The Minolta Dynax 3xi is a 35mm camera and part of the xi series. It belongs to the group of SLR cameras and was introduced in the early 1990s. In the US, it was marketed as the Minolta Maxxum 3xi. In Japan, the camera was available as Minolta Alpha 3xi. In addition, there was a Quartz Date variant with the ability to imprint the time of capture in the photos.
The lenses of the 35mm camera are interchangeable. Lenses with a Minolta A bayonet are used. For focusing the lens, an autofocus system was built into the 35mm photo camera. However, there is also the possibility to adjust the focus manually.
When it comes to exposure, there are also automatics. For example, the light meter can automatically select aperture and shutter speed. There is also one mode each where aperture or shutter speed are selected by the photographer and the camera automatically sets the other value. A manual mode is also available. In this, the aperture can be set freely, depending on the lens. For the shutter speed, there is a choice between values of 1/2000 second and 30 seconds. Additionally, there is a bulb mode for long exposures.
The exposure meter is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 5000. The film speed is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge. If this code is not present, the automatic system automatically sets ISO 100.
In low light conditions, the camera’s built-in flash can be used. According to the manual, the power of the flash reaches up to 12 meters at ISO 100, but an external flash can also be connected. There is a self-timer for group pictures. The camera can also be mounted on a tripod for this purpose.
The housing without lens and battery weighs 420 grams and measures 14.6 x 9.2 x 6.4 cm. Power is supplied by a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This battery can be purchased online. One battery charge is enough for a little more than 1400 pictures.
Films for the Minolta Dynax 3xi
The Minolta Dynax 3xi requires 35mm film. The camera comes with an automatic film transport. Suitable film material can be conveniently ordered online. Depending on the film, 36 images usually fit on one roll of film.
Available photo films for the Minolta Dynax 3xi that are easy to get are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color shots and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for B&W shots. A good number of other manufacturers also produce film for this format. So there is great film material from Foma, Fujifilm, Lomography or even Rollei.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta A mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 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 | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 1 to 12 Meter / 3.28 to 39.37 Feet |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Size | 14,6 x 9,2 x 6,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.75 x 3.62 x 2.52 inches |
| Weight | 420 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta Maxxum 3xi, Japan: Minolta Alpha 3xi |
| Estimated value / Used price | 55,54 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 81 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 45,17 Euro (48.71 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 53,31 Euro (57.37 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 54,02 Euro (58.45 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Dynax 3xi
What type of camera is the Minolta Dynax 3xi, and what is its focusing system like?
It's a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It features an autofocus system, but manual focus is also an option, offering flexibility to the user.
Does the Minolta Maxxum 3xi (as it was known in the US) have automatic exposure modes, and if so, what are they?
Yes, it offers several automatic exposure modes. These include fully automatic mode (choosing both aperture and shutter speed), aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and a manual mode for complete control.
What is the range of shutter speeds available on this 35mm camera, and what about the ISO range?
The shutter speed ranges from 1/2000th of a second to 30 seconds, plus a bulb mode for long exposures. The ISO range is 25 to 5000, automatically detecting DX code or defaulting to ISO 100.
How does the built-in flash perform, and what other flash options are there?
The built-in flash has a range up to 12 meters at ISO 100. An external flash can also be attached for more powerful or versatile lighting.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Minolta Alpha 3xi (as it was called in Japan), excluding lens and battery?
The camera measures 14.6 x 9.2 x 6.4 cm and weighs 420 grams without the lens and battery.