20 Most Recent Minolta Maxxum 400si 35mm SLR Camera Questions & Answers

You have a film camera, you should have AF lenses. The AF lenses are larger round then older manual lense as you can have the older Minolta lens will fit the newer cameras, just not auto focus. If your AF is not working with AF lenses, I will assume you have power to the camera (batteries) These camera are not hard to use. To AF the camera, press the shutter down slightly (you can try without film) and it should focus on the center of your shot. Indoor and under low light, they will have trouble with these older AF bodies.

Search the internet (don't forget about specialized forums) for a well reviewed Sony/Minolta repair shop.

If it has been stored for so long, the internal battery, which maintains the settings etc and is charged from the main battery, is probably defunct.

I am not sure, but have you played with the camera manual setting ? if you did you should change the shutter speed to a higher level (if you have used the manual mode) but if you use the automatic mode and the light around you was low the shutter speed will be automatically low so the camera could give you a better picture be lowering the shutter speed so it could have the enough time to collect the light (that's why the snapping is slow) so try to increase the iso or the av (lowering the av's number) hopefully, I have helped you

You can get rechargeable CR5 battery and you will need a battery charger as well.Check out this WEB site.http://www.nextag.com/cr5-battery-rechargeable/shop-html

Is this an auto focus lens? Most shift lenses are manual focus. Also, because they shift, they can generally only be used on manual not he auto settings. If the contacts are not on the back of the lens then it will on communicate with the body

The af/manual switch is located on the side of the mirror box. However, this model was notorious for failure of the auto focus motor. Also check the lens to make sure the focus moves smoothly (take off camera)

It uses a 2CR5 battery, which should be available at most electronics or office-supply stores. An online source is at http://www.batteriesplus.com/product/31018-RAYRL2CR5--1-Lithium-Battery/563-0/4739-Film-Camera-Battery/56279-Minolta/Maxxum-400si.aspx It has a Minolta A-mount lens. Any of the newer Minolta (and some Sony) lenses may be used. The older Minolta lenses for the SRT-series cannot be used.

Any strange shaped specific battery has multiple commercial batteries inside that are spot welded to each other. The interior can be replaced with new rechargeable commercial batteries if necessary.

Did you push down the lever on the side of mirror box to switch it to manual focus? If so and it is still not going into manual focus, then the switch may be damaged (bent switch contacts etc.). You can check the switch by removing the bottom and front covers. Beware of loose parts!

Well, I'm sure you figured it out by now, but typically there is a small red dot on the lens, near the connecting ring... This lines up with a similar dot on the camera. There is only one way the lens will go on, and still have auto-focus and other functions be able to be controlled by the camera.Sometimes, when someone is handling a lens, it is possible to move the lock ring. This will keep the lens from engaging at all, with the camera. Try that area. Doc

You may download a copy of the manual from here.

You should be able to find a 2CR5 battery at any good electronics store (like a Radio Shack, for example). Another source is here.

Hi Doug,Get the manual by just clicking here.Happy holidays!Hope this helps.Thanks!