Minolta Drive 1 and Power Grip 2

[Duceman]

I've been on the lookout for a working Power Grip 2, and one popped up on FB Marketplace that seemed to be in great condition and also had both cords. It arrived a couple weeks back, but I haven't had time to play with it until just now.

I'm not gonna lie to you... this thing is an unwieldly beast! But at the same time, I like it. I'm by no means a professional photographer, so like most of my purchases, acquiring this was mostly for fun, and to compliment the Minolta Drive 1 for my X-series Minolta SLR's.

While I do have the 360PX, I opted for the bit smaller 280PX, but did mount the MD 135 1:2 lens.

I had a blast going through a roll of film with it already in "P" mode... which only took a few minutes from start to end. BUT.... with so many switches and controls, one needs to be paying attention. For example, halfway through the roll I switched to a 50mm MD lens.... but forgot to lock it at f/22, so those shots may end up being a little overexposed. Oh well.

 

[xkaes]

If the Power Grip 2 is like the original Power Grip -- and I assume that it is -- you can place it on the other side of the camera, which makes the setup much less of a beast, and allows you to easily use the camera shutter speed dial and Motor Drive 1 controls.

 

[Paul Howell]

If you really want a beast, get a Minolta 9000 it is the only AF pro body with a separate motor drive, it takes 12 AA. I have both the drive and the winder which takes 4 AA. The drive is 5.5 FPS, with fresh lithium might be a little faster. I also have the drive and winder for the X700, I really like the drive, fits my hand really well, good balance.

 

[Duceman]

-- you can place it on the other side of the camera,

Yes, it is ambidextrous. However, I'm too used to focusing with my left and firing with my right.

 

[Duceman]

If you really want a beast...

Well, I never said it was the only unwieldly beast out there...

I also have the drive and winder for the X700, I really like the drive, fits my hand really well, good balance.

I agree... the Motor Drive 1 is a nice part of kit.

 

[xkaes]

Yes, it is ambidextrous. However, I'm too used to focusing with my left and firing with my right.

I certainly understand that. I use my Power Grip I on the left and keep my left hand under the lens -- just as I do when the Power Grip is not attached. And my right is on the camera's shutter release -- or the Motor Drive I shutter release.

So with the Power grip on the left, nothing really changes, but if it on the right, it's a nuisance to make changes to the camera's shutter speed dial or the Motor Drive I dial -- I have several cameras that use the Motor Drive I, and none of them are Minolta's.