The Minolta Dynax SPxi is an SLR camera from the Japanese manufacturer from the 1990s. An identical model was sold in the USA as the Minolta Maxxum SPxi. There was also a model variant with the option of imprinting the shooting date in the photos.
There is a wide range of lenses available for this model. Here, the Minolta A bayonet is used. The 35mm camera has an autofocus system. However, the focus can also be adjusted manually.
There are also several automatic settings for the exposure. The sensitivity of the inserted film can be set via the DX coding on the cartridge. The automatic is designed for the values ISO 25 to ISO 5000. If there is no coding, ISO 100 is set automatically.
Aperture and shutter speed can be selected completely manually. For the shutter speed, you can choose from values from 1/2000 second to 30 seconds. For long exposures there is the variable bulb mode. The possible aperture values depend on the lens used.
In addition to the manual mode, there are three automatic modes, aperture priority, shutter speed priority and programme automatic. Either you set the aperture and shutter speed yourself and the camera technology selects the appropriate other value, or the camera selects both values to match the available light.
The Minolta Dynax SPxi has a connection for an external flash. Here you can use the appropriate flash units of the Japanese manufacturer. There is also a self-timer with a ten-second lead time and a tripod socket on the bottom of the body.
The camera weighs 385 grams. The dimensions are 14.6 x 9.1 x 6 cm. The camera requires a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This battery also supplies power to the display on the top of the housing. They are also necessary for the motor for film transport.
Films for the Minolta Dynax SPxi
What films are needed for the Minolta Dynax SPxi? The camera is designed for 35mm film. Available photo films for the SLR camera, which can be easily obtained from online retailers, are the Ilford FP4 Plus* for enchanting black and white photos and the Kodak Portra 400* for brilliant colour images. When the film is full, the films can be developed at a developing lab. Of course, there are other suitable films from other manufacturers that can be used with the Japanese camera.
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 |
| Built-in flash | No |
| 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 | 14,6 x 9,1 x 6 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.75 x 3.58 x 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 385 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta Maxxum SPxi |
| Estimated value / Used price | 57,76 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 24 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 43,64 Euro (46.54 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 52,15 Euro (56.28 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 55,83 Euro (59.53 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Dynax SPxi
What type of film does this Minolta SLR camera use?
The Minolta Dynax SPxi uses standard 35mm film. Both color and black and white films are compatible.
What is the range of shutter speeds offered by the camera?
The shutter speed ranges from 1/2000th of a second to 30 seconds, plus a bulb mode for long exposures.
Does the camera have autofocus capabilities, and if so, what options are available?
Yes, it features autofocus. Additionally, manual focus is also possible for more precise control.
Can I use external flashes with this specific model?
Yes, the Minolta Dynax SPxi has a hot shoe for connecting compatible external flashes, preferably from Minolta.
What kind of battery does the Minolta Maxxum SPxi require?
The camera requires a 2CR5 battery to power the display, motor, and other functions.