Minolta Maxxum 4
Encyclopedia
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.
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
.
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.
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.
Minolta
Minolta Co., Ltd. was a Japanese worldwide manufacturer of cameras, camera accessories, photocopiers, fax machines, and laser printers. Minolta was founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1928 as . It is perhaps best known for making the first integrated autofocus 35mm SLR camera system...
Maxxum 4 (Dynax 4 in Europe and Dynax 3 in "in Asia Pacific countries") 35mm SLR camera
Single-lens reflex camera
A single-lens reflex camera is a camera that typically uses a semi-automatic moving mirror system that permits the photographer to see exactly what will be captured by the film or digital imaging system, as opposed to pre-SLR cameras where the view through the viewfinder could be significantly...
was introduced in 1999. Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta
is a Japanese manufacturer of office equipment, medical imaging, graphic imaging, optical devices, and measuring instruments. It is headquartered in the Marunouchi Center Building in Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, with a Kansai office in Nishi-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture...
has discontinued production of this model but maintains information on it in its website.
Infrared photography
In infrared photography, the film or image sensor used is sensitive to infrared light. The part of the spectrum used is referred to as near-infrared to distinguish it from far-infrared, which is the domain of thermal imaging. Wavelengths used for photography range from about 700 nm to about...
.
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.