Minolta Maxxum RZ430si

The Minolta Maxxum RZ430si is an SLR camera from the manufacturer in Japan. It was presented to the public in the 1990s. The Minolta camera was built in a factory in Malaysia. It was sold in the USA exclusively by the American photo retailer Ritz Camera.

The model is almost functionally identical to the RZ400si, but comes with a data back. This additional feature allows the time of the shot to be imprinted. A clock with calendar is built in for this purpose. This data can then be imprinted in a corner of the photo.

The Alpha 303si and the Maxxum 450si have this feature and the possibility for panoramic images. The Minolta Maxxum 400si and the Minolta Dynax 500si lack both features.

Like all Minolta Maxxum models, this camera has the ability 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 equipped 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 RZ430si 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 via the coding on the cartridge of the film. Exposure metering is done classically through the lens.

Exposure modes can be selected from a range of options. There is a program automatic mode that 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 fold-out built-in flash. According to the manufacturer, 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 until it is ready. 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 example for group photos or long exposures. It prevents the camera from shaking during long exposures, for example. But of course, it also makes selfies possible.

The camera housing has a size of 14.7 x 9.2 x 6.7 cm. At the same time, according to the manual, the camera body weighs 385 grams without films and lens.

The power is supplied by a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This battery can be easily purchased online. Among other things, it powers the display for showing info like settings and number of pictures taken. Also, the motor for film transport is powered by the battery. Operation without batteries is not possible.

Films for the Minolta Maxxum RZ430si

The Minolta Maxxum RZ430si is designed for the 35mm format. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. Possible films for the camera from Japanese production are the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*. Of course, there is a wide range of other 35mm films for this camera. So there are films from Kodak, Foma, Rollei, Adox or even Lomography.

The Minolta Maxxum RZ430si is no longer in production. The state of preservation and the functionality decide the price of the 35mm camera.