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

• Genuine Minolta flash
• Bounce and swivel head
• 24-85mm power zoom
• Powerful GN up to 52m
• Rear LCD control panel
• AF illuminator built in
• TTL auto flash control
• Fully automatic operation
• Solidly made, in Japan
• For most Minolta Dynax
  35mm film SLR cameras
• Not for 5000 7000 9000
• Not for 3L 30 40 50 SLRs
• For the Minolta Vectis S-1
• Restricted on digital SLRs
• With copy of instructions
• Includes 4x AA batteries

This is an original Minolta flash unit for many of the company's Dynax AF 35mm film SLR cameras, plus the S-1 APS model (but NOT the early 5000-9000 AF, the late 3L, 30, 40 and 50, or the S-100). It can be used manually and/or as a studio slave trigger on the Konica Minolta 5D/7D and some Sony Alpha DSLRs and SLTs. This one is in good used condition, fully working order and comes with instructions (copy) and Alkaline batteries. Please read the full description for important information on compatibility.

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 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.

Very powerful guide numbers 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. 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, and for creative (Strobist) applications. Auto power off feature to conserve battery power. Multi-frequency mode gives a multiple flash (strobe) effect with up to 10 flashes at up to 50 flashes per second. This is ideal for showing moving subjects, and will give excellent results for birds and insects in flight, etc. Variable power ratio control for balancing the flash with daylight. The control panel on the rear has a large, clear LCD with zoom and power settings, distances and other indications, and a light for easy reading in the dark. Built-in AF illuminator to aid focusing in low light.

The flash is very well made (in Japan), measures around 81x133x105mm (3.2x5.2x4.1 inches) 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 cameras, and some digital models with restrictions.

Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
This flash is in fully working order, charges and fires correctly, while dedicated features have been checked and work properly with suitable cameras. The controls and movements work positively, though there's a small amount of play in the head and shoe when fitted. This is common with this type of flash, and doesn't cause any problems (the foot locks securely). The LCD is clear and legible with no signs of bleed. Cosmetically there are just the usual surface scratches and scrapes here and there in the plastic finish. The battery cover is a little loose when empty but holds firmly, and the contacts are slightly marked (not corroded), have been cleaned and work fine. The instruction manual is a copy but complete (in English, for the identical American Maxxum version) and legible.

No cracks, splits or other damage, and overall it's in good shape.
Includes instruction manual (copy) and 4x Alkaline AA batteries.
Pictures in this listing show the actual flash offered for sale.

Compatibility
This flash has the proprietary Minolta shoe fitting, and will work with many Dynax, Maxxum and Alpha 35mm film SLR models including the Dynax/Maxxum 3000i (Alpha 3700i), 5000i (Alpha 5700i), 7000i (Alpha 7700i), 8000i (Alpha 8700i), 2xi, 3xi (Alpha 3xi), 5xi (Alpha 5xi), 7xi (Alpha 7xi), 9xi (Alpha 9xi), SPxi, 300si, RZ330si (Alpha 101si), Dynax 303si (Maxxum QTsi, Alpha 360si), Dynax 404si (Maxxum STsi, Alpha Sweet S), Dynax 500si (Maxxum 400si), RZ 430si, 450si (Alpha 303si), Dynax 500si super (Maxxum 500si), RZ530si, 550si (Alpha 303si super), Dynax 505si (Maxxum HTsi), Dynax 505si super (Maxxum XTsi, Alpha Sweet), 600si, 650si (Alpha 507si), 700si (Alpha 707si), 800si (Alpha 807si), Dynax 3 (Maxxum 4, Alpha Sweet II L), Dynax 4, 5 (Alpha Sweet II), 7 (Alpha 7), 9 (Alpha 9), 9Ti, Dynax 60 (Maxxum 70, Alpha 70), and the APS Vectis S-1 (but not the S-100 which has no external flash shoe). It's suitable for two very early Minolta digital cameras: the RD-175 (also sold as the Agfa ActionCam) and Dimage RD-3000 – see below for later models.  

IMPORTANT: It's NOT compatible with the Dynax 3L (Maxxum 3), Dynax 30, 40 or Maxxum 50, and won't fire on these cameras.

Manual use on some digital cameras
AF flash units like this one are NOT fully compatible with most Minolta, Konica Minolta or Sony Alpha digital cameras, which use a different pre-flash or ADI exposure control system. These models require Konica Minolta (D), Sony or other compatible flash units. However, this flash will fit and fire on many of these digital cameras, and will set the shutter speed automatically when charged in A mode, but you'll need to work out the aperture required manually. This also means that it can be used (ideally set to low power) as a trigger for slave studio flash units, which is particularly useful on Sony Alpha cameras using Live View, where the image can be very dim in M (manual) mode. Suitable models for manual operation include the Sony Alpha A33, A35, A37, A55, A57, A65, A77 (original model only), A100, A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500, A550, A560, A580, A700, A850, A900 and NEX-7, the Konica Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 5D and 7D, plus the Minolta or Konica Minolta Dimage 5, 7, 7i, 7Hi, A1, A2, A200, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z5 and Z6 digital cameras.

Dynax flash units like this one are NOT suitable for the Minolta 5000 AF (Maxxum 5000, Alpha 5000), 7000 AF (Maxxum 7000, Alpha 7000), 9000 AF (Maxxum 9000, Alpha 9000), Sony Alpha NEX-6, A7, A7 II, A7R, A7R II, A7S, A7S II, A9, A58, A68, A77 II, A99, A99 II, A3000, A3500, A6000, A6300, A6400 or A6500 cameras with Multi Interface Shoe, manual focus Minoltas, or any other make of camera. Adapters are available (not included) for use on some of these cameras, often with restrictions. Please check our other listings for flash units compatible with these cameras.