Does someone know how to use a Minolta Maxxum 3xi?

Guys,

I've got a used Cameras Minolta Maxxum 3xi with Lenses Minolta AF 35-

80 and Minolta Af zoom xi 80-200mm 1:45 (22)-5.6. I really do know

how to use it (the light,shutter,speed, aperture and films) properly

also I don't have any idea if the panel is working properly. It is a

little bid dusty inside of the panel. For the autofocus doesn't work

well and I took several pictures with flash indoors and I got dark

imagines? However, I took outside good ones..but i need you could

recomend me a book, the place where to repair a cemera like I have,or

a site in the internet where I could have theory knowledge about

shutter and speed, light etc...

I will appreciate all kind of suggestion from you...Sincerely

Demosthenes Valera

Looking for the Excellency in Photography!<div></div>

Hi.

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Did you already read all the stuff here on photo.net under the "learn / beginners / tutorial" paragraph? i mean <a href="http://www.photo.net/making-photographs/">here </a>.

I think it's quite helpful in understanding "light, shutter speed, aperture,film" and even more.

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As to your camera, the 3xi is a nice little camera, i had one for a while. Dunno what you mean by "panel" (the LCD maybe? if yes, you don't need that actually; through the viewfinder you can see the same info, like shutter speed and aperture, +focus indicator, except the number of frames of the film...).

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What i would suggest is the following: get a manual for your camera if you don't have it, and while studying the stuff here at the link i mentioned, try the buttons out. Together with the manual. It's quite an easy-to-use camera that you have - but don't start with the flash and indoor photos in darkness.

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Repairing the camera...well, i guess the guys from minolta can do it but it would cost you quite a lot, regarding that it's a cheap camera that they don't manufacture anymore. I would suggest to leave the 80-200 xi lens on the shell for a while and stick with the 35-80 lens, take photos outside where you don't need flash and the camera's autofocus also works easier. If the autofocus fails, just focus manually - there's an af/mf switch somewhere on the camera body.

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If you need the manual and can't find it, i have it in PDF format; mail me and i'll send it to you.

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have fun.

Not familiar with your camera, but it is never easy to use a new camera without a manual and get the most out of it. You can download manuals for the 3Xi for free from this Minolta site link

http://www.minoltausa.com/eprise/main/MinoltaUSA/MUSAContent/CPG/CPG_SupportCenter/ManualResults

I used to have both that camera and that 35-80 lens (sold as a kit). Frankly that 35-80 lens is one of the worst minolta makes. I would spend $50 on ebay and get a 50mm f1.7. You will immediately see an improvement in your photos. Use Royal Gold 400 inside, or now I guess it's called Kodak High Definition Film now, and use the Royal Gold 200 outside.

I am no professional, but when I didn't know better I used that 35-80mm a lot and I was always disappointed with the quality. GET THE 50mm f1.7! The camera will focus faster with the 50mm f1.7 and you will immediately notice that your photos are much sharper. That model generally has a pretty slow Auto Focus, and the slow 35-80mm f4.5-5.6 doesn't help it. There is probably nothing wrong with the camera, it's probably the lens. It'll cost you more than $50 to get the camera looked at so buy the lens and shoot a test roll. Good luck

The 3xi is the first minolta I ever owned along with the same lenses, purchased @walmart. The xi lenses are the worst that were made but are still capable of doing good photos but with good techniques.They are terrible in their autofocus capabilities.There is enough information in this site as well as others on learning the basic skills of photography to the advanced,I suggest you read then go practice. Dont get caught up in the "gear" war, even though when your skills improve, better lenses will make a difference. I own 2 bodies, the 800si and the maxxum 7 and 2 lenses, the 28-70 f2.8 "G" minolta lens and a tamron 90 mm f2.8 macro and also have the 600si body. All of this gear is top of the line,and very expensive but if you dont understand what exposure,f stops,shutter speeds etc you would be terribly dissatisfied with the equipment I just mentioned.

In other words, the best equipment out there is not going to improve your photography until you hone your skills as a photographer then you can move up the ladder in lenses and bodies. You will also be able to make solid choices when you do. As for what you have now,buy a tripod,The best you can afford and use it. The photo you have posted is typical of program mode,14 segment metering exposed for the bright background which left you subject underexposed.They are many solutions from popping up your flash to spot metering the subjects face and adding one stop exposure (color film), repositioning the subject in even shade, etc. This could go on and on. Shoot in Manuel mode and experiment.Use manuel focus with these lenses it will be more accurate. Better lenses will make a difference but max your skills on the equipment you have before making the change. Good shooting