The Minolta Maxxum 5xi is a 35 mm camera from the 1990s. It was sold to photographers in the USA. In Europe it was sold as the Minolta Dynax 5xi. In Japan, the camera was sold as the 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 is equipped with an autofocus system. It adjusts the focus automatically. For focusing in low light conditions, the camera is equipped with a light.
The Minolta Maxxum 5xi has several automatic exposure settings. For example, the camera can automatically set shutter speed and aperture in programme automatic. Aperture or time preselection is also possible. Exposure compensation can be used in all modes.
The sensitivity is set automatically via the coding on the film cartridge. Film sensitivities from 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 exposure time can be set between 1/2000 second and 30 seconds. There is also a bulb mode for long exposures.
The camera has 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 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 Maxxum 5xi
What film format is the Minolta Maxxum 5xi designed for? The camera requires films for the 35mm format. Ideal films for black and white or colour photography are the Kodak T-Max 400* 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 automatically transported 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 | Europe: Minolta Dynax 5xi, Japan: Minolta Alpha 5xi |
| Estimated value / Used price | 25,33 Euro 42,1437,5623,79191,4021,214123,11291,1026,09 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of January 13, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 25,00 Euro (27.06 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 25,00 Euro (27.06 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Maxxum 5xi
What type of film does this SLR camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film, offering a wide range of film options from various manufacturers for both color and black and white photography.
Does the Minolta Maxxum 5xi have interchangeable lenses?
Yes, it accepts Minolta A-mount lenses, providing a vast selection of lenses to choose from covering a broad range of focal lengths.
What is the camera's autofocus system like?
It features an automatic focusing system aided by a built-in light assist for better performance in low-light conditions.
What are the manual exposure controls like on this 35mm camera?
It offers full manual control over shutter speed and aperture, allowing for creative control of exposure, including bulb mode for long exposures.
What is the weight and size of the Minolta Maxxum 5xi?
Without a lens, it weighs 525 grams and has dimensions of 15.2 x 9.9 x 6.8 cm, making it relatively compact and portable for its features.