Industrial

In this part of Classiccamera website, I'll try do describe the selected issues of Minolta
Dynax/Sony Alpha and Vectis (APS system) reflex cameras. Minolta/Sony is one of the
world's biggest producers of photographic equipment. Unlike other systems described on
my website, such as Exakta, Praktica, Pentacon six, which as a matter of fact, are out of
use (i.e., these cameras and equipment are no longer produced), the Minolta/Sony
system is still in use, is constantly changing and coming into digital photography. There
are a few publications in this subject on the market, however, I have to admit that I have
not found any good Polish website discussing this subject. My intention is not to
duplicate what has already been published (see: Paweł Baldwin "Minolta Dynax System"
Warszawa 2003r.). I'll try to describe my adventures with this equipment and to mention,
somehow forgotten I reckon, the Minolta Vectis APS system. When in 1997 I bought
Minolta Dynax 700si it was the first time I encountered the Minolta system. I quickly
recognised that I had to experience the AF system. I had a dilemma about which to
choose: Canon, Nikon, Minolta or Pentax. I chose Minolta. One should ask why? I did not
like the Canon of that time as they were to clumsy (Canon Eos 5, Eos 100, Eos 1000),
Nikon were to expensive and Pentax functions were just few. What I personally like in
Minola Dynax 700si is a possibility of using replaceable electronic modules (cards),
automatic focus lenses, excellent focusing screen information, max shutter speed 1/8000,
and synchronisation with flash-lamp at 1/200 (in HSS at 1/8000), advanced wireless
lighting, replaceable focusing screens, and all of these at an affordable price. I had a
camera with outstanding options that could be compared with professional equipment.
The same situation is with Minolta/Sony cameras even today (see: price vs. features of,
for example, Dynax-7). When I take colour pictures during my trips abroad or when I take
all sorts of family and ceremony pictures I use negative and diapositive materials and
use Minolta/Sony cameras. Minolta Vectis system is worth mentioning. Contrary to what
people think, the pictures taken in APS mode are not that bad. On this website I'll
describe some bodies, such as Minolta Dynax 700si, 800si, 9xi and Minolta Vectis S1
and S100. Moreover, I will describe certain Minolta/Sony, Tamron and Sigma system
lenses as well as the flashlights, viewfinder accessories, chip cards and other equipment.