Minolta Maxxum XTsi Specifications
| Type: | 35mm SLR with microcomputer control of built-in flash, autofocus (AF), and autoexposure (AE). |
| Lens: | Accepts Minolta Maxxum AF lenses. Power zoom and power focus possible with AF zoom xi and AF power zoom lenses |
| Lens mount: | Minolta A-type bayonet mount (stainless steel). |
| Crosscut autofocus system: | Minolta’s newly-developed, through-the-lens (TTL) phase-detection three-point crosscut system with wide focus area, two vertical CCD side sensors, plus one crosshair-type CCD line sensor in the center; activated by eye-start operation; continuous predictive AF/focus lock selected automatically according to subject movement; auto/manual focus switchable manually. |
| AF Sensitivity: | EV -1 to 18 (at ISO 100). |
| AF Illuminator: | Built-in flash automatically activated in low light and low-contrast situations to aid focusing. Range: approximately 3 to 16-1/2 feet with 50mm lens (based on Minolta’s standard test methods). With a dedicated flash unit, its AF illuminator (LED) will be selected automatically. |
| Manual Focusing: | By monitoring focus signals in viewfinder and/or visually on the Acute-Matte viewfinder screen. |
| Exposure Modes: | Program AE (P mode), subject program selection (5 programs), creative exposure control (A, S, and M modes). |
| P Mode: | Programmed control (expert program selection) of aperture and shutter speed based on lens specifications and scene characteristics. Built-in flash fires automatically, attached accessory flash fires when on. |
| Subject Program Selection: | Five user-selectable programs tailored to specific subject or scene characteristics: portrait, landscape, close-up, sports/action, night portrait |
| Aperture priority (A mode): | Any available aperture in 0.5 EV increments selectable; shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds set by autoexposure program. |
| Shutter priority (S mode): | Any shutter speed from 1/4000 to 30 seconds selectable in 1 EV increments; aperture set by autoexposure program. |
| Manual exposure (M mode): | Any shutter speed/aperture combination selectable, correct and over/under exposure indicated in viewfinder; BULB also selectable. |
| Exposure compensation: | Plus or minus 3 EV in 0.5 increments manually selectable in any mode or subject program. |
| AE bracketing: | Plus or minus 0.5 EV in 0.5 increments; 3 exposures per series |
| Metering type: | TTL with 14-segment honeycomb-pattern silicon photocell (SPC); automatically activated by pressing the shutter-release button partway down. Direct TTL OTF flash metering. Spot metering (5.5 millimeters) available. Direct TTL OTF metering for flash. |
| Metering range: | EV 1 to 20 (f1.4 lens); spot: EV 4 to 20. |
| Built-In flash: | Guide number 39 (in feet); flash coverage for 28 millimeters; recycling time approximately 3 seconds (based on Minolta’s standard test methods); powered by camera’s battery; pre-flash for red-eye reduction. |
| Film handling: | Automatic advance to first frame, automatic advance between frames, automatic rewind, manual start of rewind selectable. |
| Continuous drive: | 2 frames per second; continuous AF; focus priority; focus checked and adjusted after each frame. |
| Multi-exposure: | 2 exposures per frame available. |
| Film speed: | DX-coded film speed set automatically; non-DX-coded film exposed at previous ISO setting. Range: ISO 25 to 5000 (1/3-stop increments). Range with flash: ISO 25 to 1000. Manual ISO setting: ISO 6-6400 (1/3 stop increments). |
| Viewfinder: | Roof mirror type with built-in LCD panel. |
| Field of view: | 90 percemt of film frame. |
| Magnification: | 0.75x (with 50 millimeter lens focused on infinity). |
| Diopter correction: | -1 diopter (fixed). |
| Eye relief: | 16 millimeter from the eyepiece, 13 millimeter from eyepiece frame. |
| Eyepiece cup: | Soft-type |
| Shutter: | Electronically controlled, vertical-traverse focal plane shutter. Range: 1/4000 to 30 seconds, plus BULB. |
| Auto zoom features: | Auto compact (with xi-series lenses). |
| Self-timer: | 10 second delay with blinking LED indicator. |
| Panorama mode: | Available |
| Date/time imprinting: | Available |
| Power: | Two 3V CR2 lithium batteries |
| Battery indicator: | 3-stage indicator shows remaining battery power when main switch moved to on. |
| Remote release terminal: | Compatible with all Maxxum series cable releases. |
| Dimensions: | 5.3 x 3.5 x 2.4 inches |
| Weight: | 14.6 ounces without lens and battery. |
Sample Photo:
Minolta Maxxum XTsi Review
The Minolta Maxxum XTsi also known as Dynax 505si and Alpha Sweet is a great 35mm film SLR camera compatible with the Minolta Alpha / Dynax / Maxxum lens mount. Today also referred to by Sony as their A-Mount.
With a shutter speed of up to 1/4,000th of a second, this camera is quite capable and combined with reliable auto-focus, makes this a great wedding film camera backup to the Minolta Alpha 9, Minolta’s flagship and final SLR.
I always use this camera in Aperture priority mode, but manually change the ISO one stop lower. For example, when using Kodak Portra ISO 400, I will set it to ISO 200. I’ve taken this camera from Brantford Ontario, to several States and Provinces.
Another unique feature that comes in handy for landscape photography is the fact that this camera can accurately measure light up to a 30 second shutter time. At that length, I usually double it to 1 minute.
The built in flash is practical and extremely intelligent when you set it to red eye prevention. It will flash three small flashes in advance to get a good look at the scene and then takes the shot, with a 0% failure rate so far. Even today’s Sony cameras with built-in flash, still use the same system.
If you can get your hands on this camera in top mint condition, it’s definately worth $200.00. If you own one and have some questions, feel free to send your questions per e-mail.