Minolta Maxxum RZ400si

The Minolta Maxxum RZ400si is an SLR camera from the Japanese manufacturer. It was introduced in the 1990s. The Minolta camera was built in a factory in Malaysia. It was sold exclusively in the US at the American photo retailer Ritz Camera.

At other dealers in the US, it was available as the Minolta Maxxum 400si. In Europe, it was available to photographers as the Minolta Dynax 500si. Relatively similar models with slightly more features were the Alpha 303si and the Maxxum 450si.

In addition to the RZ400si, there was also the Maxxum RZ430si. This model comes with the ability to imprint the shooting time.

Like all Minolta Maxxum models, this camera also has the option to change lenses. For this purpose, a Minolta A bayonet has been built into the camera. The photo camera is equipped with an autofocus and thus automatically focuses on the subject. Usually, the camera is found with a zoom lens. There is a wide range of suitable lenses for the lens mount. All Minolta AF lenses can be used. MD or MC lenses cannot be used.

The Minolta Maxxum RZ400si also has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films with values from ISO 25 to ISO 5000. The film speed is read out via the coding on the cartridge of the film. The exposure metering is done classically through the lens.

Exposure modes can be selected from a range of options. There is a program automatic mode, which leaves all settings to the camera technology. There is also aperture priority and aperture priority. There are also modes for sports photography, portrait photography, night portrait photography, landscape photography and for macro photography. Exposure compensation of plus-minus three stops can be used in the exposure modes.

Of course, there is also a manual mode. In this mode, the aperture and shutter speed can be selected by the user. The options for aperture depend on the lens. For the shutter speed, you can choose between values from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposures.

The SLR camera has a built-in flash. This has a guide number of 12 (ISO 100). It can be switched on if desired and has a charging time of about two seconds. There is also a fill-in flash mode and an option to reduce the red-eye effect in the pictures. There is an option to connect an external flash from Minolta. The sync speed is 1/90 second.

The camera is equipped with a self-timer. It has a lead time of ten seconds. There is a tripod thread on the bottom. This is very practical for group photos or long exposures, for example. For example, it prevents the camera from shaking during long exposures.

With a size of 14.7 x 9.2 x 6.6 cm, the Minolta Maxxum RZ400si weighs 380 grams according to the manual. Power is supplied by a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). Among other things, it powers the display for showing information such as settings and number of photos taken. In addition, the power for the motor to transport the film comes from the battery. It is not possible to use it without batteries.

Films for the Minolta Maxxum RZ400si

Needed are photographic films for the Japanese SLR camera. Used are films for the 35mm format. Available photo films for the Minolta Maxxum RZ400si, which can be easily obtained from online retailers, are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for magical color shots and the Kodak T-Max 400* for brilliant B&W shots. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday life. Films from other manufacturers can of course also be used with the camera.

The camera can only be bought used. The price of a copy depends on the condition and functionality.