Minolta's Dynax 5 — compact late autofocus SLR, program to manual, Minolta A mount, 2001.
The Minolta Dynax 5, from 2001, was a compact mid-range autofocus SLR near the end of Minolta's 35mm film line. It was sold as the Dynax 5 in Europe, the Maxxum 5 in North America and the Alpha 5 in Japan. It was noted for being small and light for an SLR while still offering a full set of exposure modes on the Minolta A mount.
It is a 35mm single-lens-reflex on the Minolta A bayonet with body-integral multi-point autofocus. It offers program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual exposure with through-the-lens metering, and is a fully electronic body whose electronically controlled shutter and motorised transport both depend on battery power, with an LCD for settings. A built-in flash and subject programs suit its consumer positioning.
The Dynax 5 suits general and travel photography for a user who wants a light, capable autofocus SLR with full exposure control and access to the Minolta A lens range. It handles as a compact, easy body that still allows manual operation. Its limits are the modest build compared with the Dynax 7 and 9 and its full reliance on electronics.
On the used market, check the LCD for missing segments and confirm the autofocus and electronic shutter work. Test the motorised advance and rewind, verify the meter and built-in flash, and inspect the foam light seals for perishing. Clean the battery contacts, confirm the correct battery, and note the fully electronic body will not fire without power.