the Minolta Maxxum 700si

The Minolta Maxxum 700si is designed for 35mm format, making it suitable for a variety of film stocks in color and black and white. Available from online retailers, for example, are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for impressive color shots and the Ilford Delta 100* for brilliant black-and-white shots. Both films have proven themselves in professional tests and deliver reliable results in everyday use. Of course, films from Adox, Foma, Rollei and other manufacturers are also available for this format.

Exposure Range & Film Transport

The camera has an exposure range of 24 mm x 36 mm. Typically, about 36 frames can be captured on a roll of film. The film is automatically advanced by the camera with a motor after each frame. The camera motor allows a maximum recording speed of up to three frames per second, but in most cases this is not exploited so as not to reach the end of the film roll too quickly.

Price & Value

Camera prices can vary and change over time depending on the place of purchase, the sales channel, the condition of the camera (new or used), and the accessories or lenses included.

To find out the current price of a Minolta Maxxum 700si camera, you can consult various online trading platforms, camera resellers or auction and second-hand platforms. Current price information for used or new copies can be found there. It is advisable to check the condition and features of the camera to make sure that it meets one’s requirements.