At recent art fair I was set up next to a portrait artist I have known for some time. Her husband used to pilot small planes and sky dive while documenting the jumps with his photography. He has since developed a physical condition that no longer allows him to pursue his pasttime. During the art fair he gave me the camera he used to shoot with during his jumps while in freefall. It was a very generous and meaningful gift.
The Minolta Maxxum 3000i was produced from about 1987 until 1991.
Camera was given to me with a Kalimar 28 - 70 auto focus zoom lens, f:3.5, and a the dedicated flash unit that is correct for the body.

I cleaned the camera up a bit, bought a fresh battery, and took it to the Zoo for a film test.
Weather was at its best.
I burned two rolls of film, Walgreens ASA 200.

Maxxum 3000i is an easy shooter. You frame your shot and automation takes over. It has two modes: "Program" and "High Speed Program." I used "High Speed Program" for the running bushdog. There is no manual mode.
Camera does not tell you what aperture and shutter speed it is selecting.
I did not use the flash unit, all shots are hand held and available light, some under rather dim conditions.
Camera loads itself, you just pull out some film leader and close the door. No rewind crank, at end of roll it rewinds for you.
Auto focus needs a couple verticals in the subject area, otherwise it "fishes" trying to find the correct distance.
For general shooting, I believe camera and lens do just fine.

Please click on thumbnails to see enlargements.
All images are ©2011 E.J.Kowalski.