Minolta Alpha Sweet II: Centre / Spot focus...?

winjeel · Jun 4, 2010

I just got a Minolta Alpha Sweet II, here in Japan. I don't know what the North American / European name of it would've been, if it was released there. But I have a slight problem with it. The auto-focus system is annoying. I don't like how it chooses where it wants to focus. I've worked out everything else (except the Custom Settings), but how do I set it to centre focus only?

hoffy · Jun 4, 2010

Howdy,

The sweet II is the same as Maxxum/Dynax 5.

If you are ever after any Minolta AF info, check out http://www.mhohner.de/sony-minolta/bodies.php#film

Back to your camera. According to the chart, it has 7 focus points. Not being familiar with this particular camera, if its like its big brother, if it has a round pad on the back, you should be able to use this. I am not sure who may have the manual, but do a google search and you should find it (Konica Minolta used to still have the manuals online)

EDIT - Yes, here it is (check out page 68 through to 71):

http://ca.konicaminolta.com/support/manuals/film-cameras/film_af_slr/dynax_5/dynax_5_inst_e.pdf

winjeel · Jun 5, 2010

I wasn't expecting such a speedy response. Thanks so much for that. I'd already found that I can't set it to centre focus, but I need to hold the Spot AF button for that, but the manual confirms that this is the only option. Thanks so much for the help.

I was able to take it out for a spin this morning and the only qualm I have is that the settings in the view finder can be hard to see in strong light (even with sunglasses taken off).

hoffy · Jun 5, 2010

Check out the custom options. There is a way to free up your hands, by using the custom functions.

Cheers

winjeel · Jun 5, 2010

hoffy said:
Check out the custom options. There is a way to free up your hands, by using the custom functions.

Cheers

I know. I think the Alpha 7 & 9, and possibly the Sony A900 also has custom functions, too.

hoffy · Jun 5, 2010

Yes to all of the above. So does the A700 (my digi shooter).

The sweet is a good camera for what it is, in the fact that it can use the modern SSM lenses (the ones with the focus motor built into the lens). The 7 can also do this, which is the main reason I bought it. The 9 can be retrofitted, but that is a pain, as it has to be done in Germany.

winjeel · Jun 5, 2010

hoffy said:
Yes to all of the above. So does the A700 (my digi shooter).

The sweet is a good camera for what it is, in the fact that it can use the modern SSM lenses (the ones with the focus motor built into the lens). The 7 can also do this, which is the main reason I bought it. The 9 can be retrofitted, but that is a pain, as it has to be done in Germany.

I took all of that into account in my decision,b ut I didn't know the retro-fitting was done in Germany. I got the Sweet because it is physically smaller, and so it takes up less space in my bag. I've got a Sony 70-300mm G SSM lens (a fantastic lens, a little ordinary at 70mm and above 250mm, but awesome in between), so that's also why I chose the Sweet, instead of other options.

Jedidiah Smith · Jun 5, 2010

Yeah, the Maxxm 5 is one of the best designed small cameras. I have always liked the 7 better, but for a very compact unit, the 5 is quite nice. Enjoy your new rig!

winjeel · Jun 7, 2010

Jedidiah Smith said:
Yeah, the Maxxm 5 is one of the best designed small cameras. I have always liked the 7 better, but for a very compact unit, the 5 is quite nice. Enjoy your new rig!

Cheers.

Minolta Alpha Sweet II: Centre / Spot focus...?

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