Konica Minolta X-700

An Excellent camera for newcomers to the art of film photography. This camera is perfect for outdoor photography. My particular camera came with an 80-200mm Tokina 1:4 lense. The camera comes with a automatic mode in which the camera sets the aperture and shutterspeed for you.
The only con to the camera that i've found is that there is no easy way to take double-exposures. However the method is as follows:
1. Take your first picture
2. take up the slack in the film by re-winding the film till it is tight
3. press the film rewind button located on the bottom of the camera
4. while keeping the rewind lever still, wind the film as you normally would after a photograph.
5. take your second exposure
6. wind the film as you normally would and take your next photograph.

This camera is an excellent deal for beginners, and with the deal i recieved, it is one of the best purchases of photographic equipment I've ever made.

Great for begginers
Tips, tricks, and tutorals available online, just do a google search.

No easy method to double expose the film.

1. Easy to use

An X-700 allows newcomers to put the camera and lens in "P" mode and let the camera do everything else. This extends to compatible flash systems as well. In short, this camera allows you to automate everything but the focus and the film advance.

The controls are all very much self-evident with this camera, as well. There's no menu system on an LCD and no tricky button combinations. It's all manual and all laid out very well -- very much the opposite of today's DSLR's (which typically have a user interface more reminiscent of a photocopier).

The viewfinder is a big bright one with a lot of information laid out in a logical fashion. This camera spoils the user.

2. Versatile

The X-700 also has the standard aperture-priority and manual exposure modes, as well as a flash sync speed and bulb. It's got two exposure override features (a lock and a manual adjustment of +2/-2). It takes a wide range of film speeds. And it supports an enormous collection of lenses and other peripherals. It was designed as a "camera system" rather than a standalone camera and many of the peripherals can still be found (cheaper than ever, in some cases).

So once you've outgrown simple "P" mode automation, you'll find yourself able to take yourself a lot further with this versatile tool.

3. Dependable

I've had only one problem with my two X-700 bodies over the years. This is a well-made camera (don't let the made-in-China label on later models give you pause, Minolta was known for excellent camera manufacture and they kept the standards the same at the Chinese assembly line). The one problem I encountered was both a simple and cheap fix -- in part because Minolta sold so many of these cameras that the parts and repair expertise are not uncommon.

1. Good construction

I have used both Minolta and Pentax bodies and feel that this model was the best-built and most dependable despite the many features.

2. Versatility

This inexpensive camera has not only the exposure overrides mentioned above, but a depth-of-field preview, timer and a cable release socket. Again, there are plenty of extensions available such as grips, motors, data backs, flashes, etc.

3. Handy "P" mode

The program mode is great for beginners.

4. Dependability

I've used this camera on mountain hikes; in the Australian outback; in the south Pacific; in rain forests; on long cycle trips; for portraiture; with infra-red film (for which it is really suited); with reverse-mounted lenses; in the rain; in sub-zero weather (for which I will admit that its battery-dependence is not well suited); and in terrible snowstorms. I took it on the road for a 19-month journey. I found that this camera not only stood up to all of it but came to feel like an extension of my hand -- it's an easy camera to appreciate because all of its functions just work.

1. The meter

The meter in this camera seems a bit limited. As my understanding of exposure grew I came to understand that the camera was giving me inconsistent results. I put this down to the meter, though I never entirely figured out where it was going wrong. I lay the blame with the meter, however, when I started to use the Minolta XD (with the same films, lenses, flash, etc).

It seems to me that the X-700 tends to underexpose, and the results get less predictable under low-light situations. To avoid this, I suggest two things:
a. use with a flash in low-light unless you have a way to independently meter and can adjust
b. bracket your shots using the exposure adjustment

One note: I've used a variety of infra-red films with three film bodies and found the X-700 to yield the most consistent and appealing results.

2. The looks

The camera's external body is largely constructed of plastic, and doesn't look like the dependable and versatile tool that it really is. If you care what people think of your gear, this isn't the camera you want to carry around.

You can by replacement leather for it, though -- I found that replacing the default faux leather helps considerably.

Minolta XD
Minolta SRT-101
Pentax MX
Pentax *istDS
Fuji F30
Olympus 35DC
various point-and-shoot film cameras, toy cameras

I found the X-700 readily repairable at third-party repair shops. It's a well-known model and one for which parts and expertise seem commonly available.

I was given this camera as a gift, more like a hand-me-down, overall, great camera

Very lightweigt, even with an extra telephoto lens and a few rolls of film, this is great for my kind of photography, I often have to hike a few miles to get to my subject, etc. Many shutter speed modes, good for long exposures, and quick ones

Old-Skool, manual advance, Minolta-brand lenses and other accessories are no longer made, its film. Flash reaction is only good, not great

I originally purchased my first X-700 back in 1980, brand new for something like $225 as I recall. That camera was wonderful in every way and served me well for about 4 years until I ended-up in a tight spot during one of my many travels and needed fare for a ferry from Crete to Piraeus/Athens in Greece. Sold the ting for about $50 and regretted it every since.

In 2007 I decided after years without, that I wanted another 35mm SLR but really didn't like the features or prices of new ones and digital?...no way! I quickly ran to eBay and there I found it...a multitude of Minolta X-700's in all grades of condition from "just for parts" to "bought it but never used it". My dream came true when I won the auction for my "used 3 times then packed away 8 years ago" dream camera.

As if that weren't good enough, eBay also yielded a huge asortment of high quality accessories for pennies on the original dollar. I got a Minolta brand 28mm, new in the box for $16 and a few weeks later a Minolta brand 35-70mm zoom also new, in the box with original warranty, etc fo $35.

The rest is history. The Minolta X-700 is rugged, high quality, dependable, attractive, affordable and perfect for beginner and advanced photographer alike. It is a classic!

COST! Used for under $100 if you are a savy shopper.
Availability of affordable, top-notch accessories.
Super quality lenses now available for pennies on the dollar.
Excellent quality construction with steel lense mount and rugged body.
Easy to use in any mode. Do it all yourself or use it as a point-n-shoot.

Personally I have not ever had a complaint other than the fact that the X-700 is no longer in production.

This 35mm camera is the best that I've ever had the pleasure to operate. The settings are easy to see and understand and film loading is a breeze. What really sold me on this model over so many of the others is the range of the appature setting. So that with a tripod a the proper lens shooting any sports figure is never a problem.

appature range, lightweight body, easy film load and rewind, well balanced with flash in place.

lightweight body

Canon AE1

The only service that this camera has required in 19 years is a yearly cleaning that I have preformed by my local camera shop for 26.50. Each time I bring the camera in the owner offers to buy it from me. but I tell him it's not for sale.