The Minolta Maxxum 300si is an SLR camera from Minolta. It was introduced by the Japanese manufacturer in the mid-1990s. In Germany, there was a functionally identical model as the Dynax 300si. In the USA it was also sold to photographers as the Maxxum RZ300si. The RZ300si was sold exclusively through the photo retailer Ritz Camera. In addition, there was a version of the Maxxum 300si with the option of date imprinting.
The camera comes with a Minolta A bayonet. There is a selection of lenses for this mount. Among them are fixed focal length and zoom lenses. The kit lens was normally a 35mm-70mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom lens. The 35mm camera does not require manual focusing. The Japanese 35mm camera has an autofocus system. The focus can also be adjusted manually. You switch between manual and automatic mode with a slider on the front.
Aperture and shutter speed cannot be set manually. The Maxxum 300si only has a programme automatic that sets both values automatically. The exposure meter is designed for an ISO range of 25 to 5000. The correct sensitivity is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge. If this code is not present, the camera technology sets a value of ISO 100. The exposure modes include one each for portraits, landscapes, close-ups, sports and night shots.
There is a built-in flash for low-light shooting. The flash has a charging time of about two seconds. It can be used automatically if desired, triggered with each shot or switched off. There is also a mode to prevent red-eye in the pictures. In addition, a Minolta plug-in flash can also be connected via the connection on the top.
The camera has a thread for a tripod on the bottom of the body. There is also a self-timer. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds.
With a size of 14.7 x 10.1 x 6.8 cm, the Minolta Maxxum 300si weighs 380 grams according to the instruction manual. The power source of the 35mm camera is a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). This battery can easily be bought online. One battery charge is enough for about 600 pictures.
Films for the Minolta Maxxum 300si
The Minolta Maxxum 300si was built for 35mm format. 35mm films are still produced today and can also still be purchased without any problems. In principle, you can use any film, but the film should have DX encoding and be in the sensitivity range of ISO 25 to ISO 5000.
Available photo films for the Minolta Maxxum 300si that are readily available online are the Ilford Delta 100* for magical black and white images and the Kodak Gold 200* for brilliant colour images. Other films are available from suppliers such as Lomography, Rollei, Adox, Fujifilm or Foma.
The exposure range of the Japanese 35 mm camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. An ordinary 35 mm film holds about 36 frames at this size. The film is automatically transported by a motor in the 35 mm camera. You can take about 1 picture per second with the camera. There is an extra mode for continuous shooting.
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 |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 5000 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash modes | Fill-in flash, Red-eye reduction |
| 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 | 14,7 x 10,1 x 6,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.79 x 3.98 x 2.68 inches |
| Weight | 380 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta Maxxum RZ300si, Europe: Minolta Dynax 300si |
| Estimated value / Used price | 39,62 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 7 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 29,54 Euro (31.39 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 30,79 Euro (32.47 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 36,81 Euro (38.97 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Maxxum 300si
What type of focusing system does the Minolta Maxxum 300si utilize?
The camera features an autofocus system, but it also allows for manual focusing adjustment using a slider on the front. This offers flexibility for different shooting situations.
Can I manually control aperture and shutter speed on this 35mm camera?
No, the Minolta Maxxum 300si only offers program auto mode. Both aperture and shutter speed are automatically set by the camera.
What is the film format and approximate shot capacity of the Minolta Maxxum 300si?
It uses standard 35mm film and holds approximately 36 exposures per roll. The film is automatically advanced by a motor.
Does the Minolta Maxxum 300si have a built-in flash, and what are its features?
Yes, it includes a built-in flash with a two-second recharge time. It offers auto flash, forced flash, flash-off modes, and red-eye reduction.
What kind of lens mount does this SLR camera use, and what are some lens options?
The Minolta Maxxum 300si uses a Minolta A-bayonet mount. A variety of lenses are available, including both zoom and prime lenses, with the kit lens typically being a 35-70mm zoom.