Minolta's Dynax 700si — flagship si-series autofocus SLR, program to manual, Minolta A mount, 1993.
The Minolta Dynax 700si, from 1993, headed the fourth-generation si-series of Minolta autofocus SLRs. It was sold as the Dynax 700si in Europe, the Maxxum 700si in North America and the Alpha 707si in Japan. It topped the si line with a fuller feature set and, like the rest of the generation, moved back toward more conventional handling while keeping 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. It supported expansion cards to add functions, continuing an idea from earlier generations.
The 700si suits general, travel and lighter professional use for a photographer who wants a well-equipped Minolta A body with full exposure control. It handles as a capable all-rounder with a large lens catalogue behind it. Its limits are the mid-1990s autofocus speed and its complete reliance on electronics.
When buying used, inspect the LCD for missing segments and confirm the electronic shutter fires accurately. Test autofocus and its points, check the meter and exposure modes, and run the motorised advance and rewind. Examine the foam light seals for perishing, clean the battery contacts, confirm the correct battery, and note the fully electronic body needs power to fire.