Minolta Dynax 500si Super Review

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Minolta Dynax 500si Super
3.5 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.5 out of 5

From 15 ratings and 21 reviews

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Scott.'s Review of Minolta Dynax 500si Super 35mm SLR camera

23rd Apr 2001

Overall Rating

2 stars
  • Value for money
    0 stars

I purchased a second hand Minolta Dynax 500si camera from a well known UK photography shop chain (Jessops) about a year ago. The camera from the start had some sort of technical problem, where an error text would be displayed in the LCD panel. The word "HELP" would be shown, and the camera would lock up. This could only be rectified by removing and replacing the battery. This problem appears erratic, sometimes it is ok for 7 or 8 shots, other times it would do this after one shot only. I returned the camera to the shop, and about 2 months later it was returned - it had just been serviced and cleaned as far as the documentation claimed....and the problem still persists...I have not used the camera in extreme temperatures and I have not dropped it. In actual fact I have hardly used it. If anyone has suggestions I would be very appreciative, though in honesty, with my experiences, I would not recommend this camera.

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Members' Comments onScott.'s Review

  • kat. on 10th Dec 2001

    I've also experienced a similar problem with the Dynax 500si. The screen freezes and switching off the camera doesn't clear the display -- I have to take the battery out and give it a bit of a break. The camera could probably do with a clean though the problems started about a year after I bought it new, and I hadn't used it particularly heavily by then. Not recommended!

  • Steve. on 30th Apr 2002

    Same camera, same deal. Love the functionality, but this help error just gets my goat.

  • Don. on 28th Nov 2002

    Check out the German E-Bay site-for Minolta. It's full of 500si cameras, why because they suck. Anyone who says they are a great camera, is obviously too embarassed to admit they bought a pile of junk. Spend a bit more and get the 800si. Now that is some machine, well built and as tough as they come-yet they are bad sellers, why? I got no idea, it's a fantastic camera to use. Warehouse express in the UK are selling them at special offer at moment, a body + Minolta 24-85 zoom for less than £400 yes you heard right-the bargain of the century in my mind. Why are they such bad sellers? well I just can't answer that one, some things catch on, some things just dont, usually with no logical reason.If you still want a 500si after this go to Germany, they are giving dozens of them away, you may even get one that works-Cheers,Don

  • jonny. on 11th Dec 2002

    I am having similar problems to those described above 'HELP'. The camera worked great for 4 years (occasional use) and now I can't get any more than about 6 shots on a film without it freezing. I take the battery out and insert it again and this rewinds the film into the spool. I had thought that this was a reliable camera but I have now changed my mind :-(