Super-Fast Autofocus
Speed
The
Maxxum 4's high-response
autofocus system ensures that
those once-in-a-lifetime moments
will never be missed. The
Maxxum4 features an improved
high-power autofocus drive motor
and high-speed microcomputer for
quick and efficient autofocus
control. Right up to the moment
the shutter releases, the
camera’s AF system effortlessly
tracks fast and random moving
subjects.
3-point Autofocus system
The
Maxxum4's Autofocus system has a
central cross sensor, and two
vertical side sensors that are
sensitive to horizontal lines.
With the 3-point autofocus
system, the Maxxum 4 can ensure a
fast and accurate focus on the
most difficult subjects.
Selectable Focus Areas
For creative image compositions,
the ability to switch between
the wide focus area and the
local focus areas is available
in order to single out an
off-center subject without
recomposing the shot. If
necessary, the camera allows the
user to individually select the
local focus area.
Selected Focus Area Indication
When using the wide focus frame,
the user will always know
exactly what the Maxxum 4 is
focusing on. The focus area
indicator in the viewfinder
diagram indicates which sensor
the camera is using.
Selectable Autofocus Modes
For maximum autofocus control,
the Maxxum 4 has three AF modes:
single-shot,
continuous/predictive, and
automatic. Single-shot AF locks
focus on stationary subjects.
Continuous/predictive AF tracks
moving subjects right up to and
during the moment of
shutter-release. Automatic AF
determines whether the subject
is moving or still, and will
automatically select either
single-shot or
continuous/predictive AF. Manual
autofocus is also available.
14-segment Honeycomb-pattern
metering
This
advanced system produces
accurate exposures, even under
the most difficult lighting
condition, such as back lighting
and spot lighting. Using the
technology developed for
Minolta’s top-of-the-line
cameras, the Maxxum 4 is able to
measure light from unique
Honeycomb patterned segments.
Subject Program Selection
Subject Program Selection is a
quick, but simple function that
optimizes the camera systems for
specific situations. Five modes
are available (portrait,
landscape, close-up, sports
action, or night portrait), each
ideally suited for a specific
type of shot.
P/A/S/M Exposure Modes for
Unlimited Creative Power
There's no holding back on
creativity with the Maxxum 4.
The camera can either
automatically select the
appropriate exposure or allow
the user to choose from a full
selection of manual exposure
modes. In Programmed AE the
camera does all the work. In
Aperture-priority, the user
selects the lens aperture and
the camera sets the shutter
speed. In Shutter-priority,
the user selects a shutter speed
and the camera sets the
aperture. In Manual mode,
the user selects the aperture
and shutter speed in any
combination. Shiftable Program
AE (Pa, Ps modes) can be
selected by using the Custom
function mode.
Spot Metering
For greater individual
control over exposure, the
Maxxum 4 has a spot metering
function. Spot metering
measures the brightness of a
small area within the scene. By
using a specific area of the
scene to set the exposure, the
effect of dramatic lighting can
be preserved or accented in
photography.
Exposure Compensation,
Bracketing, and Multiple
Exposure
Maxxum 4's advanced exposure
technology can be combined with
a variety of creative exposure
controls. Exposure can be
compensated up to +/-3 Ev in 0.5
increments. To ensure the
optimum exposure for
high-contrast scenes, three
brackets can be made in 0.3,
0.5, 0.7, or 1.0 Ev increments.
Also, a multiple exposure mode
overrides film advance to allow
an unlimited number of exposures
on a single frame.
Auto and Manual ISO settings
The Maxxum 4 gives the user the
opportunity to either allow the
camera to automatically set the
Film speed in 1/3 stop
increments or the user can
manually set the film speed in
1/3 stop increments.
Super-Bright Viewfinder
The Maxxum 4 is equipped with
the same high-quality spherical
acute matte-focusing screen
found in the top-of-the-line
Maxxum Cameras. The Viewfinder
provides a bright, clear image,
which is very important when
working in low-light conditions
or with slow lenses. Also, the
0.75X Magnification feature
allows for comfortable
viewing.
Built-In Flash
The Maxxum 4's built-in flash
puts creative flash control at
your fingertips with an auto,
off, fill-flash, red-eye
reduction (which greatly reduces
the red-eye effect in
portraits), and wireless remote
flash control modes. For greater
flash output and versatility,
high-powered Maxxum flash units
are available as optional
accessories.
Advanced Distance Integration (ADI)
Flash Metering
Minolta's ADI technology creates
a new level of flash metering
precision by using the distance
encoders in Minolta's D-Series
lenses to calculate flash
exposure. With the camera's
built-in flash, the ADI combines
the distance information with
TTL (through-the-lens) 4-segment
flash metering. When using
Minolta's powerful D-Series
flash units, the ADI uses a
pre-flash to minimize the
influence of background and
subject reflectance. ADI
metering is a technology that
will ultimately provide better
looking flash pictures, time
after time.
Wireless/Remote Off-Camera Flash
This exclusive Maxxum
feature lets you use multiple
Maxxum program flash units
off-camera without cords or
connectors. The flash control
signals are sent from the Maxxum
4's built-in flash. When using
the built-in flash for fill
light, the ratio flash function
controls the flash units to give
a lighting ratio of 2:1.
Fully Automatic Film Operation
Loading film is a snap with
the Maxxum 4. All you do is
insert the film cartridge and
position the film leader. The
camera sets the film speed then
threads, advances, and rewinds
the film automatically. The
user can activate power rewind
at anytime.
Film Chamber Lock
This security feature prevents
the camera back from being
opened while there is usable
film in the chamber, thereby
protecting your film from
accidental exposure.
Continuous Film Advance
When capturing action scenes as
they unfold, easily set the
Maxxum 4 for continuous film
advance. The film advances at
1.7 frames per second as long as
the shutter-release button is
held down.
12 Custom Functions
The Maxxum 4 has 12 custom
functions so the camera works
the way you do. Some of these
functions include the ability to
leave the rewound film leader in
or out, the ability to lock the
shutter release when there is no
film in the camera or when there
is no lens attached, and many
more. The operation of button
controls and many other advanced
features of the camera can be
custom-tailored to suit the
users photographic style or
preferences.
Date/Time Imprinting (Date model
only)
The built-in quartz-data back
imprints the date or time right
onto the photo, making it very
useful for cataloging
photographs and making photo
records of important
events. Data imprinting can be
turned on or off as desired.
Remote Release Terminal
This enables the shutter to be
released from a distance, using
an optional Maxxum Remote Cord.
When using slow shutter speeds,
remote shutter release is
especially helpful in preventing
camera shake if used in
conjunction with a tripod.
Remote control (Date model only)
The IR Remote Control RC-3* with
an immediate and 2 second delay,
allows the photographer the
opportunity to shoot without
having to hold the camera. The
IR Remote Control RC-3 range can
be from as far away as 16.4 feet
(5m).
(* IR Remote Control RC-3 is
sold separately.)
Full Line of Maxxum Accessories
The Maxxum 4 is a camera you can
grow with. It is part of the
Minolta Maxxum AF System and
accepts all Maxxum lenses as
well as many other popular
accessories like the Maxxum HS
flashes, Macro flashes, Remote
Cables, and more.
