Camera tech data for Minolta Dynax 3xi

General
Name	Minolta Dynax 3xi , α-3xi (Japan), α-3xiP (Japan), Maxxum 3xi (USA)
Mount type	A-mount
Supported lenses	classic, xi
Release year	1991
Status	discontinued
Auto-focus
AF sensors	1 line
AF range [EV]	−1 – 18
AF modes	AF-A
AF assist light	no
Features
Eye-start	yes
Custom functions	–
Other features	–
Metering
Metering modes	8 segments
Metering range [EV] (with spot)	1 – 20 (-)
Auto Exposure Lock button	no
Exposure modes	P, A, S, M
Subject programs	–
Exposure compensation [stops] (steps [stops])	–
Flash
Flash shoe type	iISO
Accessory shoe cap	SC-1000
Flash modes	normal, red-eye reduction
Flash metering	CW-TTL
Requires D flash unit	no
Flash guide number [m]/ coverage [mm]	12/28
X-Sync speed [s]	1/90
High Speed Sync	no
Wireless flash	yes
Wireless x-sync speed [s]	1/45
Wireless HSS	no
Ratio flash control	yes
Flash exposure compensation [stops] (steps [stops])	–
Studio flash socket	no
Compatible with DR-1000	no
Viewfinder
Viewfinder type	pentamirror
Viewfinder coverage	90%
Viewfinder magnification	0.75×
Eye relief [mm]/ from frame [mm]	unknown
Screens	G (default)
Diopter adjustment [diopters]	-1
Eyepiece cup	fixed
Viewfinder accessory compatible	no
Shooting
Frame rate [fps]	1
Frame rate with AF [fps]	unknown
Shutter speed (still) [s]	30 – 1/2000, B
Timer for Bulb exposures	no
Self-timer [s]	10
Bracketing frames (stops)	–
Multiple exposures	–
Remote release socket	–
Wireless remote release	–
Release priority	no
Depth of field preview	no
Aperture can be changed during depth of field preview	no
Silent depth of field preview	no
Film features
Leader out	no
ISO override	no
IR safe	yes
Power
Batteries	1× 2CR5
Battery pack	–
Vertical grip	–
External power supply	–
Construction and accessories
Weather sealing	no
Mount material	steel
Weight [g]	420
Standard accessories	strap, body cap, batteries
Data saver	–
Date back	QD model
Misc
Comments	α P version has panorama function and date back
Reviews & links	–
Related cameras	–
Kits	–

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Readers' comments

#1: Comment posted by John G Bennetto on May 22nd, 2009 - 04:51:37 AM:
Does anyone know where I could read an on-line manual for this machine? Thanks

Michael Hohner answers:
The manual can be downloaded from here.

#2: Comment posted by Phyllis W. Mole on May 23rd, 2009 - 07:31:56 PM:
Having problem with camera focusing while in auto mode and even when shutter button is pressed camera still tries to focus and never stops focusing for picture to be taken. Can this problem be fixed????

Michael Hohner answers:

This could mean two things:

The lens aperture or the aperture connection to the body may be broken/bent. In this case you should also have a very dark viewfinder. Look into the lens from the front while it's mounted on the camera. If you can see any part of the aperture blades, there is a problem.
The camera body has a problem. In this case it would probably be cheaper and easier to just get a working body. The 3xi is really old and cheap, and there are hundreds of similar (and better) working bodies available on the second-hand market for a low price.

#3: Comment posted by Bev Marsh on July 19th, 2009 - 11:12:52 PM:
Hello, My viewfinder is dark. It said help in the areas that shows how many pictures I have left so I took the battery out. This didn't work. Could you help me? Thanks!

Michael Hohner answers:
When the viewfinder is dark, the aperture is closed. Check the aperture lever in the lens and in the body. The lever in the body may be unhinged or bent so that it does not pull open the aperture in the lens.

#4: Comment posted by Ken Bowers on October 27th, 2010 - 04:53:59 AM:
I already have the %xi manual, what i need is the instruction for the Panorama version with the extra switches on the back at the bottom ?

Michael Hohner answers:
There is not much to say about this function. The camera is in panorama mode when the switch is to the right, and it's in normal mode when it's to the left. You can check that when no film is loaded and when the back is open.

#5: Comment posted by michelle on March 7th, 2011 - 05:32:04 PM:
My camara will not auto focus but it will let me use manual. By reading the other posted comments I have decided I have an aperture problem. It does not open fully or move. How do I fix this? What can I do? How will my pictures turn out using manual?

Michael Hohner answers:
You can check the aperture lever on the camera. It's near the 3 o'clock position of the lens mount. When you can move it easily, it's unhinged or broken. Unless you can find somebody to fix this for free, I recommend the same as in #2: buy a used, working replacement body.

#6: Comment posted by Hanieh on January 29th, 2012 - 12:59:08 PM:
Hi, The lens on my Maxxum 3xi is AF POWER ZOOM 35-80mm but it's not enough for me. I've asked someone and he told me that only zoom lenses can be used on this camera and not fixed focal length lenses; is this true? Also, i've found a 28-105mm lens for my camera that i guess is better than the one i have, is this the best lens for image quality and also avoiding distortion?

Michael Hohner answers:
Almost all AF lenses from Minolta and Sony can be used with this camera. See the F.A.Q. for details.

#7: Comment posted by Emma on March 9th, 2013 - 07:16:52 AM:
Hi I have the Minolta Dynax 3xi SLR with the AF 28-80 Zoom lens, but I cannot switch my camera to manual focus mode! Is it the type of lens that I am using that only allows for auto-focus? I try to push the switch down from AF to M but it makes a metallic grinding noise and I don't want to force it down because it is extremely resistant. Thanks!

Michael Hohner answers:
It should be possible to switch the camera to MF. Likely the switch is broken, or sand got into the switch.

#8: Comment posted by matthias on July 7th, 2013 - 05:18:40 PM:
hallo suche ein aku oder welche baterien kommen in dieser kamara minolta dynax 3xi

Michael Hohner answers:
Zitat von oben: „Batteries: 1× 2CR5”

#9: Comment posted by adam on September 12th, 2013 - 11:27:07 PM:
when i turned on my camera it displayed the word help and it doesn't wanna work can you help me please???? i removed the battery and put it back again but it didn't work (dynax 3xi) minolta

Michael Hohner answers:
The camera detected that something is wrong with it during its self test. Normally it's not worth repairing such an old and cheap camera. A used, working replacement is typically cheaper.

#10: Comment posted by Roman on January 25th, 2014 - 07:28:38 PM:
MINOLTA DYNAX 3si, how work A progr.can,t see the camera lens insaid programs shange the variable 22/5,6 ? -all time if shating its full opened

#11: Comment posted by Micha on August 14th, 2014 - 06:24:36 PM:
Hi, suche eine Deutschsprachige Bedienungsanleitund für meine Minolte Dynax 3xi. Ist die über haupt noch zu bekommen? Vielen Dank im voraus! Michael

Michael Hohner answers:
Ich hätte bestenfalls noch die englischsprachige Anleitung.

#12: Comment posted by Kaycee on August 26th, 2014 - 11:06:23 PM:
Hellooo, I had gotten a Maxxum Dynax 3xi for my Photo 1 class. and we need our cameras to be full manual control. Will this camera allow me to do so? Thanks.

Michael Hohner answers:
Yes.

#13: Comment posted by Enrique Delgado on November 23rd, 2014 - 06:18:43 AM:
Hello, i got this camera for film purposes but, the battery is dead... how can i find this 6V battery? cheers.

Michael Hohner answers:
Just google “2CR5 battery” and you will get thousands of hits.

#14: Comment posted by Nguyên on May 7th, 2021 - 05:21:29 AM:
hi there, i found your forum when i am on the way to find out how to use this camera, can i have a online user guide or any thing of this? thank you so much

#15: Comment posted by Mariëtte on May 9th, 2024 - 08:39:55 PM:
My minolta dynax 3xi gives a light orange triangle on the lcdscreen, and i cannot make a picture. Is this a common problem, hopefully easy to be solved?

Michael Hohner answers:
The manual does not mention an orange triangle. You can try to remove the battery for a minute to reset the camera.