Heritage Cameras Description

A powerful Minolta AF bounce flash unit for most Dynax 35mm film SLRs, plus the Vectis S-1 APS camera (see below)

• Genuine Minolta flash unit, powerful GN up to 52m
• Bounce and swivel head with 24-85mm power zoom
• TTL auto flash control for fully automatic operation
• With a comprehensive, large rear LCD control panel
• For most Minolta Dynax 35mm film SLR cameras
• NOT for 5000 7000 9000 or Dynax 3L 30 40 50
• For the Minolta Vectis S-1 APS SLR (not S-100)
• NOT for Minolta, Konica Minolta or Sony digital
• Includes Minolta case, copy instructions, batteries

This is a powerful Minolta flash unit with tilt and swivel head, power zoom, LCD control panel and dedicated TTL flash control for many of the company's Dynax AF 35mm film SLR cameras, plus the S-1 APS model. It's NOT suitable for the early 5000, 7000 or 9000 AF, the late 3L, 30, 40 or 50, the S-100 APS or ANY digital models. This one is in fully working order, very good used condition, supplied with original case, instructions (copy) and alkaline batteries. Please read the full description (copyright © Heritage Cameras) and/or contact us before buying to confirm compatibility with your camera(s).

The flash head tilts up to 90 degrees and swivels up to 270 degrees for bounce flash in vertical or horizontal orientations, which gives much softer, more natural illumination than direct flash and reduces the chance of redeye. The built in power zoom feature adjusts the coverage from 24 to 85mm automatically depending on the lens in use, including zooms. This gives extra coverage with wide angles, and extra range with telephotos.

The powerful guide numbers vary from 28m (91ft) at 24mm, through 42m (136ft) at 50mm to 52m (169ft) at the 85mm setting with ISO 100. This gives a theoretical maximum range of up to 24.7m (80.3ft) with a 50mm f/1.7 standard lens. Faster film or higher ISO settings give even longer range, but as usual actual range will depend on the conditions. Exposure control is automatic and measured through the lens (TTL) for the most accurate exposure possible. It works in all exposure modes including program, and sets shutter speed and/or aperture automatically as required.

Manual override is available with settings from full power down to 1/32 to avoid over exposure for close up shots and allow faster recycling, or for creative applications. An auto power off feature conserves battery power. The flash's multi-frequency mode gives a multiple flash (strobe) effect with up to 10 flashes at up to 50 flashes per second. Variable power ratio control is available for balancing the flash with daylight. The control panel on the rear has a very large, clear LCD with zoom and power settings, distances and other indications, and a light for easy reading in the dark. There's a built-in AF illuminator to aid focusing in low light with selected cameras.

The flash is very well made (in Japan), measures around 81x133x105mm (3.2x5.2x4.1") and weighs approximately 400g (14.3oz) without batteries. It's powered by 4x standard AA batteries, which are inexpensive and easily obtainable. Disposable Alkaline (supplied) or rechargeable NiCd and NiMH types can be used. Sockets are provided for accessories (not included) such as mains power and extension leads.

An excellent flash for many Minolta Dynax AF film SLR cameras, plus the S-1 APS.

Compatibility

This flash has the proprietary Minolta shoe fitting and will work with many of the company's Dynax 35mm film SLRs (but not all) plus the S-1 APS film model, as follows:

Compatible 35mm cameras are the Dynax 3000i, 5000i, 7000i, 8000i, 2xi, 3xi, 5xi, 7xi, 9xi, SPxi, 300si, 303si, 404si, 500si, 450si, 500si super, 550si, 505si, 505si, 600si, 650si, 700si, 800si, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 9Ti, 60 and the APS Vectis S-1 (but not the S-100). It's suitable for two very early Minolta digital cameras: the RD-175 (also sold as the Agfa ActionCam) and Dimage RD-3000 but not any later models.

It's NOT compatible with the Dynax 3L (Maxxum 3, GT, Alpha 3, Sweet II L), Dynax 30 or 40 (Maxxum 50, Alpha 50), other Minolta, Konica Minolta or Sony Alpha digital cameras, even if they have the same shoe fitting. Dynax flash units like this one are NOT suitable for the Minolta 5000 AF, 7000 AF or 9000 AF, manual focus Minoltas or any other make of camera.

Please contact us before buying if you have any questions about compatibility with your equipment. E&OE. Text and images are copyright © Heritage Cameras 2024, and may not be used without permission.