Minolta Maxxum 5 35mm SLR Quartz Date Kit with 28-80mm Zoom Lens

by Konica-Minolta

Product Details

Product Manual [2.80mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006LIN8
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,716 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #90 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Film Cameras > SLR Cameras
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 16, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The small, light Minolta Maxxum 35mm AF SLR is easy to pack, carry, and handle on all your adventures. The Maxxum 5 also houses a powerful array of high-performance features that will satisfy both beginner photographers and serious photo hobbyists.

The Maxxum 5's high-response autofocus system makes sure your once-in-a-lifetime moments will be razor sharp. This new-generation Maxxum features an improved high-power AF drive motor and high-speed microcomputer for quicker and more precise AF control. It tracks even fast action and random movements effortlessly, right up to the moment the shutter is released.

The Maxxum 5 uses Minolta's new seven-point AF system. The focus sensors are laid out in a wide area to the "rule of thirds," so you have the creative flexibility of positioning your subject anywhere within the focus frame. The center crosshair sensor keeps the focus sharp regardless of vertical or horizontal subject contrast. For maximum autofocus control, the Maxxum 5 has three AF modes: single-shot, continuous-predictive, and automatic.

The Maxxum 5 is designed around speed, precision, and power. It features a top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second, which can stop fast action or let you take beautiful portraits using large apertures under strong light. For capturing action as it unfolds, the Maxxum 5 can be set for continuous film advance. The film advances at three frames per second as long as you hold down the shutter-release button.

The Maxxum 5's state-of-the-art metering system delivers accurate exposures under a diverse range of lighting and subject conditions. It measures light levels from 13 segments in a honeycomb pattern across the viewfinder frame, plus the background area. And much like the method used by professional photographers, this intelligent metering system emphasizes the meter segments surrounding the focus sensor in use.

The built-in flash covers lenses as wide as 28mm, and puts creative flash control at your fingertips with auto, off, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, and wireless remote flash control modes. For greater flash output and versatility, high-powered Maxxum flash units are available as optional accessories. The Maxxum 5 also features a maximum flash sync speed of 1/125 second.

From the Manufacturer

So, you know about the high performance and superior image quality you can get with a Minolta Maxxum AF SLR camera, but you say that all SLR cameras are too big and bulky to carry around? Well, Minolta heard you.

Introducing the Maxxum 5 – the world’s smallest and lightest 35mm AF SLR. It’s easy to pack, carry, and handle, so you can instantly react on your creative impulses anytime and anywhere. Plus, the Maxxum 5 houses a powerful array of high-performance features that will quickly satisfy beginner photographers and yet be valuable tools for photo hobbyists. If you want a true take-anywhere SLR, the little Maxxum 5 is the big winner.

Highest performance in its class

7-point AF system indicates focus area in use

High-speed 1/4000 sec. shutter freezes action

Continuous film advance at 3 frames per second 14-segment metering plus ADI flash metering

Film chamber lock protects loaded film

Eye-start automation provides a split-second response

Built-in flash with wireless off-camera flash control

Features:

World's Smallest and Lightest 35mm AF SLR
The Minolta Maxxum 5 measures only 5 x 3.42 x 2.38 inches and weighs in at 11.8 ounces without batteries. It's the AF SLR camera you'll want to (and be able to) take along wherever you go.

Fastest Autofocusing in its Class
The Maxxum 5's high-response autofocus system makes sure your once-in-a-lifetime moments will be razor sharp. This new-generation Maxxum features an improved high-power AF drive motor and high-speed microcomputer for quicker and more precise AF control. It tracks even fast action and random movements effortlessly, right up to the moment the shutter releases.

7-Point Autofocus System with Wide Focus Area
The Maxxum 5 uses Minolta's new 7-point AF system. The focus sensors are laid out in a wide area to the "rule of thirds," so you have the creative flexibility of positioning your subject anywhere within the focus frame. The center crosshair sensor keeps the focus sharp regardless of vertical or horizontal subject contrast.

Selected Focus Area Indication
When using the wide focus frame, you'll always know exactly what your Maxxum 5 is focusing on. Minolta's LED-illuminated superimposition technology highlights the focus sensor being used.

Selectable Focus Areas
For creative image compositions, you may want to switch between the wide focus area and the local focus areas to single out an off-center subject without recomposing the shot. No problem with the Maxxum 5 - its local focus areas can be individually selected.

Selectable Autofocus Modes
For maximum autofocus control, the Maxxum 5 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 automatically selects single-shot or continuous/predictive AF.

Eye-Start Automation
Sometimes a perfect photo opportunity happens in the blink of an eye. The Maxxum 5 is ready when you are -- with Eye-Start Automation. Eye Start saves precious seconds and activates autofocus and autoexposure the instant you bring the camera to your eye. With one quick action, the camera starts working so you won't miss a split-second moment.

High-Speed 1/4000 Sec. Shutter & 1/125 Sec. Flash Sync
The Maxxum 5 is all about speed, precision, and power. That's why it features a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second, which can stop fast action or let you take beautiful portraits using large apertures under strong light. The Maxxum 5 also features a maximum flash sync speed of 1/125 second.

3 fps Continuous Film Advance
For capturing action as it unfolds, set the Maxxum 5 for continuous film advance. The film advances at 3 frames per second as long as you hold the shutter-release button down.

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.

Depth-of-Field Preview
This professional feature lets you check the zone of sharp focus at a given aperture before taking the picture. DOF preview is especially useful to check subject and background sharpness when using small apertures, or to see the extent of sharp detail in macro photography.

14-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering
The Maxxum 5's state-of-the-art metering system delivers accurate exposures under a diverse range of lighting and subject conditions. It measures light levels from 13 segments in a honeycomb pattern across the viewfinder frame, plus the background area. And much like a professional photographer, this intelligent metering system emphasizes the meter segments surrounding the focus sensor in use.

Spot Metering
When you want to bias the exposure according to a very small section of your subject or scene, use the Maxxum 5's spot metering mode. This concentrates the meter's sensitivity into the center segment.

Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and Multiple Exposure
Maxxum 5'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. And 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.

Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) Flash Metering
Minolta's ADI 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, ADI combines the distance information with TTL (through-the-lens) multi-segment flash metering. When using Minolta's powerful D-Series flash units, ADI uses a pre-flash to minimize the influence of background and subject reflectance. All this technology adds up to one thing -- better looking flash pictures, time after time.

High-Speed Synch (HSS) - 1/4000 sec
When using Maxxum HSS flash units, the Maxxum 5 is able to use flash sync shutter speeds up to 1/4000 second. High-Speed Sync allows much more control between the ambient light exposure and the flash exposure, particularly under bright light conditions. HSS is a valuable asset when taking portraits outdoors because it lets you select large apertures to create a shallow depth-of-field, which makes the subject stand out from the background.

Built-In Flash
The Maxxum 5's built-in flash covers lenses as wide as 28mm, and puts creative flash control at your fingertips with auto, off, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, and wireless remote flash control modes. For greater flash output and versatility, high-powered Maxxum flash units are available as optional accessories.

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 5's built-in flash. Using the built-in flash as fill light, the ratio flash function controls the flash units to give a lighting ratio of 2:1. With off-camera Maxxum Program Flashes 5600HS(D) and 3600HS(D), the flash can synchronize to the maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second.

P/A/S/M Exposure Modes for Unlimited Creative Power
There's no holding back on creativity with the Maxxum 5. The camera can either take over control or hand over control with a full selection of exposure modes. In Programmed AE the camera does all the work -- it analyzes subject movement and distance, lens focal length, plus subject and background brightness, then sets the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed automatically. In Aperture-priority, you select the lens aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed. In Shutter-priority, you select a shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture. And in Manual mode, you select the aperture and shutter speed in any combination.

Subject Program Selection
Subject Program Selection gives beginner photographers the ability to control the camera according to the subject, without a working knowledge of apertures and shutter speeds. Five modes are available, each ideally suited for a specific type of shot. Choose from portrait, landscape, close-up, sports action, or night portrait.

Fully Automatic Film Operation
Loading film is a snap with the Maxxum 5. 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. You can activate power rewind anytime.

14 Custom Functions
The Maxxum 5 is the only camera in its class to offer 14 custom functions so you can custom-tailor your camera to suit your style or preferences.

Full Line of Maxxum Accessories
The Maxxum 5 is a camera you can grow with. It is part of the Minolta Maxxum AF System and accepts all Maxxum lenses plus other accessories like Maxxum HS and Macro flashes, remote cables, Maxxum camera case, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hidden difficulties, February 1, 2003

By 

Adam Bond (Biloxi, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minolta Maxxum 5 35mm SLR Quartz Date Kit with 28-80mm Zoom Lens (Electronics)

Since purchasing the Maxxum 5 aproximately two weeks ago for a Photojournalism class, I have discovered a few annoyances with the camera. First, if one has the inclination to shoot infrared film... forget it. The film reader inside the camera will fog your film, says the manual. Also, after shooting 40 exposures, the film will automatically rewind... whether there's more film in the camera or not. But the most frustrating feature of this camera is the flash shoe. The Maxxum series apparently uses a flash docking system that is precisely opposite to normal flash mounts, making equipment crossover all but impossible. While a basic flash for other cameras will coast you as little as [dollar amount], flashes for the Maxxum 5 will run you between [much more expensive]. So far, I have been unable to find an adapter that won't risk frying the camera's internal circuitry. Furthermore, Minolta decided to omit a port for a hard-wired flash to be attached, which would bypass the entire mess of flash difficulties.

On the positive side, the camera has an incredibly high shutter speed (1/4000th), along with many, many options including a fully manual mode that's pretty easy to work with. Continual film advance is impressive at 3 frames per second and the Eye Start feature (which auto focuses the camera on the subject ahead ONLY when the camera is being held and up to your face) is just really awesome. The onboard flash is quite powerful and the lens mountings seem very solid. Film loading is incredibly simple, and the camera can be set to leave a tab of film out after rewinding for ease in the event that you're developing your own film. Film rewinds in about 8 seconds, the same amount of time it would take you to expose a roll of 24 on continious advance, expediting rapid film turnover for rapid photography, if necessary. The ring that runs around the manual focusing meachanism makes manual shooting very smooth and natural, and illuminated viewfinder autofocus indicators make fully automatic shooting facile.

In short, this is an outstanding camera that beats out almost all others in its class; if not all. The Maxxum 5's primary drawbacks lie in its specialties that may cost you a small fortune to compensate for... if you're able to correct them at all.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine camera with excellent features, May 27, 2003

By 

S. Sen "sens" (Carrollton, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minolta Maxxum 5 35mm SLR Quartz Date Kit with 28-80mm Zoom Lens (Electronics)

It has the best features in it's class - Nikon N65/N75/N80, Canon EOS Rebel etc - you can compare side-by-side.
It can produce excellent results.
It's the lightest around which is REALLY important and nice.
Once you know your SLR a bit, having a zoom 75-300mm will be a very rewarding experience. You might find yourself using only the zoom afterwards.
Suprisingly Minolta does little publicity compared to Canon,Nikon though their products are so good.
My 2 cents advice for SLR beginners-
1.Read the manual for some length at least, before starting to shoot.
2.Try not to use the All-auto(default factory-set) mode as soon as you can.Use S(125 speed is a safe choice) or A mode.
3.Specially for portraits use ISO-100 film for best clarity.
4.All cameras of this type have a small built-in flash which may disappoint you indoors. You can buy a Minolta flash afterwards or try using ISO400 film indoors.
5.The auto light-meter of all these cameras underexposes a little bit. Try to apply compensation of + .5 to 1.5 depending on situation.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love This Camera, January 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Minolta Maxxum 5 35mm SLR Quartz Date Kit with 28-80mm Zoom Lens (Electronics)

This is a terrific camera. I have been toying around with 35mm point and shoots for the past several years. I have never been satisfied with the results. I finally decided to get rid of them and buy an SLR. I did research for about three months and could not find another camera to match this one in terms of cost and amenities. It can do just about everything the amature photographer wants to do. I have used Minolta SLRs years ago and found the cameras to be totally dependable. Minolta still makes a great product. This camera is easy to use and not intimidating. Read the manual after you shoot a few rolls of film to get used to all of the bells and whistles to use this camera to its fullest potential. The metering is fabulous. The eye-start mechanism is totally awesome for focusing. This is the best feature of the camera. You should buy this camera

Thanks, Minolta!!!!!