The technical stuff: Type: Single Lens Reflex Lens: Sigma 28 - 70,  Cosina 70 - 210. (Illustrated Model) Shutter: Fully auto with manual override.

I have very fond memories of my first Minolta Dynax that too was a 500si but in silver. This was issued to me by my company for field work. I was allowed to use it for personal provided I paid for the film and processing. This one came to me via a friend who is also an amateur photographer. Where he got it from I don't know, but he wasn't keen on it, he's always been a Pentax man. He gave it to me as a Christmas present a few years ago and I have used it a few times on high days and holidays. I have yet to use it outside of the auto mode because when it does go out I don't have time for being fussy. It's a case of grab a few shots and move on. I did have a problem with vignetting when I first used it but have subsequently discovered that this was down to the hood which I had on the Sigma lens, which obscured slightly at the short end of the zoom. This has now been changed. I really must get around to taking it out again when I have some time and try some more ambitious stuff in manual mode.