The Minolta Maxxum 3xi is a 35mm camera and belongs to the Xi series. It belongs to the SLR group and was introduced in the early 1990s. In Europe, it was marketed as the Minolta Dynax 3xi. In Japan, the camera was available to male and female photographers as the Minolta Alpha 3xi. There was also a Quartz Date variant with the ability to imprint the time of day during shooting into the photos.
The lenses of the 35mm camera are interchangeable. Lenses with a Minolta A bayonet are used. An autofocus system is built into the 35 mm camera for focusing the lens. However, it is also possible to adjust the focus manually.
There are also automatic features for exposure. For example, the exposure 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 flash’s output reaches up to 12 meters at ISO 100, but an external flash can also be connected. There is a self-timer for group shots. 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 Maxxum 3xi
The Minolta Maxxum 3xi is loaded with 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. The film should be in a sensitivity range of ISO 25 to ISO 5000.
Easily obtainable photo films for the Minolta Maxxum 3xi are the Kodak Gold 200* for color shots and the Ilford Delta 100* for black and white shots. Quite a few other manufacturers also produce films 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 | Europe: Minolta Dynax 3xi, Japan: Minolta Alpha 3xi |
| Estimated value / Used price | 42,03 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 9 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 38,03 Euro (41.13 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 29,79 Euro (31.39 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 45,42 Euro (48.71 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Maxxum 3xi
What type of camera is the Minolta Maxxum 3xi, and what is its focusing system like?
It's a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It features an autofocus system for convenient focusing, but also allows for manual focus adjustment for greater control.
How does the exposure system of this SLR camera work, and what are its limitations?
The camera offers automatic, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and manual exposure modes. Shutter speeds range from 1/2000th of a second to 30 seconds, plus a bulb mode for long exposures.
What is the range of film speeds compatible with the Minolta Dynax 3xi, and what happens if the DX code is missing?
It supports films with ISO sensitivities from 25 to 5000. If the DX code is missing from the film cartridge, the camera automatically sets the ISO to 100.
Does the Minolta Alpha 3xi have a built-in flash, and what are its capabilities regarding external flash units and accessories?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with a range of up to 12 meters at ISO 100. It also allows for the use of an external flash and includes a self-timer for group shots.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Minolta Maxxum 3xi body without lens or battery?
The camera body weighs 420 grams and its dimensions are 14.6 x 9.2 x 6.4 cm.