My old but perfectly functional Minolta SLR Camera Maxxum 5000i has
got into a manual focus mode ("M.FOCUS")and I can't get it back into
autofocus mode. (I am no expert). It has a Tokina 35-200mm lens. I see
the camera  has a sliding switch on the front left labelled AF/M
(meaning Autofocus/Manual ??? I wonder), but it isn't getting me back
into Autofocus mode.   How do I get back to autofocus mode or is my
camera broken?

Howdy mikalllll-ga,

It appears your camera might need fixing.  The following is from page 22
of the manual for your camera:

"While either autofocus or manual focus can be selected, autofocus is the
Maxxum 5000i's standard operating mode and is set whenever the camera is
switched on.

To shift between manual and autofocus modes during operation, slide the
focus mode switch down.  When the camera is set to manual focus, M. FOCUS
is displayed in the data panel."

So, if the camera does not turn on in autofocus mode, there is obviously
a problem.  You have correctly identified the focus mode switch on your
camera.  However, there is a troubleshooting section on page 46 of the
manual that has a few things that you can try first.

"...
PROBLEM
Autofocus does not work ...

SOLUTION
- Attach lens so it locks in place with a click.
- Use focus mode switch to set AF mode.
- Use manual focus.
- Slide and hold macro release, then turn zooming grip back into zoom range.
..."

Yes, I know that the third "solution" above is not much help.  In addition,
you might want to try changing out the lense if you have another, and see if
your current lense might have a damaged focus ring, etc.

To view the manuals yourself, you can go to this Konica Minolta web page.
http://kmpi.konicaminolta.us/eprise/main/kmpi/content/cam/cam_SupportCenter/Support_Manual

Once there, select "Film Cameras" from the "Choose a Category" area and then
select "Maxxum 5000i" in the "Choose a Model" area, then click "GO."

You will need to have the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe to read the manuals.
If you do not already have it, there is a link to it on the manual page that
is produced from the above model selection process, or you go to the Adobe
download section through this link.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

The manual for your camera is in two parts, with the section covering
the autofocus/manual focus functions in the first part, and the
troubleshooting
section in the second part.

The files are relatively large, and as you might want to have the manual for
future reference, you might want to follow their instructions on downloading
the files to your computer.

If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

Went to the Konica Minolta web site.
http://konicaminolta.com/

I then went to the Support/Download section.
http://konicaminolta.com/support/index.html

I went to the U.S.A. Digital Cameras section as that is the only camera
section they have.
http://kmpi.konicaminolta.us/eprise/main/kmpi/content/support

I selected "Manuals" there, which lead to the model selection area outlined
above.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Thank you. Precisely what I was after.

My pleasure mikalllll-ga, and much thanks for the 5 star rating.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher