The Maxxum GT SLR camera, manufactured by Minolta in the 2000s, is characterised by its user-friendliness and numerous automatic functions, which made it particularly attractive for beginners.
In the United States, the Maxxum GT was mainly distributed, with a variant called "Minolta Maxxum 3" also available there. In Europe, photographers could purchase the model as the Minolta Dynax 3L.
Different lenses can be used with this camera, as it has a connection for interchangeable lenses. There are a variety of exciting lenses compatible with the Minolta A-bayonet mount.
The camera's built-in automatic focusing system is particularly useful in dark situations as it assists in focusing with the focusing light. If desired, there is also the option to focus manually.
Exposure meter
A light meter is an essential feature of this camera. It is specifically designed for use with film with sensitivities from ISO 25 to ISO 5000. When using the flash, ISO 25 and ISO 1000 are supported. The DX code on the film cartridge allows the film speed of the inserted film to be read out.
Exposure modes
An automatic exposure mode is available on this camera. In programme automatic mode, the aperture and shutter speed are set automatically. The shutter speed can take values from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds, while the aperture depends on the lens used.
In addition to programme automatic, the camera offers various scene modes for portraits, portraits at night, close-ups, landscapes and sports photos.
There is no manual setting option on this model.
Built-in flash and flash connector
This camera is equipped with a built-in flash whose guide number is 12. At an ISO setting of 100, the maximum range of the flash is up to 4 metres. Various flash modes are available, including auto flash, auto flash with red-eye reduction, fill-in flash, fill-in flash with red-eye reduction and flash cancel. In addition, an external flash can be connected. The sync speed is 1/90 second.
The Minolta Maxxum GT is equipped with a self-timer that has a lead time of 10 seconds. On the bottom of the housing there is a thread for mounting on a tripod.
With dimensions of 12.7 x 8.7 x 6.05 cm, the Minolta Maxxum GT weighs 310 grams without lens. The body is one of the smallest SLR cameras manufactured by Minolta.
Batteries for the camera
The camera is powered by two CR2 batteries (eBay / Amazon*), which are still readily available today. The battery capacity depends on the usage. If the flash is used for 50 per cent of the shots, one set of batteries can be used for 14 rolls of film with 24 pictures each.
Films for the Minolta Maxxum GTL
The Minolta Maxxum GT is designed for 35mm format. There are still films for the 35mm format that are readily available and can be used with this camera.
Various photo films are available for this Japanese SLR camera from online retailers. For example, the Ilford HP5* for impressive black and white pictures and the Kodak Portra 400* for brilliant colour pictures. Both films are recommended in test reports for their wide range of applications.
Colour films can be developed in the C-41 process, which is offered by most professional photo labs. In Germany, the development of colour films is also possible at well-known drugstores. For the development of black and white films, a special black and white developer is needed.
Film transport
The Minolta Maxxum GT is equipped with an exposure range in 35 mm format of 24 mm x 36 mm. Thanks to the motorised film advance function, the film is automatically advanced after each exposure. The camera can take approximately 1.7 pictures per second. As soon as the film is fully exposed, it is automatically wound back into the cartridge. The duration of this process is about 8 seconds for a 24-frame film.
Value of the camera
The current value of the camera depends, of course, on the fact that it is no longer manufactured and is only available second-hand. The actual purchase or sale price may vary depending on condition, functionality and accessories included.
