Minolta Maxxum 4 QD 35mm SLR w/ 28-100/75-300 Lens

by Konica-Minolta

Product Details

Product Manual [1.49mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000DBK1G
• Item model number: 2164-X012
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,809 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 12, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Minolta Maxxum 4 is the perfect camera to carry on your next adventure. Whether you are new to photography, or a seasoned amateur, the Maxxum 4 has all the features to create beautiful images and a sophisticated ergonomic design to make photography intuitive and effortless.

Its super-fast autofocus system with a central cross sensor and two vertical side sensors enables you to capture razor-sharp images of fast-moving subjects. The 14-segment honeycomb-pattern metering system ensures beautiful photos under the most difficult lighting conditions. For creative image compositions, the ability to switch between the wide focus area and the local focus areas is available in order to single out an off-center subject without recomposing the shot.

For maximum autofocus control, the Maxxum 4 has three AF modes: single-shot, continuous/predictive, and automatic. Single-shot AF locks focus on stationary subjects. Continuous/predictive AF tracks moving subjects right up to and during the moment of shutter release. Automatic AF determines whether the subject is moving or still, and will automatically select either single-shot or continuous/predictive AF.

The built-in quartz-data back imprints the date or time right onto the photo, making it very useful for cataloging photographs and making photo records of important events. Data imprinting can be turned on or off as desired.

The Maxxum 4 has many advanced features packed into its light, compact body, including:

• A built-in flash with auto, off, fill-flash, red-eye reduction (which greatly reduces the red-eye effect in portraits), and wireless remote flash control modes
• Spot metering for measuring the brightness of a small area within a scene
• Subject Program Selection function that optimizes the camera for specific situations; modes include portrait, landscape, close-up, sports action, and night portrait
• Continuous film advance enables you to capture action scenes as they unfold, advancing the film at 1.7 frames per second as long as the shutter-release button is held down
• The viewfinder provides a bright, clear image, important when working in low-light conditions or with slow lenses

From the Manufacturer

The Maxxum 4 is the perfect camera to carry on your next adventure. Whether you are new to photography, or a seasoned amateur, the Maxxum 4 has all the features to create beautiful images and a sophisticated ergonomic design to make photography intuitive and effortless.

The Maxxum 4 is equipped with a super-fast autofocus system with a central cross sensor and two vertical side sensors, which allows the user to capture razor-sharp images of fast moving subjects. The 14-segment honeycomb-pattern metering system, the same technology used in the top-of-the-line Maxxum Cameras, ensures beautiful photos under the most difficult lighting condition. Packed into the world's smallest and lightest body (as of December, 2001, among other 35mm AF SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses and a built-in flash), the Maxxum 4 has many advanced features, making it a versatile, high-performance photographic instrument.

The Maxxum 4's high-response autofocus system ensures that those once-in-a-lifetime moments will never be missed. The Maxxum4 features an improved high-power autofocus drive motor and high-speed microcomputer for quick and efficient autofocus control. Right up to the moment the shutter releases, the camera's AF system effortlessly tracks fast and random moving subjects.

3-point Autofocus system
The Maxxum4's Autofocus system has a central cross sensor, and two vertical side sensors that are sensitive to horizontal lines. With the 3-point autofocus system, the Maxxum 4 can ensure a fast and accurate focus on the most difficult subjects.

Selectable Focus Areas
For creative image compositions, the ability to switch between the wide focus area and the local focus areas is available in order to single out an off-center subject without recomposing the shot. If necessary, the camera allows the user to individually select the local focus area.

Selected Focus Area Indication
When using the wide focus frame, the user will always know exactly what the Maxxum 4 is focusing on. The focus area indicator in the viewfinder diagram indicates which sensor the camera is using.

Selectable Autofocus Modes
For maximum autofocus control, the Maxxum 4 has three AF modes: single-shot, continuous/predictive, and automatic. Single-shot AF locks focus on stationary subjects. Continuous/predictive AF tracks moving subjects right up to and during the moment of shutter-release. Automatic AF determines whether the subject is moving or still, and will automatically select either single-shot or continuous/predictive AF. Manual autofocus is also available.

14-segment Honeycomb-pattern metering
This advanced system produces accurate exposures, even under the most difficult lighting condition, such as back lighting and spot lighting. Using the technology developed for Minolta's top-of-the-line cameras, the Maxxum 4 is able to measure light from unique Honeycomb patterned segments.

Subject Program Selection
Subject Program Selection is a quick, but simple function that optimizes the camera systems for specific situations. Five modes are available (portrait, landscape, close-up, sports action, or night portrait), each ideally suited for a specific type of shot.

P/A/S/M Exposure Modes for Unlimited Creative Power
There's no holding back on creativity with the Maxxum 4. The camera can either automatically select the appropriate exposure or allow the user to choose from a full selection of manual exposure modes. In Programmed AE the camera does all the work. In Aperture-priority, the user selects the lens aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed. In Shutter-priority, the user selects a shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture. In Manual mode, the user selects the aperture and shutter speed in any combination. Shiftable Program AE (Pa, Ps modes) can be selected by using the Custom function mode.

Spot Metering
For greater individual control over exposure, the Maxxum 4 has a spot metering function. Spot metering measures the brightness of a small area within the scene. By using a specific area of the scene to set the exposure, the effect of dramatic lighting can be preserved or accented in photography.

Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and Multiple Exposure
Maxxum 4's advanced exposure technology can be combined with a variety of creative exposure controls. Exposure can be compensated up to +/-3 Ev in 0.5 increments. To ensure the optimum exposure for high-contrast scenes, three brackets can be made in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1.0 Ev increments. Also, a multiple exposure mode overrides film advance to allow an unlimited number of exposures on a single frame.

Auto and Manual ISO settings
The Maxxum 4 gives the user the opportunity to either allow the camera to automatically set the Film speed in 1/3 stop increments or the user can manually set the film speed in 1/3 stop increments.

Super-Bright Viewfinder
The Maxxum 4 is equipped with the same high-quality spherical acute matte-focusing screen found in the top-of-the-line Maxxum Cameras. The Viewfinder provides a bright, clear image, which is very important when working in low-light conditions or with slow lenses. Also, the 0.75X Magnification feature allows for comfortable viewing.

Built-In Flash
The Maxxum 4's built-in flash puts creative flash control at your fingertips with an auto, off, fill-flash, red-eye reduction (which greatly reduces the red-eye effect in portraits), and wireless remote flash control modes. For greater flash output and versatility, high-powered Maxxum flash units are available as optional accessories.

Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) Flash Metering
Minolta's ADI technology creates a new level of flash metering precision by using the distance encoders in Minolta's D-Series lenses to calculate flash exposure. With the camera's built-in flash, the ADI combines the distance information with TTL (through-the-lens) 4-segment flash metering. When using Minolta's powerful D-Series flash units, the ADI uses a pre-flash to minimize the influence of background and subject reflectance. ADI metering is a technology that will ultimately provide better looking flash pictures, time after time.

Wireless/Remote Off-Camera Flash
This exclusive Maxxum feature lets you use multiple Maxxum program flash units off-camera without cords or connectors. The flash control signals are sent from the Maxxum 4's built-in flash. When using the built-in flash for fill light, the ratio flash function controls the flash units to give a lighting ratio of 2:1.

Fully Automatic Film Operation
Loading film is a snap with the Maxxum 4. All you do is insert the film cartridge and position the film leader. The camera sets the film speed then threads, advances, and rewinds the film automatically. The user can activate power rewind at anytime.

Film Chamber Lock
This security feature prevents the camera back from being opened while there is usable film in the chamber, thereby protecting your film from accidental exposure.

Continuous Film Advance
The film advances at 1.7 frames per second as long as the shutter-release button is held down, making it easy to capture action scenes as they unfold.

12 Custom Functions
The Maxxum 4 has 12 custom functions so the camera works the way you do. Some of these functions include the ability to leave the rewound film leader in or out, the ability to lock the shutter release when there is no film in the camera or when there is no lens attached, and many more. The operation of button controls and many other advanced features of the camera can be custom-tailored to suit the users photographic style or preferences.

Remote Release Terminal
This enables the shutter to be released from a distance, using an optional Maxxum Remote Cord. When using slow shutter speeds, remote shutter release is especially helpful in preventing camera shake if used in conjunction with a tripod.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Greater starter SLR camera, August 22, 2004

By 

B. Bauer "Brandita" (Somewhere on the 38th parallel N) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minolta Maxxum 4 QD 35mm SLR Kit with 28-100 Lens (Electronics)

I bought this camera a year ago in an attempt to learn to master the art of photography, and I have not been disappointed. The manual and automatic settings allow you to gradually work into directing your own shots, and the quality couldn't be better. I've been very impressed by all the photos taken with this camera, I only need to buy a greater zoom to go with it. Great camera for a great price!

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