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Konica Minolta Maxxum 4 35mm SLRs

4.14/5 (7 Reviews)

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  • Lens MountMinolta A-Type
    Camera TypeSLR (Single Lens Reflex)
    Film Type35mm
    Battery Type2 x 3V Lithium Battery (CR-2)
    Focus TypeAutofocus • Manual Focus
    Focus LockWithout Focus Lock
    Number of Focusing Points3
    Interchangeable LensesInterchangeable Lenses
    Shutter Speed30 - 1/2000 sec
    Max Flash Sync Speed1/90 sec
    ISO Range - Automatic SettingISO 25 - 5,000
    ISO Range - Manual SettingISO 6 - 6,400
    Frames Per Second1.7 fps
    Manual Shooting ModesProgram Shift • Aperture Priority • Shutter Priority • Fully Manual
    Light Metering ModesSpot Weighted • TTL
    Auto ExposureYes
    Red Eye ReductionWith Red Eye Reduction
    Flash Guide Number (ft)12
    Bulb Shutter SpeedWith Bulb Shutter Speed
    Self TimerYes
    Automatic Shooting ModesLandscape • Macro • Night • Sports • Portrait
    Film Auto TransportLoading • Rewind
    Eye Relief16 mm
    Viewfinder Frame Coverage90 %
    Viewfinder Magnification0.75X
    Depth2.4 in.
    Height3.4 in.
    Width5 in.
    Weight11.04 oz.
    Warranty1 Year Limited
    Product ID28359568

Product Description

The Maxxum 4 has all the features to create beautiful images and a sophisticated ergonomic design to make photography intuitive and effortless.
  • High-response, 3-point autofocus system w. selectable focus areas
  • Exposure: Programmed AE, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual, Shiftable Program AE, and exposure compensation
  • Spot meter
  • Built-in flash and Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) Flash Metering
  • 12 Custom Functions


    • Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

    Reviews 1 - 5 (7 Reviews Total) | Next 15

    User Reviews

    Overall Rating:3
    Value Rating:2
    Submitted by sfpeter a Intermediate

    Date Reviewed: March 8, 2011

    Strengths:    While regarded as an "amateur" camera it has most of the features most people would need, and has an intuitive, dial/button/LCD layout.

    Lightweight and easy to carry.

    Manual settings and full auto.

    Auto rewind, film feeding, etc.

    Weaknesses:    No "true pro" features like a motorized grip or external flash sync.

    All plastic, including the lens mount and film rewind spool.

    No diopter adjustment, this can be a problem in manual focus or difficult to compose scenes where it looks soft in the viewfinder but the camera says it's locked on.

    Many of the Maxxum 4/5's have a problem with the viewfinder showing blue smears or discoloration. As what I can only assume is to save costs rather than a glass prism it uses internal mirrors to send the image up to the viewfinder. Something on the mirrors discolors over time, and don't try cleaning them. I'm pretty sure they're plastic as using a solvent caused the coating to come off and ruined the camera. Lesson learned. If you can live with the funny colors in the finder you'll be good.

    Bottom Line:   
    The Maxxum 4 (along with seemingly all the later Maxxums) is a bargain for people wanting to try film but still have a "modern" body. This is partly because film bodies in general have had the floor fall out from the market, but also because MInolta stopped making cameras some years ago.

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   11-20 years

    Price Paid:    $13.00

    Purchased At:   Ebay!

    Similar Products Used:   Nikon FM
    Pentax Auto Zoom

    Type of photography:   Outdoor

    Overall Rating:4
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by buntzbooze a Intermediate

    Date Reviewed: February 17, 2006

    Strengths:    Ultra light camera which is ideal for someone who walks or travels. The light weight also helps you to shoot in very low light situations. I have been able to take hand held exposures of over a second with no shake!

    Very fast auto focus.

    A great introduction to autofocus slr's.

    Weaknesses:    The autofocus has a little trouble in dull light, but you can switch to manual for extra control.

    Bottom Line:   
    This is a great entry-level auto focus camera. I have carried it around the world on various holidays, putting about 30 films through it and have experienced no faults at all. I love the lightness and compact design, which although not particularly macho, is ideal for everyday shooting.
    The defualt 38-70mm lens is not the best in dull light situations, with the autofocus struggling for sharpness, but in good daylight the camera will give excellent results straight out of the box.

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   6-10 years

    Price Paid:    $125.00

    Purchased At:   Dixons

    Type of photography:   Outdoor

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by Mike71067 a Casual

    Date Reviewed: July 13, 2005

    Strengths:    Great autofocus. Tons of features, including ones I don't even understand. Very easy to use. Excellent photo quality. Very light and compact.

    Weaknesses:    The camera and lens are both plastic. But what isn't these days?

    Bottom Line:   
    I became a big pain in the rump to my family when I purchased a FujiFilm A330 digital camera last year. I was constantly photographing them, tweaking the photos on my PC, and sharing them with relatives. Well, as annoying as I was then, I am several times as annoying now that I've purchased the Minolta Maxxum 4 35mm SLR. This is the first SLR I've owned, so don't expect an expert opinion here, but I will say that if far outperforms my digital. I'm not even using it anymore. The 35mm prints simply look better. Honestly, I thought my digital camera had awesome photo quality, but film, despite those who say it is doomed to obsolescence, is still better. I plan on using this Minolta until film is no longer available, or until it becomes prohibitively expensive. Hopefully by then digital cameras will have improved enough to match the quality of film.

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   2-5 years

    Price Paid:    $149.00

    Purchased At:   American Heartland

    Similar Products Used:   N/A

    Type of photography:   Other

    Overall Rating:4
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by ben602 a Intermediate

    Date Reviewed: January 1, 2004

    Strengths:    Very light weight, easy shot, fast focus, accurate color

    Weaknesses:    original 28-80mm lens not sharp. Build-in night shot function weak. I need tune it manully.

    Bottom Line:   
    I bought this camera for spare use because it's extremely light weight, user friendly. I like it's fast focusing and accurate color pattern. But the default 28-80mm Lens was not good, expecially on the micro-shot. You may need buy another Sigma lens if you can afford. By the way, Dynax 3 is a very cost-effective camera that I ever own.

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   6-10 years

    Price Paid:    $1800.00

    Purchased At:   Hong Kong

    Similar Products Used:   Nikon F65, Canon EOS 300

    Type of photography:   Outdoor

    Overall Rating:5
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by brian a Intermediate

    Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003

    Strengths:    Many different options ot choose from. You're not limited to one kind of photo.

    Weaknesses:    None that I have encountered so far.

    Bottom Line:   
    Great Camera! Many different features that make your photos look great.

    Expand full review >>

    Duration Product Used:   2-5 years

    Price Paid:    $315.00

    Purchased At:   Budget Photo

    Similar Products Used:   Minolta Camera from 1982. I still use this camera also. Very reliable and durable.

    Type of photography:   Other


    Reviews 1 - 5 (7 Reviews Total) | Next 15

    Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

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    • Lens MountMinolta A-Type
      Camera TypeSLR (Single Lens Reflex)
      Film Type35mm
      Battery Type2 x 3V Lithium Battery (CR-2)
      Focus TypeAutofocus • Manual Focus
      Focus LockWithout Focus Lock
      Number of Focusing Points3
      Interchangeable LensesInterchangeable Lenses
      Shutter Speed30 - 1/2000 sec
      Max Flash Sync Speed1/90 sec
      ISO Range - Automatic SettingISO 25 - 5,000
      ISO Range - Manual SettingISO 6 - 6,400
      Frames Per Second1.7 fps
      Manual Shooting ModesProgram Shift • Aperture Priority • Shutter Priority • Fully Manual
      Light Metering ModesSpot Weighted • TTL
      Auto ExposureYes
      Red Eye ReductionWith Red Eye Reduction
      Flash Guide Number (ft)12
      Bulb Shutter SpeedWith Bulb Shutter Speed
      Self TimerYes
      Automatic Shooting ModesLandscape • Macro • Night • Sports • Portrait
      Film Auto TransportLoading • Rewind
      Eye Relief16 mm
      Viewfinder Frame Coverage90 %
      Viewfinder Magnification0.75X
      Depth2.4 in.
      Height3.4 in.
      Width5 in.
      Weight11.04 oz.
      Warranty1 Year Limited
      Product ID28359568
      Release Date9/22/2004


     

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