The Minolta Maxxum XTsi is a 35 mm autofocus SLR camera manufactured by the Japanese company Minolta. The camera came onto the market in 1998 and was mainly sold in the USA. The Maxxum XTsi features date imprinting, which allows the photographer to print the date and time of a photo on the image. The camera also has a panorama mode for taking fake-panorama shots.
One of the most important features of the Maxxum XTsi is its interchangeable lens system, which is compatible with Minolta A-mount lenses. The camera has a penta-mirror viewfinder that displays 90% of the image and a built-in light meter that can detect the ISO range of the film from 25 to 5000 when using the DX automatic encoding system. Manually, the light meter can be set to ISO values from 6 to 6400.
The camera offers a variety of shooting modes that include programmed modes for sports, landscape, portrait, macro and night photography, as well as a fully automatic mode, a preferred shutter speed mode and a preferred aperture mode. The Maxxum XTsi also has a built-in flash with a guide number of 12 that can be used as an autofocus assist light. External flash units from Minolta can also be attached to the camera.
The Maxxum XTsi has a self-timer and a tripod socket for stable shooting, as well as a multiple exposure mode. The camera is powered by two CR2 lithium batteries (eBay / Amazon*) and can take about 400 photos with one set of batteries, depending on the use of the flash. An additional CR2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is required for date imprinting.
The camera body is relatively light, weighing 385 grams without lens, film and batteries, and measures 135 x 90 x 60 mm. The Maxxum XTsi is designed to use 35-mm film and can shoot 2 frames per second in continuous shooting mode.
Films for the Minolta Maxxum XTsi
For those who want to use film, there are a variety of options that include colour films such as Kodak Gold 200* and black-and-white films such as Ilford Delta 100*. According to reviews, these films give good results in most everyday shooting situations, although photographers can also use films from other manufacturers. The camera exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm, which allows about 36 shots per roll of film.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 2 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta A mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/4000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 5000 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Date imprinting | Yes |
| Panorama function | Yes |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 0 to 12 Meter / 0 to 39.37 Feet |
| Flash Connection | Connection for Minolta flash units |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x CR2 batteries |
| Battery capacity | circa 408 pictures |
| Size | 13,5 x 9 x 6,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.31 x 3.54 x 2.40 inches |
| Weight | 385 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Europe: Minolta Dynax 505si Super QD, Japan: Minolta Alpha Sweet |
| Country of production | Malaysia |
| Estimated value / Used price | 98,33 Euro 1721549279283160231071110 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 19, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 98,00 Euro (106.08 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Maxxum XTsi
What kind of focusing system does the Minolta Maxxum XTsi employ?
The Minolta Maxxum XTsi uses an autofocus system. This allows for quick and accurate focusing, making it easier to capture sharp images.
Does this 35mm SLR camera offer different shooting modes?
Yes, it provides various shooting modes including programmed modes for different scenarios (sports, landscapes, portraits etc.), aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and fully automatic mode.
What type of film does the Minolta Maxxum XTsi use and how many shots per roll?
It's designed for 35mm film and offers approximately 36 exposures per roll, a standard size for this type of film.
Can I use external flash units with the Minolta Maxxum XTsi?
Yes, it supports external Minolta flash units and also features a built-in flash with a guide number of 12, that can also be used as an autofocus assist beam.
What is the weight of the camera body without accessories?
The Minolta Maxxum XTsi camera body weighs approximately 385 grams without the lens, film, and batteries. This makes it relatively lightweight and easy to handle.
I have an XTsi camera and need the owners manual