Minolta A-mount system

The Minolta 7000 was the first successful AF SLR using a motor integrated in the camera body. It was released in 1985 together with 11 lenses and 2 flashguns. The 7000 featured one AF-sensor, shutter speeds of 1/2000-30 seconds, flashsync speed of 1/100s, exposure compensation of +-4EV in 0.5 steps, center weighted lightmetering and two frames per second.

The 9000, a camera aimed at professionals, was released later the same year, and featured shutter speeds of 1/4000-30 seconds, center weighted and spot lightmetering, exposure compensation of +-4EV in 0.5 steps and a flashsync speed of 1/250s. Unlike the 7000, the 9000 had no internal motordrive, but with the addition of the MD-90 you would get 5 frames per second.

The 5000, Minolta's entry level camera, was released in 1986, it featured shutter speeds of 1/4000-4 seconds and BULB, center weighted lightmetering, exposure compensation of +1EV, flashsync speed of 1/100s and fully automatic programs.

While the 5000 and 7000 had autowinders built in, the 9000, aimed at the professional and semi-professional market came with the option of a two to five frame per second motordrive. This could be powered by either a rechargeable Ni-Cad power pack (NP-90) or a battery pack designed to hold twelve AA batteries (BP90).

A late addition was the AW90 autowinder for the 9000, with a maximum speed of about 2.5 frames per second.

This camera had the usual Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE and metered manual exposure modes (standard on the 7000), TTL autoflash (like the 7000) and added a newer faster and more sensitive AF system, faster film advance, new flash hot-shoe that was incompatible with the older flash system. The 7000i supported the Maxxum lens system, and other accessories such as the remote cords. Perhaps more innovative than any other improvement was the expansion card system. While also used in other models in the i-series, some models in the xi-series, and some si-series cameras, the Minolta Creative Expansion Card System debuted on this model. The expansion card system provided a way to add features to the camera, such as multi-spot metering, or re-program the built-in AE modes to favor faster shutter speeds or smaller apertures, such as the sports action card. While most of the cards' functions and effects could be duplicated by a technically knowledgeable photographer using the camera without the expansion cards, the card system was handy for less technically skilled users who just wanted to photograph their child's soccer/football team for example, without needing to learn about exposure settings and the effect they might have on how a picture "looked". This camera directly was squarely aimed at the same market as the 7000.

Built-in flash with a zoom head, programmed AE and metered manual exposure out of the box, adding the A/S expansion card provided two additional AE modes, Shutter-priority and Aperture-priority. A fairly direct replacement for the earlier 5000.

Essentially added a PC flash-sync terminal, ME capability, and faster shutter to the 7000i feature-set. This camera was not a direct replacement for the earlier 9000, and lacked some features such as depth-of-field preview, but offered some additional features that were not on the 7000i. This camera was available in white as well.

An entry level camera, exposure mode was program AE only, with a High-speed program option, no Creative Expansion Card support. An even more basic Maxxum, this camera was basically for the point-and-shoot user that wanted a system slr camera with interchangeable lenses and more powerful flashes, but didn't want the features on, or didn't want to pay for, the 5000i, 7000i, 8000i cameras. Most pros and amateurs alike consider this model to be the most useful and rugged Maxxum (Japan made model only) ever made. It is also the most durable. A lot of pros carry one as an emergency spare.

A popular model among novice photographers the 2xi features a program mode (p-mode), Shutter priority mode(s-mode), aperture priority mode(a-mode), and fully manual mode(m-mode). There is also a self timer feature, a manual / auto focus switch for use with the series of auto focus lenses, hot shoe mount compatible with i and xi flashes, and a screw mount for attachment of a tripod.

The 2xi is an auto focus camera that features TTL (Through The Lens) auto exposure and a spot metering system for testing the exposure on manual mode. Uses the typical alpha mount lens system from 1985 and is an all around useful camera for those that are not a professional nor aspire to be. There is no cable release socket and the body is made of plastic.

http://ca.konicaminolta.com/products/consumer/camera-pus/slr/maxxum7/spec.html

The Minolta 9xi was the flagship of the xi series cameras.

The Minolta 800si was the flagship of the si series cameras before the 5th generation single digit series (5,7,9,etc.) from Minolta came about, thereby replacing the entire si line from Minolta. The Minolta / Dynax 800si has the legend of being of a higher quality camera in the ranking of other consumer 35mm film autofocus single-lens reflex cameras. Also, this camera has a very high powered non pop-up flash as compared to its competitors. The 800si has a lot more features than its predecessor 700si, all the while consumer organizations gave it their best marks concerning its performance. Also the vertical control grip, the VC-700, can fit on to the 800si as well as the 700si, making for a better balanced camera with more photographic capabilities.

For the fifth and final generation of autofocus film cameras, Also known as the single digit series is where Minolta introduced a then new easy-to-use, compact, and feature-packed camera using concepts with core technologies from the groundbreaking and unique Minolta Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 7. The Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 5 incorporates advanced autofocus (AF) technology, powerful film drive, relatively fast shutter speeds, and several creative features including 14 custom functions, into the a small and light SLR camera body. Also offered was a battery grip (BP-200) for extended 35 mm film shooting.

This camera distinguishes itself as an entry-level film camera as being silver in color as opposed to the professional Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 9 and the semi-professional Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 7 that are black. Like all other autofocus Minolta cameras, it used the same lenses initially offered in the mid-1980s. Rarely encountered are this camera's siblings the Maxxum 3 and Maxxum 4 that are based on this Minolta. This fifth generation (Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 3,4, 5, 7 & 9) were the last of the film cameras that Minolta made before merging with Konica and leaving the 35 mm camera business all together. It is speculated that Konica-Minolta versions of these 35 mm cameras were not made, at least for the USA.

The Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 7 was the most advanced film body, produced by Minolta in 2000, for their fifth and final generation of 35 mm cameras plus the basis of this camera's layout was copied over to the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D. This camera is generally considered even more advanced in many respects than the Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 9. Amongst its features, it had a function which could emulate the 135 mm STF (Smooth Transition Focus) lens. The SSM lenses were also supported. Also of note was a LCD navigation display on the rear of the camera's film door. This offered 35 custom items to change camera settings without the need of constant referral to the operating manual. Also this Maxxum camera is known for its intuitive operation by having dials and buttons as opposed to "hold this while pushing or turning that" it's other 35mm SLR camera contemporaries offered.

This Maxxum offered the maximum shutter speed of 1/8000, a maximum frame rate of 4 frames/second, autofocus control with a 16-bit CPU coupled with a 14 segment honeycomb-pattern metering and the support of Minolta's ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) with its "D" series lenses. Also for the professional / enthusiast was the vertical control grip (VC-7) that replicated some basic controls for vertical shooting and extending shooting time with extra batteries. There was also a film chamber lock to avoid accidental exposure of film that is still loaded. The Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 7 was noted to be a good camera among many photographers and rave reviews on the Internet and magazines alike.

The Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 9 was released in 1998, and was Minolta's last professional film body which started the 5th and final generation of their 35mm autofocus camera line. As it having some heft to it , the Maxxum 9 is often referred to as the "combat camera" due to its Magnesium alloy body. This is especially true when the vertical control grip (VC-9) that mirrored the cameras basics controls was attached. It had a maximum shutter speed capability of 1/12000 second, and a maximum frame rate of 5.5 frames/second. It just preceded the release of the SSM (SuperSonic Motor) lenses, and as a result an upgrade was available in order to support the SSM lenses. This Minolta preceded the Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 7. Like all autofocus Minolta cameras since 1984/1985, it used the Minolta 'A-series' bayonet lens mounting system. Also a titanium version of this famed camera was made as its model designation was 9 Ti. That Minolta 35mm camera had the same features of its regular counterpart with the exception of finish and a 25 custom functions instead of 21 with a more robust construction than the Maxxum 9, among other minute details. This camera came out in 1999 and in limited quantities.

• DT - "Digital Technology", lenses for APS-C size digital sensors
• APO - Apochromatic lens element(s)
• G - "G Series", professional lenses
• SSM - "SuperSonic Motor", in-lens ultrasonic motor used on some long telephoto G Series lenses. Autofocus will work with all digital Konica-Minolta and Sony bodies and 7, 5, 4, 60/70 and 9 (with service firmware upgrade) 35 mm film bodies.
• D - "Distance Integration", lens provides subject distance information for utilization in the Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) flash mode
• xi - Motorized Zoom
• STF - "Smooth Transition Focus", lens contains a special element which makes transitions between in and out of focus areas very smooth. This gives a Bokeh of the highest quality.

The designations below are for the most part a product of the user community, and not necessarily used by Minolta.

• Original - Self explanatory
• RS - Restyled (aka "New"), aesthetic changes, and possible faster focus or addition of D feature.
• HS - "High Speed", upgraded gearing for faster autofocus, revised like a new model. Some lenses were upgradeable in authorized service centers as well.
• II - Some lens underwent more than just cosmetic changes, and are referred to as second version.
• Sony - Lens designs under the Sony label, some aesthetic changes including the focus and/or zoom grip. Most of these lenses are re-badged RS lenses, with the exception of the Carl Zeiss lenses which are of a new design. Some have a different coating formula which is optimized for digital sensors.

• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35 mm f/2.8 ZA
• AF 17-35 mm f/2.8-4 (D)
• AF 17-35 mm f/3.5 G
• AF 20-35 mm f/3.5-4.5
• AF 24-50 mm f/4 (Original, RS)
• AF 24-70 mm f/2.8
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70 mm f/2.8 ZA
• AF 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 (RS, II)
• AF 24-105 mm f/3.5-4.5 (D, Sony)
• AF 28-70 mm f/2.8 G
• AF 28-75 mm f/2.8 (D)
• AF 28-80 mm f/3.5-5.6 (RS, D)
• AF 28-80 mm f/4-5.6 (xi, RS)
• AF 28-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 (Original, RS)
• AF 28-100 mm f/3.5-5.6 (D)
• AF 28-105 mm f/3.5-4.5 (RS, II)
• AF 28-105 mm f/3.5-4.5 xi
• AF 28-135 mm f/4-4.5
• AF 35-70 mm f/3.5-4.5 (Original, II)
• AF 35-70 mm f/4 (Original, RS, II)
• AF 35-80 mm f/4-5.6 (RS, xi, II)
• AF 35-105 mm f/3.5-4.5 (Original, RS)
• AF 35-200 mm f/4.5-5.6 xi
• AF 80-200 mm f/2.8 (Original, HS)
• AF 80-200 mm f/4.5-5.6 xi
• AF 70-200 mm f/2.8 Apo G (D) SSM
• AF 70-210 mm f/3.5-4.5
• AF 70-210mm f/4
• AF 70-210 mm f/4.5-5.6 (RS, II)
• AF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 (Original, RS, D, Sony)
• AF 100-200 mm f/4.5
• AF 100-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 (RS, APO, APO D)
• AF 100-400 mm f/4.5-6.7 APO

DT Zoom Lenses

• AF DT 11-18 mm f/4.5-5.6 (D, Sony)
• AF DT 16-105 mm f/3.5-5.6 (D, Sony)
• AF DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 (D, Sony)
• AF DT 18-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 (D, Sony)
• AF DT 18-250 mm f/3.5-6.3 (Sony)
• AF DT 55-200 mm f/4-5.6 (D, Sony)
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80 f/3.5-4.5 ZA

Standard Primes

• AF 50mm f/1.4 (Original, RS, Sony)
• AF 50mm f/1.7 (Original, RS)

Wide-angle Primes

• AF 16mm f/2.8 Fisheye (Original, Sony)
• AF 20 mm f/2.8 (Original, RS, Sony)
• AF 24mm f/2.8 (Original, RS)
• AF 28 mm f/2 (Original, RS)
• AF 28 mm f/2.8 (Original, Sony)
• AF 35 mm f/2.0 (Original, RS)
• AF 35 mm f/1.4 (Original, G, Sony)

Telephoto Primes

• AF 85 mm f/1.4 (Original, G, G D, G D Limited)
• Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 ZA
• AF 100 mm f/2.0
• AF 100 mm f/2.8 Soft Focus (SF)
• Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA
• AF 135 mm f/2.8
• STF 135mm f/2.8 [T4.5]* (RS, Sony)
• AF 200 mm f/2.8 APO G (Original, HS)
• AF 300 mm f/2.8 APO G (Original, HS)
• AF 300mm f/2.8 APO SSM G (Original, Sony)
• AF 300 mm f/4 APO G HS
• AF 400 mm f/4.5 APO G HS
• AF 500mm Reflex (RS, Sony)
• AF 600 mm f/4 APO G (Original, HS)

Macro Primes

• AF 50mm f/2.8 Macro (Original, RS, D, Sony)
• AF 50 mm f/3.5 Macro
• AF 100mm f/2.8 Macro (Original, RS, D, Sony)
• AF 200 mm f/4 Macro Apo G
• AF Macro Zoom 1x-3x f/1.7-2.8

• AF 1.4X Tele Converter (APO, APO II, (D), Sony)
• AF 2X Tele Converter (APO, APO II, (D), Sony)
• AF 2x M/A Converter-S (For use of manual lenses shorter than 300 mm on AF bodies)
• AF 2x M/A Converter-L (For use of manual lenses longer than 300 mm on AF bodies)

• Sigma
• Tamron
• Promaster

• Background to the Minolta autofocus SLR range
• List of Minolta products

• dyxum.com
• 9000.org
• photoclubalpha.com
• mhohner.de
• Picture taken with Sony Alpha A200 and 28 - 135 F.4 Af lens