It's all mechanical and only uses a battery for the meter (I have my father's old Nikon that's been unused for at least 5 years, probably more like 15, battery still works). But they work well and are available pretty cheap.īut, when I started showing my son how a camera works (he's 4, probably didn't understand most of it, but it was kinda fun anyways) I pulled out an xgm I found at local second hand store for $10. The 'si' cameras were all a bit older and the controls are all a bit, different than digital (the 5, 70 and 70 are more similar to digital). The Maxxum 70 was the last film camera made, it's small, light, works well, and is commonly available at about the same price as a Maxxum 5. (and the battery is not a camera/manufacture specific rechargeable pack, but are much less common than the AA type sizes, but can usually be found at most electronic stores and large department stores, Walmart for instance probably has them). The 600si/700si/800si, 5/7 and 70 all are still pretty automatic. How much of a film experience to you really want? The 9 is probably the Basis for the A850/A900 design.

The Minolta Alpha/Dynax/Maxxum 9 is the camera most like your A850, however unless upgraded, it will not take SSM lenses. The 5 was my main camera until I was able to afford a 7 a couple years later. I too added the BP200 battery pack and use rechargeable double A batteries. It was a great choice on my part - fabulous little camera - and it is little, and was indeed the smallest SLR in its day. The Minolta Maxxum 7 was the camera that made my mind up! But I couldn't afford it, so after reading the late great Herb Keppler's review of the 5, I purchased one. Spent much time researching which AF system I like best. The Minolta Maxxum 5 was my first (Alpha Mount) Minolta AF camera. You will likely have to go to a camera or battery specialty store or online to buy them. They are 2 x CR2 Lithium batteries - not be confused with Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries. Scroll down, there you'll find all Minolta cameras and pick the one you like The filmcameras have generic batteries, some are available in rechargeable form. To be honest, I like the handling of the 800si better then the 5, however, the 5's user interface is closer to the KM/Sony DSLR's. Be sure you get a manual, as you need to know what the custom functions do. The 5 can use all Alpha mount lenses, it supports SSM (unlike the 700si/800si) and has quite good AF. You might want to consider the Dynax 60 (Maxxum 70) which has a bigger grip. The 5 is a very nice camera, ideal with a small prime (50/1.7) but a bit weird with bigger lenses - but if the lenses are big enough, it becomes a lenscap However, these aren't cheap and if your trying out, it might be more dough then you're willing to pay.

It was the basis for the KM 7D which in turn was the basis for the A700/A900. The 7 would be the best camera, as it is the film cameras that resembles the digital cameras the most.

Minolta camera maxxum 5