Minolta Dynax 3xi (1991–)
Minolta introduced the Dynax 3xi in 1991 as part of the xi series, a family of entry-level autofocus SLRs. In North America it was sold as the Maxxum 3xi, and in Japan as the α 3xi. It's a 35mm autofocus SLR with a plastic body, available in black, built around the AF-mount lens system. The kit lens was typically a 35-80mm f4-5.6 zoom.
Documentation on this model is thin. The known specs describe a capable beginner's camera: a vertical metal focal-plane shutter running from 30 seconds to 1/2000s plus bulb, DX film-speed sensing from ISO 25 to 5000, TTL exposure metering, and automatic motorized film advance. Dimensions are 147 x 91 x 50 mm. Weight varies between sources - 441g and 420g are both cited by European dealers.
Owner commentary, mostly from Russian-language forums, is more candid about the handling. The body is small and light - one user noted it feels lighter than budget Sony DSLRs like the A290. The grip draws real criticism. It's described as terribly uncomfortable, with a thick handle and a shutter release positioned so far from the body edge that it's nearly unreachable. The top display is very small. The viewfinder is described as "very small and dark," showing almost no information beyond an autofocus confirmation light. The mode dial offers PASM (Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual), but the control method is unusual. Instead of a control wheel in front of the shutter button (as found on later Sony DSLRs), the 3xi uses a slider that must be nudged repeatedly to change settings. Holding it doesn't work, only stepping a third of a stop at a time. One user who came from Zenit cameras felt the xi series "seemed like decent cameras" by comparison, and noted the related 5xi handled proper frost without issue.
Kamerastore, a European dealer, describes it as an "Autofocus AF-mount 35mm SLR camera" and dates its introduction to 1991, a date corroborated across multiple listings. Analog Space notes the built-in flash has a guide number of 12 and doubles as an autofocus aid. A system flash connector is also present. The camera has predictive phase-detection AF with an "ASZ" auto-set-zoom option. No original retail price survives in the record, and the production end year is unconfirmed.
Today the Dynax 3xi circulates as an inexpensive entry point into film photography. European dealers list it at €39 - €50. Autofocus and auto-loading make it beginner-friendly, even if the ergonomics take some patience. Printed manual reproductions are still sold.
- Type: 35mm autofocus SLR, AF-mount
- Shutter: vertical metal focal plane, 30s–1/2000s + B
- ISO: DX 25–5000
- Exposure: TTL
- Film advance: automatic motorized
- Flash: built-in GN 12, system flash connector
- Size: 147 x 91 x 50 mm
- Weight: 420–441g (sources vary)
- Introduced: 1991
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