Minolta X-700 Film Camera

The Minolta X-700 is a great film camera with many features used by professional photographers yet easy to use for the beginner or student. It features three modes of picture taking:

PROGRAM - YOU JUST FOCUS AND SHOOT, THE X-700 SETS THE APERTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED FOR YOU.

APERTURE PRIORITY - YOU SET THE APERTURE, THE X-700 AUTOMATICALLY SETS THE SHUTTER SPEED.

MANUAL EXPOSURE - YOU SET BOTH APERTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED TO GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT.

Before you read more... understand... this is not one of the new, fancy digital cameras with auto-focus that so many people are using today. It is a manual focus camera (meaning YOU focus) which uses film that has to be developed. Many professional photographers still prefer film over digital. But understand you can not hook this camera up to your computer and download photos. The film has to be purchased, installed and after picture-taking removed and taken to a developer. Places like CVS, Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid all have developing services. And most places that develop this film will also be able to put your pictures on a CD which makes it easy to email them or publish them on a Website. I routinely get my film photos developed on CD only (no prints) for $1.99.

Okay... enough about film... now more on the camera... there are several items you should be aware of before buying one of these cameras on eBay.

1: SEALS: The light seals keep light from sneaking into the film chamber. Even if a camera has never been used, these seals deteriorate over time and need to be replaced. So always ask the seller about the condition of the light seals. If they are worn out they will be sticky to the touch and leave residue on the film chamber door. Ask your seller about the condition of the light seals.

2: CAPACITOR: These cameras are known for capacitors that wear/dry out and fail. When this happens the camera does not work. The symptom is... no shutter release... no film advance. There's nothing wrong with the film advance. It's just that it won't advance until you release the shutter and the shutter won't release because the capacitors have failed. You can usually have this problem fixed for around $75 to $100 dollars but beware of this problem. If a seller says the shutter won't fire, it could be something as easy as changing the batteries, or it could be the camera needs new capacitors. Here's an easy way to tell the difference. If the LEDs light up in the view finder, that means the batteries are good and the camera is getting power so if the shutter won't fire, the problem is more likely than not, bad capacitors. If the LEDs don't light up and the shutter won't fire, there's a good chance the camera just need new batteries... (A76 1.5V) which can be purchased on eBay for very reasonable rates.

3: VIEW FINDER:
Ask sellers if the viewfinder is clear and free of scratches. While this would not affect picture quality it is kind of annoying to see specs of dust and scratches while trying to compose your shot.

A good seller should provide photos and descriptions to answer these questions, but some people do not have the time or expertise so often times you need to ask. Their answers will tell you a lot about not only the camera… but also the seller.

NOTE: Have a look at some of the other X-700 reviews... notice one of them looks extremely similar to mine? Hmmmm. I wonder why people do that? Can't they write their own review?

The Minolta X-700 was Minolta's most technologically advanced manual focus camera ever produced. Debuted in 1981, it introduced the "Program" mode to SLR cameras and offered through-the-lens (TTL) flash metering, greatly simplifying the photographic process for millions of people. However, the model does have some drawbacks in its design.

Positives of the model, relative to the other Minolta models out there:
- TTL flash metering. This allows automatic and more precise output of flash no matter whether the flash is direct or bounced.
- The program mode is a benefit to some. I personally never use it.
- Metering is fairly accurate.
- Ergonomically better than the older straight rectangular body designs.
- Generally a reliable camera.
- The price is right - for what you get the X-700 really is a good value.

Negatives of the model, again relative to the other Minoltas:
- Shutter curtain is a relatively cheap cloth design allowing only 1/60 sec flash sync (only the XD series offers a better one, though).
- Light seals will need to be replaced on most bodies you find on ebay. Not a tough job, and anyone can do it, but you've got to get the material and it takes a few minutes.
- Sometimes the capacitors on the camera go bad. You can solder new ones in if you have the skill.
- Does not offer metered manual exposure (set the camera to manual and the camera would tell you if you're over or under exposed)

If you're buying into the Minolta system, other cameras you might consider are the X-570 (also a TTL camera; adds metered manual; my personal favorite), the XG series (a budget option which is less reliable and has fewer features; avoid the XG-A), the XD-11 or XD-5 (better shutter and build quality, no TTL flash). See my guide on the Minolta system for some more options or see www dot rokkorfiles dot com.

Pros:
TTL flash metering.
Aperture priority automatic exposure.
Programmed exposure, if that’s your thing. To me, it’s just something that slows you down. If you are in programmed mode and you decide you want a faster shutter or a wider aperture, you’re out of luck. When in aperture priority, a mere flick of the aperture ring gives you any setting you desire.

Cons:
Slow sync speed for it’s day.
Slow shutter speed for it’s day.
Clunky shutter when compared to other brands, even with power winder attached. The MD-1 motor drive might dampen it, but I can’t say. (The motor drive on the Maxxum 9000 dampens that camera nicely.)
It doesn’t have true metered manual exposure. For that reason, you will be better off with the X-570, which doesn’t have the programmed exposure mode.

By now you have read or researched enough to know the specs, technical data, and other functions that this model can do. Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Auto, etc... I rate this 35mm as excellent because it has withstood the test of time and delivered. Of all the 35mm SLR's in this class, the X-700 has the proper size, feel, and weight. It is built extremely tough and it holds up. Durability is achieved through the test of time and the X-700 has mastered an excellent rating with me for coming out on top in its class for these other reasons as well. The MD lens line and most importantly, the 50mm 1.4 MD Rokkor lens. Most people tend to use this focal length the most in picture taking and it's a superb choice in quality that is as accurate as they come. If you research lens quality you will realize this. Lenses for the Minolta line are plentiful and inexpensive which is another plus, you can experiment and create for tons less while maintaining a high quality level. When other cameras developed strange sounds, mirrors don't flip out of the way and effect exposures, lenses are hard to find, lenses are too expensive, accesories are hard to find and expensive? The X-700 virtually beats them into the ground. Great feel, it was built sturdy and fits your hands extremely well giving you the confidence to take the shots you need. Time tested durability. Availability galore, accessories, gadgets, lenses all readily available on the open market at inexpensive prices topped with equal quality to anything in its class.

The Minolta X-700 is a great film camera with many features used by professional photographers yet easy to use for the beginner or student. It features three modes of picture taking:

PROGRAM - YOU JUST FOCUS AND SHOOT, THE X-700 SETS THE APERTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED FOR YOU.

APERTURE PRIORITY - YOU SET THE APERTURE, THE X-700 AUTOMATICALLY SETS THE SHUTTER SPEED.

MANUAL EXPOSURE - YOU SET BOTH APERTURE AND SHUTTER SPEED TO GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT.

Before you read more... understand... this is not one of the new, fancy digital cameras with auto-focus that so many people are using today. It is a manual focus camera (meaning YOU focus) which uses film that has to be developed. Many professional photographers still prefer film over digital. But understand you can not hook this camera up to your computer and download photos. The film has to be purchased, installed and after picture-taking removed and taken to a developer. Places like CVS, Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid all have developing services. And most places that develop this film will also be able to put your pictures on a CD which makes it easy to email them or publish them on a Website. I routinely get my film photos developed on CD only (no prints) for $1.99.

Okay... enough about film... now more on the camera... there are several items you should be aware of before buying one of these cameras on eBay.

1: SEALS: The light seals keep light from sneaking into the film chamber. Even if a camera has never been used, these seals deteriorate over time and need to be replaced. So always ask the seller about the condition of the light seals. If they are worn out they will be sticky to the touch and leave residue on the film chamber door. Ask your seller about the condition of the light seals.

2: CAPACITOR: These cameras are known for capacitors that wear/dry out and fail. When this happens the camera does not work. The symptom is... no shutter release... no film advance. There's nothing wrong with the film advance. It's just that it won't advance until you release the shutter and the shutter won't release because the capacitors have failed. You can usually have this problem fixed for around $75 to $100 dollars but beware of this problem. If a seller says the shutter won't fire, it could be something as easy as changing the batteries, or it could be the camera needs new capacitors. Here's an easy way to tell the difference. If the LEDs light up in the view finder, that means the batteries are good and the camera is getting power so if the shutter won't fire, the problem is more likely than not, bad capacitors. If the LEDs don't light up and the shutter won't fire, there's a good chance the camera just need new batteries... (A76 1.5V) which can be purchased on eBay for very reasonable rates.

3: VIEW FINDER:
Ask sellers if the viewfinder is clear and free of scratches. While this would not affect picture quality it is kind of annoying to see specs of dust and scratches while trying to compose your shot.

A good seller should provide photos and descriptions to answer these questions, but some people do not have the time or expertise so often times you need to ask. Their answers will tell you a lot about not only the camera… but also the seller.

Type: Electronically governed 35mm single-lens reflex AE camera
Exposure-control modes:Fully programmed (P), aperture-priority automatic (A), and metered manual (M). Lens mount:Minolta SLR bayonet of integrally lubricated stainless steel; coupling for full-aperture metering, finder display input, and automatic diaphragm control, providing programmed or aperture-priority auto operation with Minolta MD lenses, aperture-priority auto operation with MC and other Minolta SLR interchangeable lenses/accessories; spring-return button for depth-of-field preview or stop-down meter readings with other than MC or MD lenses (standard lenses: MD 50mm f/1.2,f/1.4,f/1.7 or f/2). Exposure control and functions: Low-voltage, low-current computer circuit incorporating quartz crystal for sequential control to 1/30,000-sec. accuracy, large-scale ICs, samarium cobalt impulse-release magnets, and linear-resistance inputs) varies both aperture and shutter speed steplessly according to special "faster-speed" program in P mode, or varies shutter speed steplessly according to aperture set in A mode, to yield proper exposure for the film speed and exposure adjustment set; auto-exposure range: EV 1 to EV 18 (e.g., 1 sec. at f/1.4 to 1/1000 at f/16) at ASA/ISO 100 with f/1.4 lens; AE-lock device holds meter reading for exposure at that value regardless of subject-brightness changes. Shutter: Horizontal-travers focal-plane type; electronicall conrolled stepless speeds 1/1000 to 4 sec. set automatically with endlessly rotatable selector dial locked at "P" or "A" setting of fixed speeds 1 to 1/1000 sec. or "B" set manually at detented dial indications; electromagnetic shutter release locks when voltage too low for proper operation.Metering: TTL center-weighted averaging type, by silicon photocell mounted at rear of pentaprism for available light, measured full aperature for normal finder display, then at taking aperature for programmed/automatic-exposure setting/determination or stop-down display; by another SPC mounted with optic in side of mirror compartment for off-the-film light at taking aperture during exposure to control dedicated flash duration.
Film-speed range: ASA/ISO 25 to 1600 set by dial that locks at 1/3-EV increments. Exposure-adjustment control: Up to +- 2 EV continuous adjustment of P,A, or M exposure by dial that locks at zero position and each 1/2-EV setting. Mirror: Triple-coated oversize instant-return slide-up type. Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism type showing 95% of 24x36mm film-frame area; magnification: 0.9X with 50mm standard lens focused at infinity; power: -1D, adjustable with accessory snap-on eyepiece lenses; Fresnel-field focusing screen having artificially regular-patterned matte field plus central split-image horizontally oriented focusing aid surrounded by microprism band, interchangeable with Type P1,P2,Pd,M,G,L,S or H screens at authorized Minolta service stations; visible around frame: mode indication (P,A or M), shutter-speed scale (1,2,4,8,15,30,60,125,25,500 and 1000) with LED setting indication, triangular over-/under-range LED indicators blinking at 4Hz, flash-ready signal, FDC signal, mis-set lens warning in P mode, battery check, f-number set with MD or MC lenses, and exposure-adjustment indication (LED blinking at 4Hz); display and metering activated by normal finger contact or slight pressing of operating button and continue for 15 sec., except go out after shutter release.Flash sync: PC terminal and hot show.

This camera offers easy operation ,an abundance of add ons available,reliability,and it's light to carry. I bought this camera as a 2nd one to carry with a different lense for optimal photographic opportunities.I bought this camera because I was able to check the sellers feedback and checked the description of the functionality and cosmetics of this unit.Let me also say tat I have owned Minolta SLR's since the 1970's and have always found them to be of top quality,reliability,and ease of use.My two x-700's have become constant companions whether at the beach or a formal function.

After shooting some snapshots with your point&shoot camera or joining photo club in high school, you might want to take your photography to the next level. The options you can consider are buying a 35mm SLR or a DSLR or a medium format camera. Medium format is not as common as 35mm SLR/DSLR, so I've never considered buying a medium format.

After doing some research, I found that Minolta manual focus line was the best way to go. Minolta produced superior optics at its golden age(in the 70's), but couldn't compete in the digital age and left photo business in 2006. Minolta manual focus lenses are optically and mechanically excellent but they cannot be used with today's digital cameras. Minolta changed lens mount when it switched to autofocus cameras and no other brand's cameras support minolta's manual focus lenses. Minolta manual focus lenses cannot be used with other brands' cameras even when they are used with adapters, because minolta's back focal length is shorter than other brand's standards. Because of this situation, prices of used minolta manual focus lenses are very low today. You can buy extremely high quality lenses on ebay for a few bucks.

So with a very little expense, you can have great optics. And it's the optics that determines the quality of the photo. You can buy a complete set of extremly fast minolta primes on ebay for one third of the price you'd pay for a dslr body and a zoom lens.

This is a great camera, especially for the advanced amature. I think there are better choices from minolta, however, including the X-570 with it's full information viewfinder, the XD-11/XD-5 for thier all metal construction and smooth, quiet metal focal plane shutter, or the SRT-102 for full info viewfinder and mirror lock up.

I have worked on many X-700's and here are some things to consider when buying.

The foam light seals deteriorate and become gummy, they should be replaced. This is something that can be done one's self with materials avalible on ebay, but the mirror bumper foam is a little hard to get to on this model and maybe should be replaced by a pro.

The capacitor issue. On newer x-700 the shutter-release capacitors tend to go bad over time and often need replacement. This is an expensive repair. When buying make sure that the capacitors have been checked or replaced or look for a camera with a serial number below 2500000 or so, these should have the older style capacitors that are more reliable. Also, you can look for cameras that have "brassing" or rub marks on the top corners where brass is showing through. This may not look too pretty, but the older cameras have the brass (not plastic) top covers and also have the more reliable capacitors. This is a good indicator that you are getting a good working camera. I have used a well-worn older x-700 that I got on ebay several years ago. It has never given me any problems

The metering is pretty accurate and consistant on these cameras and rarely needs adjustment, but the shutter timing often drifts significantly over time. Make sure you are getting a camera with accurate shutter speeds. If this cannot be confirmed by the seller, this is something that your local repair shop should be able to adjust easily.

For more good info on this camera see the review by joewest2000.

Good Hunting!!

I like eveything about it. Takes wonderful pictures. Although I have a Digital camera, I like to use film sometimes.I am also very much a Minolta fan. Have several of them, including a Maxxum 7000, an XD11, and a XG1...Plus, the one I just bought...X-700..

Good buy and very nice person to deal with.

I have been taking photography classes and wanted an old camera to learn the different techniques. So I found a minolta x-700 that had all all of the accessories while we were on vacation.
My son liked it alot and wanted one too. Since his birthday was coming up I wanted to find one for him. So I started looking for one on e-bay, bidding on some. I found out that there was a lot of other people wanting the same camera and they were willing to pay any price to get what they wanted. I knew what I wanted to pay for this camera and I found this one which no one was bidding on it because it didn't have accessories to it. I figured my son could use my extras to my camera or I could look for the accessories later on e-bay. Also the camera was in good condition. So I got what I wanted, at the price that I wanted to pay. My son loved and has been having fun with. We go out together and do pictures shoots with our cameras. This camera was sought after when it first came out because of all of it special features. I recommend it if you are in to photography or just enjoyed diferent styles of cameras. Also I do recommend that you get a autowinder with this. Otherwise it's a fun camera.

My daughter just became interested in photography the old fashioned way and wished more control over her pictures. We purchased an older Minolta with many lens and gizmos and she is thrilled. And to do so for under a hundred dollars, fantastic. The two special lens that came with the camera were worth that alone.

Ebay provides a wonderful way to find anything you might wish at a fair price. While one must use caution and wisdom in buying anywhere, I find it most enjoyable while saving me money.

When I look over the different X-700 cameras offered on eBay I always check the following:
1. Does the film advance lever operate ? (many do not) This requires good set of batteries and or replacement of some internal capacitors. A trip to the camera shop costs about $75.00 + shipping costs.
2. Does the light meter work correctly? if not (same as No.1.)
3. Is the bottom of the camera stamped Japan or china ? (Japan is best)
4. Any physical damaged to the camera ? Light brazing at the camera edges is OK.
5. The better deal is to purchase camera with at lease (1) lens attached.
6. Look for higher S/N cameras, they are newer.
Avoid cameras from (No.1/2/China/4 with cracks/5 with body only/6 low S/N).
NOTE: The Minolta X-700 camera is one of the best 35mm cameras in the world.
It built to last and it takes excellent pictures also, much easier to use .

The minolta X700 camera is an advanced point, focus and shoot camera that can be used by beginners or advanced photographers alike. Full manual controls are available.

The X700 is the next camera after the all metal, original compact SLR from minolta the XD11. Ergonomically, the X700 is better and while the X700 has a high impact resistent plastic outer shell the insides are built on a metal chassis. This gives light wieght and guess what? NO DENTS from banging the camera around.

The is a broad range of minolta accessories available and there are people out there that specialize in repair for the minolta cameras.

Speaking of old cameras it is important to remember that everything requires periodic maintenence and many of these fine old film cameras have been hidden in closets for many years. Or worse, they have been banging around at flea markets or gathering dust at antique dealers of in the back areas of pawn shops.

The point is, if you buy a used camera from any source and you judge that the camera is worth an ADDITIONAL approximate $60+ then you should, really should, have that camera serviced with what is known as a CLA. CLEAN, LUBE, ADJUST, by a qualified camera repairman. Now these guys have disappeared from your locale no doubt but there are many doing business over the internet and they can restore and service your new film camera so that it will give you many years of reliable service.

If you are like me you have learned, after considerable expense and wasted time, that DIGITAL cameras are good for snapshots and are really only critical for teenagers and their MYSPACE pages. In my opinion, the digital camera is like the music CD and worse, the digitally compressed music that plays from a silicon chip......in that the resulting end product is vastly INFERIOR to the original format...in the case of music the vinyl LP disc.

Digital memory cannot compete with FILM, it just can't. And you know what? You don't need electricity or a computer to look at film pictures. How GREEN is that?

SHOOT MORE FILM!! A tremendously important part of our history is vanishing before our eyes, replaced by a temporary magnetic pulse.

Enjoy your film camera, it in itself is a doorway into a wonderful hobby.

ps, Don't forget to shoot a lot of KODACHROME. Once THE most popular and ubiquitous films on planet earth. Nowadays you have to mail order it and send it to just one place on planet earth that still develops it. Use your search engine.

The Minolta-700 Film camera is in great condition and have done a great job for me so far. This is a hard working camera and can take a little knocking around which is good for me because I take a camera with me at all times. I am a film person and spend a lot of time in the dark room. I beleve in getting the picture right the first time, this way you have no need to set at a computer trying to make the picture right. Old school! yes and I love it.

Have bought 4 so far this year. At these prices why not. Have one for the kids homes so I can travel light! The lenses are simply surperb.

Being using this X700 [now i got 3 nos] in my bachelor days (early 1984). Great piece of camera and last week during our vacation in Rotorua, New Zealand my 14yrs daughter try and fall in love with it. Therefor my recent addational X700 will be hers and the other one to be carnivalized as spare parts.
Thanks MINOLTA ! ! !

KOREA there are a lot of users.
SLR models other than the lighter, convenient operation.
Minolta SLR of the people he sees.
Personally, Silver referral model.

Just purchased this camera, my first X700, and would you know shutter does not work nor film advance work even with new batteries. Seems there is an 6 v 220 micro F capacitor that after about 10 years will begin to go bad and effect these operational mechanisms.

i like everything like camera body, lenses and flash and filters
i use it so well now
thanks so much for quick deliver :)

This was a great camera for our daughter who takes a photography class. She likes the idea of having the option of setting it for automatic photos or doing it manually; which she prefers.

friend, i have viewed a website www.bestseller-digital.com,and find their cameras cheaper much than yours,and their styles are newer than yours !
can you tell me why your prices are so expensive ?

I wanted to have a nice film camera.
I searched on e-bay, and I found out really nice on
and I bought it.
Mailing was really fast and quick.
I like it.