Minolta Maxxum 4

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The Minolta Maxxum 4 (Dynax 4 in Europe and Dynax 3 in "in Asia Pacific countries") 35mm SLR camera was introduced in 1999? Konica Minolta has discontinued production of this model but maintains information on it in its website.

A Minolta Maxxum 4 on a tripod.

Capable of automatic focus, the Maxxum 4 has through-the-lens metering, a built-in pop-up flash and a hot shoe for flash. The shutter is an "electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type." It uses infrared sensors to focus, so for this reason the camera's manual advises against using it for infrared photography.

Infrared negatives fogged by the frame counter of a Minolta Maxxum 4.

In addition to the essential modes P, A, S and M, the Maxxum 4 has all the usual crutch modes for the beginner: portrait, landscape, close-up, sports and night portrait. As expected with comparable film cameras of the period, the Maxxum 4 has multiple frame drive mode and self timer; the maximum speed for multiple frames is just short of 2 frames per second. Also like other similar cameras, the Maxxum 4 has a built-in pop-up flash as well as a shoe for a dedicated flash. Unfortunately, stores that sell the Maxxum 4 almost never sell compatible flashes, like the 5600HS or the 3600HS.

The camera has 3 focus sensors. The centre one is a cross-type sensor. To achieve autofocus outside the "Wide Focus Area" covered by these 3 sensors, the manual instructs the user to center the subject, engage focus lock, then move the camera to place the subject where desired on the frame.

The function dial of a Minolta Maxxum 4. Note also the shape of the flash shoe.

Any standard 35mm still film may be used with a few caveats: Polaroid 35mm instant film shouldn't be used because "winding problems may occur"; infrared film is not recommended because the frame counter shines infrared light at the sprockets; the camera can't advance beyond the 40th frame in rolls of film with more than 40 frames.