Konica Minolta X-370S Film Camera

The Minolta X-370 (also known as the X-300, X-7a, X-370n, and the X-370s) was Minolta's lower end offering in the 80's and 90's, priced cheaper than the Minolta X-700 and X-570. It succeeded the XG series cameras and corrected some of their drawbacks.

Here are some pros and cons relative to the other Minolta bodies out there:

Pros:
- Offers Metered manual and aperture priority operation.
- Fewer durability/longevity problems than their predecessor the XG series (similar durability to the X-700's and X-570's).
- Takes a modern, cheap battery (1.5v button cells) with no skewed light meter problems (unlike the SRT series).
- Focusing screen is a very usable split image surrounded by a microprism ring (same as on the X-700 and X-570).

Cons:
- Unlike the X-570 and X-700, the camera offers no through the lens (TTL) flash metering, so you have to manually calculate flash exposures.
- No depth of field (DOF) preview or mirror lockup.

All in all, this is a good camera, but it has some notable drawbacks compared to the higher end Minolta models. TTL flash is an incredibly useful feature for most users and by itself presents a compelling reason to use the X-570 or X-700 bodies.

Alternate models to consider:
- X-700: Additionally offers Program mode, DOF preview and TTL flash metering.
- X-570: Additionally offers DOF preview and TTL flash metering.
- XG series: Less reliable but cheaper with many of the same features.
- XD series: Additionally offering better build quality, DOF preview and Shutter priority mode.

Note that almost any Minolta manual focus SLR you'll find on ebay will need its light seals and mirror bumper foam replaced if it hasn't been already. It's an easy job, but you should plan to do it before you lose your first couple rolls of film to light leaks rather than after.

See my guide on Minolta manual focus cameras and lenses for more information and some helpful links.