The Minolta Dynax 5xi is a 35mm camera from the 1990s. It was sold to photographers in Europe. In the USA it was sold as the Minolta Maxxum 5xi. In Japan, the camera was sold as Minolta Alpha 5xi.
The lens can of course be exchanged. Lenses with a Minolta A bayonet can be used. A large number of lenses were produced for this mount. They cover most focal lengths and thus areas of application. As with today’s DSLRs, this camera also comes with an autofocus system. It adjusts the focus automatically. For focusing in low light, the camera is equipped with a light.
The Minolta Dynax 5xi comes with several automatic exposure settings. For example, the camera can set shutter speed and aperture automatically in programme automatic. An aperture or time preselection is also available. Exposure compensation can be used in all modes. The sensitivity is automatically set via the coding on the film cartridge. Film sensitivities ISO 25 to ISO 5000 are supported. If the coding is missing, the automatic system sets ISO 100.
A manual exposure mode is also available. Here, shutter speed and aperture can be freely selected. The shutter speed can be set between 1/2000 second and 30 seconds. There is also a bulb mode for long exposures.
The camera comes with a built-in flash. There is also a self-timer with a lead time of ten seconds. There is also a thread for a tripod.
The camera weighs 525 grams without the lens and measures 15.2 x 9.9 x 6.8 cm. The power source of the SLR camera is a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). You can easily buy this battery online.
Films for the Minolta Dynax 5xi
What film format is the Minolta Dynax 5xi designed for? The camera needs films for the 35mm format. Perfect films for black and white or colour images are the Kodak T-Max 100* and the Fujifilm Superia 400*. Both films deliver reliable results and can also convince in professional test reports. Of course, there is a wide range of other 35mm films for this camera. There is material from Ilford, Foma, Adox or Lomography.
The negatives of the 35mm camera have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is transported automatically after each exposure. You can take about 1 picture per second with the camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 1 |
| 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 |
| Exposure compensation | ± 4EV (0,5EV to) |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | Connection for Minolta flash units |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x 2CR5 battery |
| Size | 15,2 x 9,9 x 6,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.98 x 3.90 x 2.68 inches |
| Weight | 525 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta Maxxum 5xi, Japan: Minolta Alpha 5xi |
| Estimated value / Used price | 48,88 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 39 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 46,92 Euro (49.79 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 47,96 Euro (50.87 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 51,48 Euro (55.20 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Dynax 5xi
What type of film does this 35mm camera use?
The Minolta Dynax 5xi uses standard 35mm film, both color and black and white. Many brands are compatible, including Kodak, Fujifilm, Ilford, and more.
Does the Minolta Dynax 5xi have automatic focusing?
Yes, it features an autofocus system for convenient shooting. A built-in light assists focusing in low-light conditions.
What are the camera's manual exposure controls like?
The camera offers full manual control, allowing you to select both shutter speed and aperture independently. Shutter speeds range from 1/2000th of a second to 30 seconds, plus a bulb mode.
What is the weight and size of this SLR camera?
Without a lens, the Minolta Dynax 5xi weighs 525 grams and measures 15.2 x 9.9 x 6.8 cm. It's a relatively compact and lightweight SLR.
Can I use different lenses with this device?
Yes, the Minolta Dynax 5xi uses Minolta A-mount lenses. A wide variety of lenses are available, covering most focal lengths and shooting scenarios.