Another fart from the mind of Minolta. They have removed the body based AF
illuminator (as on the Maxxum 9 and 7 and most older Maxxums). Instead the
flash will be used to help the AF. But, once the flash is used for AF, flash is
also activated for the shot (I believe from the manual, Maxxum 5 owners please
confirm).

So, if you need AF assist, but you don't want flash, you're screwed (as on the
Maxxum 5).

You might say "Well, if you need flash to focus, then you need flash for the
shot." but this of course is simply not so. Exposures below -1 EV or so do not
need flash, just more time...

Cheers,
Alan

http://kmpi.konicaminolta.us/eprise/...D?mDetail=Faqs
Question: Is the Maxxum 7D equipped with AF illuminator?
Answer: Yes. This model employs an AF illuminator function by built-in flash
firing. (Flash must be raised by hand.) When using an external flash which
employs AF illuminator function, the AF illuminator of the external flash functions.

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