Excellent Used Buy - template for pro model
Written: Aug 21 '01 (Updated Jul 25 '03)
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Pros: Excellent Design, Features, Metering, plus more.
Cons: a couple of missed features, but nothing else
The Bottom Line: Short of a pro-level camera, loaded with features and blazing speed (and a high price tag) this is the best you could want.
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| gbraun's Full Review: Konica Minolta Maxxum 600si Film Camera |
I suppose this review is now aimed at prospective used camera buyers, as the 600si was discontinued some time ago (early last year?). There may be a new one lying around somewhere in a small shop, but as it's a pretty recent camera it is easy (and cheaper) to find one used. It's a cult classic amongst Minolta users, but as Minolta is still an under-appreciated brand, a bargain can be had.
The 600si is a fairly advanced camera, with intuitive controls, and it covers the technical requirements generally required by photographers up to the pro level. When Minolta released it's professional series camera last year (the 9) it was based on the body and layout of the 600si. The 600si gained a cult-like reputation for good clean layout of the controls, with everything controlled by intuitive dials and buttons on the camera. There are no "custom functions", no need to remember a lot of "push this and then turn this" type commands, and anyone familiar with all of the mechanical options available in an advanced body will be able to employ almost all of them without ever having seen a manual.
That said, it does have some shortcomings. Here is a breakdown of the important features (in my opinion) that it hits and misses:
Hits:
Depth of Field (DOF) preview - Important with Macro, Filters, Landscapes, you get the idea.
Metering - outstanding accuracy and includes spot meter. Minolta's 14-segment metering sets the standard for accuracy, and the exact same metering system was carried up into the pro-level body. It's only weakness is with off-center subjects when using flash, although the amount of overexposure is generally acceptable when using print film.
Autofocus - reasonably fast, quite accurate. Maybe not fast enough for a demanding sports photographer, as the continuous (tracking) AF can fall behind, but for the typical point, compose, pre-focus, shoot sequence it feels pretty good.
Interface - as mentioned above the user interface is sublime. This camera fits my medium sized hands very well, allows good access to controls, and puts everything where you want it. One of the things I like about a dial based interface, is that when you set a mode (such as aperture priority, with a specified f-stop) then your settings will be there the next time you turn the camera on. The fact that it doesn't default to an idiot mode, or force you to re-set-up your mode, is a benefit for me, however it does require that you be thinking about what you're doing. You still have the option of a single dial turn into program mode for handing off your camera to a less experienced user, and the program mode (uncluttered by multi-programs) does a very good job of choosing aperture/shutter combinations that you'll find pleasing.
Shutter release cable - Contrary to another review here, the 600si does provide a jack for a remote release. Although it is not a standard cable release socket, either of two Minolta remote cables (one short, one long) will enable the same shutter control as the shutter button itself.
Built-in eyepiece diopter - Allowing you to dial in correction for when you take off your glasses. I've used this a few times, but generally speaking the viewfinder sits reasonably well to allow use while wearing glasses, including a rubber cup which prevents scratches.
Built-in Flash - I'm counting this as a hit, because although it's not a powerful flash, it is there, and it's quite sufficient in a pinch, and is amply capable to provide some fill even on a bright day. Honestly I believe that if you're going to do a lot of flash work (even outdoors in daytime) then you should pick up one of the inexpensive accessory flashes. Not only do you save on batteries, but you get to take advantage of the camera's wonderful built-in wireless flash system.
Wireless flash - simply amazing. True Through The Lens (TTL) metering is maintained when you use the 600si to control an accessory flash (such as the 3500xi) remotely. The body can control a ratio of main and fill between the accessory flash and the built-in flash also. The fact that a wireless flash system is available in this level camera (with no expensive add-ons beyond the accessory flash that you want to own anyway) is stunning. Minolta puts this ability across its range of cameras, and it's still there as a popular feature.
Flash shoe - Both a hit and miss. A hit because it allows a solid lock-on of the accessory flash, and enables things like the threaded feet for flashes.
Rugged construction - This is a well built camera, and it can withstand a little bumping around. It doesn't have the bullet proof toughness of the titanium bodied "9" but if you don't abuse it, it won't fail you. Mine has seen some pretty interesting trips and environments, and has never hesitated.
Used accessories - Minolta has produced some lenses which rival anything available, but because the demand is lower, prices are lower. In total performance per dollar, I don't think that you can beat Minolta on the used market, especially if you're willing to do your research (which evidently you are).
Accessory screens - a service center installed option, you can replace the screen with such things as a grid screen to help with composition.
User community - one of the best online communities going. Do a search in Google for Minolta Users Group, and then sign up at the egroups.com Minolta Mailing List. Wonderful helpful people there will help find the answer to any question you can pose (but try searching the archive first; it's very rich.
Misses:
No Mirror Lock-Up - While the mirror damping is good, this could be helpful in some specific situations, such as macro shooting.
Autofocus Speed - The new generation Minoltas, as well as Canons at the level of the A2, with USM lenses, focus faster. Whether you will need this depends on what you plan to shoot.
No rear-curtain sync. - Although I don't do a lot of ambient exposed shots involving action, when it has happened, I would have liked to turn this on.
DOF preview is noisy - basically hitting the stop down button sounds like (and is even louder than) taking a picture. I've never been in a situation where quiet shooting combined with a requirement for DOF preview, but I suppose this could happen.
Flash shoe - Both a hit and miss. A miss because you need a flash with the Minolta style flash foot. Third party (such as Sunpak) flashes are available, but you can't simply clip on an old Vivitar 283. This isn't a brand new change though, as the previous series of bodies (and flashes) are of the same design, and I believe it's a reasonable design decision. Almost everyone is using a flash dedicated to their system now.
No mid-roll rewind - Although you can predict the rewind cycle and pop the back door if needed, I would still prefer a more reliable method.
"Pro" status - As Minolta is not regarded in the same way as Canon and Nikon, you can't simply walk into a store in a new town and rent a big or specialized lens. Why this came to be is the subject of a serious marketing analysis. Decide if you're likely to need this ability.
The Wrap-up
You won't make a mistake buying this camera. You'll always be able to sell it for close to (or sometimes more than) what you paid for it, and it is a competent, capable, well designed piece of equipment. Whether you want to buy into the Minolta system if you already own lenses from another brand is something only you can answer, but if you're moving up in Minolta auto-focus, or coming to an AF camera for the first time, you can't go wrong here. Happy shooting!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 350
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Epinions.com ID:
gbraun
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Location: Cambridge, ON, Canada
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
"I think not," said Descartes, and promptly disappeared.
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