Konica Minolta X-700

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.

Bought for £250 new in 1991.

The X-700 was my first and until recently only SLR, and it has unfailingly produced perfectly-exposed, pin-sharp photos, with gorgeous colour rendition(given the right film and lighting). I've found that bounce flash exposures produce picture quality that I simply cannot imagine being bettered in the 35mm format. Meter, lenses and shutter are all spot-on. No complaints on those scores. It is simple and intuitive to use, as solidly built as you can expect from a plastic-based camera, and has a nice feel. The viewfinder is bright and the focussing aids crisp and accurate. The camera is also durable, surviving several drops and bangs with no (functional) ill-effects, resolutely refusing to let in sand when taken to windy beaches, resistant to light rain and strong heat, and able to function in lower temperatures than I can.

However, as someone who has always shot mainly in manual mode, I have over the years become increasingly irked by the viewfinder's lack of indication of the set shutter speed. Having to take my eye from the viewfinder, check the shutter speed dial and then recompose (and often re-focus) is extremely annoying and certainly takes away from the pleasure of photography. The slow flash-sync speed denies one many of the most useful functions of flash, and the lack of an effective double-exposure mechanism limits one's ability to create a fantastical negative. Also, the absence of mirror lock-up means that ultimate camera stillness is not available.

I've still got my X-700, though, and I still use it; I sent it for repair a couple of years after I got it, when the mirror kept staying up too long, but it has never needed further attention. Just as well too. I think Minolta was like an irresponsible mother, bearing beautiful children but not interested in looking after them. And now she's gone.

Easy to use, great lenses, metering, shutter accuracy. Bright, clear viewfinder. Looks and feels nice; more accessories than you'll probably ever need. DOF, choice of automatic exposure modes. Light and durable.

Minolta is no more! No servicing available: find your own spare parts and look desperately around for a local camera repair man.

No indication in viewfinder of set shutter speed (in manual mode).

Film is for saddo Luddites (like me), isn't it?

MInolta SRT 102 and XD7; and Hi-Matic 7s.

Good at the time but no longer available.