I have been GIVEN several MINOLTA 'Dynax' models -- a 3xi, a 500si, the 40 and the 5. I also got some chrome Minolta AF lenses : AF Zoom 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 D and a AF Zoom 28-100mm f3.5-5.6 D and many black AF Minolta lenses.I have tried all the Dynaxes except the 3xi which does not seem to be working . The model 5 has the highest flash synch speed which I like BUT the feature I do NOT like is that you cannot open the camera back until all the film has been exposed and I nearly always need to do that to cut short lengths. I am still 'learning' the ways of 'MINOLTA' -- may the Force be With Me ---
Minolta Dynax Models by Peter Elgar, on Flickr

 

Looks like they all have the 8 pin connector for the lens so should work with current Sony, Tamron and Sigma lenses as well as older Minolta AF fit ones with 5 pin connections.

Although primarily aimed at Minolta and Sony DSLRs, you may find the lens data pages on the Dyxum forum handy which covers all A mount lenses, includes user reviews and ratings

http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/topic24857.html

 

thanks very much for that 'link' -- never heard of that site before -- it seems i have the AF 70-201mm f4 'Beercan' lens as well as the other later 70-201mm lenses !
Minolta AF zooms by Peter Elgar, on Flickr
'Beercan ' is top RIGHT and it IS sharp but heavy !

 

The "beercan" is somewhat of a legend, price now seems to have settled around £100 ish, I was lucky enough to find an 80-200 f2.8 last year for about £450, Ebay currently between £499 and £550. A slightly cheaper alternative would be the Tokina 80-200/2.8 around £280.

 

Only the Dynax 40 and Dynax 5 (of these 4 )will work with all lenses including Sony / Minolta SSM & SAM , Sigma HSM etc .
The other two has the extra pins to provide power for the Zoom Xi lenses .
Cameras from before the Dynax 7 did not have the ability to control the SSM lenses and you would have manual focus only .

 

Pete , if you want to open the film back with film in it , you can .
The film back lock is only there to prevent you accedently opening the back .

So , in a dark room or changing bag ;
1; set the main switch to OFF .
2; set the function dail to ISO .
3; while pressing the function dail button AND pressing the spot-AE lock button , turn the main switch to ON.
The film lock indicator will change from red to black , and the back can now be opened .

Page 121 of the user manual .
If you want PDF copies of the manuals for your Minolta cameras , PM your e-mail address and I will forward them on to you .

The main Minolta film cameras I am currently using are the Dynax 9 , a Dynax 7 and the Dynax 5 with the bp-200 battery grip ( for AA batteries ).

Regards , Neil .

 

So how do you tell?

 

And if you want to read up on Sony and Minolta cameras and lenses , look at http://www.mhohner.de/sony-minolta/bodies.php website .

 

Instinct !

or

The back can then be opened !

You can press the buttons in the light if you must though , but it's a good idea to be in the dark when you open the back .