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A budget Maxxum


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<p>When Minolta unveiled its xi series, the 2xi sat quietly in the background while the 7xi (and later 9xi) captured the attention of advanced Maxxum enthusiasts with the 5xi appealing to those who needed a few less features. Finally, the 3xi was the model that competed with all-in-one bridge cameras as well as other brands' similar models. The 2xi came in at the lowest price of any xi series Maxxums. While it sacrificed the built in flash of the 3xi and eye start automation, it gained a desirable feature that was missing on the 3xi: spot metering. The was also an SPxi, which had the spot metering as well as eye start, but it came in a kit which included a 2000xi flash. When my family owned a camera shop the xi series was the last of the Maxxum line we stocked before we closed our doors for good. All of the Maxxums sold out except for the 2xi. My dad gave it to me after we closed.<br>

The AF on the 2xi only has one sensor so at first glance it might remind the user of a Maxxum 7000. However, the sensor is wider (therefore less selective) but does seem to focus faster than the orignial 7000. Metering is accurate (both spot and segmented). IIRC, it meters 8 segments and weights the area where the AF sensor more heavily. I think the orginal 7000 maybe had six segments. When spot meter is selected the center segment is selected. Like the 3xi/5xi/SPxi, its shutter speeds range from 30" to 1/2000 second. Placement of an "i" series or later flash sets the shutter for /90 second and there is a flash exposure verification symbol in the viewfinder. All in all, a rather pleasant economical entry into the Maxxum system.</p><div>00Ykze-360331584.JPG.aac3d9c3c9dfb42fd2098589e6f4c60d.JPG</div>

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<p>The xi series were the last to use the large 6 volt lithium batteries. Later Maxxums used a pair of 3 volt lithiums or had an accessory grip that allowed AA alkalines.<br>

For this series I used Kodak GA 100 with a Maxxum 50mm f2.8 macro.</p><div>00Ykzm-360333584.jpg.4e6aa6d40897dcc3b082cebe2b80dca3.jpg</div>

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<p>I use the AF lenses from these on my Sony mount but had never been temped by the body! Felt a bit too modern and hideous to say the least, always preferring older cameras. I know that the body here is only providing the metering solution but one has to say that the results on film is wonderful.</p>
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<p>Thanks, Starvy.<br>

A further note: the 2xi was the first budget (okay, bottom feeder if you like) AF Maxxum that offered all four modes of exposure (program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual).<br>

The price is right too on the used ones. An E+ 2xi is less than half the price of a 3xi in similar condition. Personally, I'd rather have the spot meter than the built in flash. I keep a 2000xi flash on my 2xi most of the time since it also offers a near-IR AF assist beam. I will probably post some more using a budget lens (since the 50mm Maxxum macro hardly fits that description.)</p>

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<p>Interesting and informative, <strong>Mike</strong>, with nice images. It's not a camera I know, most of my Minoltas being considerably more ancient, but it's obviously a competent performer. I echo your sentiments, <strong>JDM</strong>, though Munch's painting always reminds me more of the expression on the face of someone near and dear to me when the courier van arrives...</p>
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<p>Thanks, JDM and Rick. I think of "the Scream" when I can't decide which classic to use (or sometimes which modern film camera to use.)<br>

Some Maxxum models only were distributed to camera dealers rather than discount/department stores. Also, not all dealers stocked them. The SPxi kit only went to dealers. I think that was also true of the 2xi. The 3xi mostly sold in kits (but was available as just a body) with the 35-80 f3.5-5.6 power zoom (not true xi). This lens was often dissed for not being very good, but often users of the 3xi kit or SPxi kit simply used program causing the lens to operate wide open much of the time if light was low or if flash was used. The 2xi, BTW, works well with the 50mm f1.7 and balances well. </p>

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