The Minolta Maxxum 3xi was an entry-level 35mm SLR introduced in 1991. It features an 8 zone TTL evaluative meter, phase-detection autofocus, and a focal-plane shutter capable of speeds from 30s to 1/2000s. More detailed specs are farther down the post.

This is a fair camera for inexperienced photographers as it lacks many of the more advanced features that can confuse the novice. That being said, although it functions well as a fully automatic point-and-shoot, some find manual operation to be a bit unintuitive due to the reliance on buttons and slider switches instead of the more traditional control knobs and dials.

This has been tested with a lens that is now on another camera and it seems to work fine. By fine I mean the shutter, the film advance motor and auto-focus work and the exposure system is appropriately responsive to variations of light. Of course, just because the shutter and metering systems respond to changing light doesn't mean the accuracy of those systems are up to factory spec. I would be surprised if that were true for any camera more than a few years old. But cameras from this era are usually far more reliable than the truly vintage mechanical-everything cameras from the 60s and 70s. I haven't tested beyond the basic functions. I strongly recommend downloading a free user guide. One basic function I can't test without film is the actual film advance mechanism, but the advance motor actuates every time I fire the shutter so I'm fairly confident in that function. I have no intention of film testing. Not worth the trouble and expense to me. Batteries are included.

Cosmetic condition is excellent with no sticky grip syndrome.

It has a working pop-up flash but the 3500xi accessory TTL flash gives more power and versatility, allowing for the use of bounce-flash due to its adjustable flash head. The flash can also be used on early Sony Alpha DSLRs that retained the legacy Minolta iISO hot shoe, though modern ISO standard hot shoes require an adapter.

The 3xi will work with a broad range of A-Mount style lenses from Minolta, Sony and third-party manufacturers. It will not work with the old Minolta MC/MD lenses. Check the compatibility of your lenses before you buy.

Check out the Sold listings on ebay for this camera -- most of which are not film-tested either, or include a TTL capable flash and I think you'll agree that this asking price is pretty fair. The average Sold price factoring in any shipping charge, on a one-page sampling was $24.60 for just the body. So buy local and save!

Call or text me. If calling, please leave a voice message. Spam has trained me not to respond directly to unknown numbers. Please don't ask me if I take venmo or such. I'm an old geezer and don't cotton to these newfangled money exchange apps. Cash Only.

Thank you for your kind attention!

Technical stuff;

Shortcomings compared to more advanced cameras:

When in autofocus mode, focus is always active. Be sure to turn the camera off when not using it to conserve battery life.

*In autofocus mode, camera will not trip the shutter unless it has a focus lock indicated by green light in viewfinder. I suppose this could be considered a plus by some! Manual focus has no such restriction.

*There is no built-in viewfinder diopter adjustment wheel to compensate for nearsightedness or farsightedness.

*No exposure compensation function.

*No manual override of the film speed the camera reads from the film canister.

*No depth-of-field preview.

*It uses a proprietary Minolta iISO flash mount instead of a universal hot shoe.