Minolta Maxxum AF lenses with Sony Alpha SLR bodies?

[Viseguy]

Back in the '80s and '90s, I was into the Minolta Maxxum autofocus SLRs. I still have a pretty nice collection of AF lenses (listed below), and I understand that they are supposed to work with the Sony Alpha digital SLR bodies. Anyone here have actual experience using Maxxum AF lenses with Alpha bodies? Can you tell me how well they work? Are they totally compatible? Any plusses or, more important, minuses?

I still have my three Maxxum SLR bodies: 7000, 9000 (which was my favorite), and the 9xi. Does anyone still use these film cameras, and is there a market for these camera bodies? (I haven't used them in 15+ years and have no idea if they still work, or if batteries are still available for them.)

Thanks in advance for any info. you can provide.

Here are my lenses:

Minolta AF lenses
50mm f/1.7
50mm f/2.8 Macro
28mm f/2.8
85mm f/1.4
135mm f/2.8

Sigma AF lenses for Maxxum
24mm f/2.8
35-135mm f/3.5-4.5
70-210mm f/3.5-4.5 APO
400mm f/5.6

Tokina AF Lens for Maxxum
28-70mm f/2.8 (constant aperture)

 

[shm]

I am a user of Minolta cameras as well and am currently using a Dynax 7D (Maxxum 7D in the US).

When Sony took over I thought it was the end and I had to start all over again with a new brand.
I then spoke to my local photo shop and they said that I can use all my AF lenses on the Alpha series without problems as the lens-mount didn't change.

When I got my DSLR the only thing that was different to my analog cameras was the placement of the digital sensor compared to where the film was, so the lens focal length had to be multiplied by 1.6 (as I recall).
I haven't asked if this also apply for the Alpha series, but my guess would be, that it does.

I haven't bought an Alpha body yet, because at the time (about 1½-2 years ago) the ones in my price range was on the small side to hold comfortably. I would really like a body in the same size as the 7D or the 700si, otherwise I could just as well buy a good compact camera.
I have just noticed that Sony has released some new Alpha body's, so a trip to the photo shop once again might be in order

If I don't buy any shaving stuff for the next 6 months, I should have the money for a body - and yes, I also believe in Santa

 

[Viseguy]

Søren, thanks. My go-to camera now is a Nikon D90 with two lenses, but I have all these other lenses from my Minolta days sitting in a cabinet, so an Alpha body would make sense. One of these days I may buy a used one, just to test the waters. If you ever get one, let me know how it works out with your Minolta lenses.

 

[djh]

Søren, thanks. My go-to camera now is a Nikon D90 with two lenses, but I have all these other lenses from my Minolta days sitting in a cabinet, so an Alpha body would make sense. One of these days I may buy a used one, just to test the waters. If you ever get one, let me know how it works out with your Minolta lenses.

Why not grab a couple of rolls of film and shoot with one of your Minolta cameras again? I have gotten the film bug again and I'm developing b/w at home in both 35mm and Medium Format. It is a heckuvalot of fun.

 

[rickboone1]

Yes, lenses will work great with your Sony DSLR.

 

[Legion]

Most Minolta AF lenses will work, although your focal lengths will look different, of course. Some Sigma, Tamron, ETC may not.

I recently started working in photographic retail again , and I have been quite impressed by the features of the new Sony Alpha's. I think they are a very viable option if you are looking for a new SLR. If you got yourself something like an A57 with the standard wide zoom, and then see how you minolta lens takes care of the telephoto end, that might be a good way to go.

 

[Valerius]

Lenses work well with Sony cameras. If you buy the full-size sensor you have the same focal length as when using your film cameras. Otherwise you have to multiply the length with 1.5. Have you checked the new film, positive and negative, launched during the last years. Today Fuji have really good ones, I would suggest you to give them a try.

 

[shm]

Most Minolta AF lenses will work, although your focal lengths will look different, of course. Some Sigma, Tamron, ETC may not.

I recently started working in photographic retail again , and I have been quite impressed by the features of the new Sony Alpha's. I think they are a very viable option if you are looking for a new SLR. If you got yourself something like an A57 with the standard wide zoom, and then see how you minolta lens takes care of the telephoto end, that might be a good way to go.

I have just been visiting Sony's web site (quick look) and the A57 sounds good, maybe the A65 too and I think I'll just check out the specs on the A77 as well, although it is a little more pricey.

 

[legrandfromage]

I can't comment on the Minolta/Sony issue directly, but as a Pentax user (all Pentax lenses can be used on current bodies) I sometimes use my old film leness on the digital bodies. I think that the quality and/or "look" of the pictures taken with the older lenses differs from lens to lens and depends on how that particular lens interacts with the sensor.

 

[Viseguy]

Thanks, guys. It's great to hear that the Maxxum lenses work well. I did a little reading and the A57 sounds like a great choice, though I can't tell if it has a full-size sensor or not (probably not a deal-breaker for me anyway). It's about twice as much money as I was hoping to spend, just to dip my toe in the water, but it might be worth it to save up for a while and eventually go for it. I'd really like to know if my Tokina 28-70mm will work with this body as it makes a great all-purpose standard lens.

Why not grab a couple of rolls of film and shoot with one of your Minolta cameras again? I have gotten the film bug again and I'm developing b/w at home in both 35mm and Medium Format. It is a heckuvalot of fun.

Have you checked the new film, positive and negative, launched during the last years. Today Fuji have really good ones, I would suggest you to give them a try.

Please, don't get me (re-)started. But, actually, film isn't a priority for me these days. I'm much more into digital: the post-processing games you can play, at no cost; and, especially, the ability to share pictures with anyone, anywhere, at the click of a mouse. Sharing is the name of the game, for me.

Speaking of sharing, here's the picture I entered in the NY Times Moment in Time project on May 2, 2010, where people around the world submitted photos taken at 15:00 hours UTC on that date. Did anyone else here participate?

 

[Legion]

Thanks, guys. It's great to hear that the Maxxum lenses work well. I did a little reading and the A57 sounds like a great choice, though I can't tell if it has a full-size sensor or not (probably not a deal-breaker for me anyway). It's about twice as much money as I was hoping to spend, just to dip my toe in the water, but it might be worth it to save up for a while and eventually go for it. I'd really like to know if my Tokina 28-70mm will work with this body as it makes a great all-purpose standard lens.





Please, don't get me (re-)started. But, actually, film isn't a priority for me these days. I'm much more into digital: the post-processing games you can play, at no cost; and, especially, the ability to share pictures with anyone, anywhere, at the click of a mouse. Sharing is the name of the game, for me.

Speaking of sharing, here's the picture I entered in the NY Times Moment in Time project on May 2, 2010, where people around the world submitted photos taken at 15:00 hours UTC on that date. Did anyone else here participate?

The A57 does not have a full sized sensor. That is usually only reserved for the top pro models. Your Tokina might work, take it into a shop and try it. It will probably not be wide enough for you on that camera. You would need something starting at 18mm to get the same field of view as the 28mm give you on a film camera.

 

[Viseguy]

The A57 does not have a full sized sensor. That is usually only reserved for the top pro models. Your Tokina might work, take it into a shop and try it. It will probably not be wide enough for you on that camera. You would need something starting at 18mm to get the same field of view as the 28mm give you on a film camera.

Yes, I was thinking I'd better take some of these lenses to the camera shop and see in person how they work (or don't). Thanks for the info. on full-size.