We'd like to give a Big thanks to Barry Fitzgerald for contributing this review!

In 2004, Minolta launched their last two film bodies. With the popularity of digital increasing year on year, and with falling prices, it seemed unlikely that there would be a strong demand for a high end 35mm film SLR. In the end, we got a mid range, and an entry level low cost SLR. A logical choice, considering the market position of film.

Enter the last two models, the Dynax 60 (Maxxum 70), and the Dynax 40. The 60 is the far better featured of the two cameras, and the one that is the subject of this article. And it is probably the one that would most interest most users. The Dynax 40 probably shares the same shutter mechanism, both rated to 1/2000s, but lacks many other features, and most notably, has very limited viewfinder information, with no indication of aperture and shutter speed. It's was clearly aimed at the super budget film body market. Though in its favour, it does offer the user the full PASM modes (something lacking on the previous budget offering, the 3L which was programmed AE, and scene mode AE only)

The camera was available in two kits. Single lens kit f3.5-5.6 28-100mm (D), or with a two lens featuring the former, but an additional f4.5-5.6 75-300mm (D ) in the bundle. Retail prices were around £299 for the twin lens kit.

A return to "classic design", almost...

Minolta classified the camera below the film 7, but above the Dynax 5. It's overall specifications share much with the 5, with the notable exceptions of slower flash sync speed (1/90s v 1/125s), and a reduced shutter of 1/2000s; nevertheless, it added some features, including a more robust construction, twin top plate dials, brought the AF point count up to the level of the film 7, and a few prior features including DMF (direct manual focus).

But the key area that stands out, is a return to what many consider defined Minolta cameras, handling. You won't mistake the Dynax 60 for a 7 body, it has less controls, switches missing, and the build whilst good, isn't in the same overall class, nor will you get that amazingly good pentaprism viewfinder, at this price, we are firmly into pentamirror land.

What you do get, is an interesting design mix, that in some ways, is superior to previous offerings in this class.

The 60 & 5, up close...

The 60 looks unlike previous Minolta film bodies, though bears some resemblance to the 600si Classic, released back in 1995. Specifications wise, the 60 shares much with the Dynax 5, the popular 2001 model, but there are a few differences between the two models.

Here are the key features of both cameras compared:

Advantage

Disadvantage

Both cameras trade blows on the table. Each showing stronger and weaker points. The viewfinders are close on both, the magnification difference is not particularly noticeable, as we are on full frame 35mm both have somewhat larger viewfinders than budget level Digital APS SLR's. Minolta seemed to have lost interest in eye start autofocus at this stage, even the later digital models did not feature it. The only possible surprise, is the 1/2000s top shutter speed, and lower flash sync, likely due to parts being shared with the lower end 40 model.

Wireless ratio flash also exits the camera, as does a socket for a wired remote cable. There is no battery pack available either, power is from 2x CR2 lithium batteries only.

But what you lose, you gain in other areas, such as centre weighted metering, a 9 point autofocus system, up from 7 points, DMF makes it over from the film 7, the on-board flash increases in power up to Gn 16, for spectacle wearers you have at at last dioptre correction, and the build gets a boost with a metal top plate.

What features matter to the user, will depend largely on your subject, and shooting style. The 60 is not a direct replacement to the 5, but a different offering..sharing some similarities. Many of the improvements/limitations, are down to personal taste, in fact some will be put off with the slower top shutter speed, and flash sync alone. The appeal of the 60, lies in a few subtle tweaks, and to a large part down to handling and design..