Best SLR camera for beginners ? reviewing the Minolta X700 analog camera

I reviewed the iconic Minolta X700 film camera. Have you used this one before?
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[@bumi5178]

Great review! I've used a Minolta X-700 as my first SLR, but mine had a capacitor failure, so I've had to move on. Couple of nice features the X-700 has over other cameras of its time are the ability to lock exposure - which could be useful for the backlit situations you mentioned - point the lens at the shadows of a given scene, lightly press the shutter to take a meter reading, press down on the AE/Self-timer button on the front and the camera will lock onto the reading you took, so you can recompose and shoot. The other one is the ability to use TTL flash units (with Minolta's PX flash line) that don't need any user input and use an onboard computer and the current camera settings to set the right amount of light. If you ever want to upgrade, I would highly recommend the Minolta XD/XD7. It has the solutions to several of the cons you mentioned : - It has a truly elegant design with its anodized metal finish. - It has mechanical 1/100 and Bulb speeds that you can use if the batteries die on you. - It does not have an extraneous Program mode (though it does have a secret and arguably better quasi-program mode in its Shutter priority mode) - In Manual mode, it shows both the user-selected shutter speed and the shutter speed the meter recommends in the viewfinder. I believe the X-700 only shows the meter-selected speed. - The shutter button is an actual mechanical button you have to press down and is a lot less sensitive to accidental shots, but the meter still has the same auto shut-off period to conserve battery power. - The shutter sound is a lot less noisy. I don't know if it's just my X-700 but I find that the "Kerplunk" noise it makes is very loud and obnoxious. The XD's is not silent by any means but it is a lot less obtrusive. For the accidental aperture ring turning issue, I recommend looking for the same MD Rokkor lens you have but with a 49mm diameter filter ring. The conical aperture ring on those is wider than the focus ring and tends to be more distinct and easier to grab onto. This series of lenses have a much smaller profile and feel a lot more compact, while having the same glass on the inside.

[@exploring_analog]

Oh my gosh thank you so much for your really detailed comment! This info is soooo useful! I will check out the minolta XD for an upgrade. The x700 does also show the recommended shutter speed along the selected speed so that's good. But all of these other features you mentioned really make it seem like minolta polished up all of the shortcomings with the XD. And oh god the "kerplunk" noise haha. I couldn't have said it better myself. If I had a penny for every time heads turn towards me when I press the shutter and I stand there looking all apologetic 😅 not the most subtle for street photography for sure.

[@gmz1997]

My X700 will soon be 40 years old. Motor grip, 360px flash, digital data back and three MD lenses. Bought it in 1984 and used it until about 2005. Went digital after that. Five years ago my daughter started having an interest in photography and took a class in high school where they began the course with film. She used that X700 and took some incredible pictures that she developed. She has since moved on to digital but that Minolta only needed the batteries installed and it was off and shooting. Not sure how many rolls of film are through it but it hasn't let down. It's a early model and doesn't suffer from the lower grade capacitors that have become and issue with later units. I think serial numbers above 2000000 are the ones to be cautious about. But an easy repair for a qualified repair tech. Great video and it awesome that shooting some of the older SLR's is becoming trend.

[@exploring_analog]

Thank you for your comment :) It is so great that analog is coming back! and like you say some of these cameras are just timeless and will outlive us all haha! I have had mine for maybe 3 years now and use it very often. I keep it on most of the time when out and about because I want to be ready to take a photo without having to switch it on, and I only had to change the batteries last month for the first time. Very reliable piece of technology 🙌

[@srfurley]

I have a X-300, and about 57 other cameras. I don’t see any great advantage of the 700 over the 300; the main difference seems to be the lack of program mode, both do manual mode and aperture priority. The Canon ae-1 has shutter priority while most users prefer aperture priority. ae-1 cameras also sell for silly money, sometimes more than the a1. I don’t have a ae-1 but I do have the al-1 which has aperture priority and also has focus assist, two large red arrows and a green blob, which is useful with my failing eyesight. Minolta are every bit as good as the four ‘big’ names, Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Olympus. All made small, lightweight cameras with electronic shutters and auto exposure and manual modes. I think I would rate the ae-1 lowest, but it does have it’s good points. The other four I would rate about equal; each has advantages and disadvantages.

[@psblad2667]

I have used X-700 for 30 years. No problems at all!! I even have two of them as well a X-300 which is as reliable.

[@exploring_analog]

They don't make technology like that anymore haha! Such a reliable camera, I am so happy that I chose it as my first SLR at the time. 🙌

[@akudashaku]

In 1981 I couldn't afford the Minolta, so I ended up with the Konica Autoreflex TC, W/40MM F1.8 Hexanon pancake lens.

[@exploring_analog]

I could barely afford it today haha, but what a joy to shoot. 🤩 crazy what these cameras are worth now and that they're still as solid as back in the day!

[@billlinehan5286]

I have a Minolta x-700. I don’t get out enough. I love it and the wide range of Minolta lenses. Thanks for your video👍

[@exploring_analog]

Thank you for your comment!! I'm really glad the video was helpful :) hope you can get out more and make full use of your x-700 with the summer coming ! Minolta gang 🤘🤘

[@lideresunidosmexico_]

The sound is an alarm that will warn you if the speed is to low for handheld without using a tripod... if you are learning is a great way to know your photos are goind to be blurred. Thats the reason for the sound... of course if you are a really a knowleadgable photographer you wont need it at all and you have the option just turning it on with the alarm off. The alarm will warn you too if you forget to put back to normal position the timer switch. So... its can really help you.

[@exploring_analog]

Oh my gosh thank you for this info!! I had no idea that's what it was used for. appreciate it 🙏

[@SomeUnremarkableGuy]

Good luck with your Minolta. If you didn't get G.A.S after buying X700, all I can say, lucky you. Another Minoltian here.

[@brianwhite9275]

Love the video and input. I was torn as to which Minolta to get because I do have a couple of MD lenses...but your video has helped me to finally decide on the X700. Hopefully I can get one soon and take some pictures with it and give input on my experience with it.

[@exploring_analog]

Aaah super exciting shopping for a new camera! I really love the x700 and, would by it again in a blink of an eye :) some people have chimed in in the comments saying that the minolta XD is really good too, so that's another option if you can't find the x700. seems like it's almost the same but irons out the little downsides of the x700 like the obnoxious shutter sound. Either way I really hope you enjoy your new minolta as much as i enjoy mine! definitely let me know your thoughts on it, I will look forward to it 📷🙌

[@JoeLopez]

Nice review. While it's a great camera, I would rather recommend people buy a X-570/500. Same camera overall and it's been much more reliable from a capacitor view. Keep up the great work!

[@exploring_analog]

Thank you for your comment and your recommendation! I haven't tried de 500 yet, and someone in the comments has also recommended the minolta XD which seems to have polished up the few downsides of the x700. so I will definitely be looking out for both models when I'm in the market for a new SLR!

[@JoeLopez]

@@exploring_analogfor sure, XD is a solid pro shooter

[@jz8638]

What a great review, I really enjoyed watching it! Super detailed and your photos were awesome as well! Instant sub for sure! Wishing you a wonderful week :-)

[@exploring_analog]

Thank you so much for your kind words!! I really appreciate it 😍 glad the review was helpful, hope the upcoming ones will be too ! hope you have an amazing week as well!

[@FocalMatter]

Another great video, I wish I had a camera like this for my first, Aperture priority would of saved me a bunch!!! A really great and informative video ❤❤ The photographs you have displayed are amazing!!

[@exploring_analog]

Thank you so much for your support 💙💙 I got lucky with the x700, always had my eye on it, but the day I bought it I was originally just gonna buy a point and shoot. but the price was too good to pass on

[@FocalMatter]

@@exploring_analog thank you so much for making the videos

[@cdavey7654]

Looks like a nice camera and probably a better choice over the AE-1. Aperture Priority is my most used mode as well. I think the Canon AE-1’s are probably one of the most overrated cameras around. for Canon I’d much rather have an A1 or F1 🙂📷

[@exploring_analog]

I am so glad this was the first one I got, Aperture priority saves me on the daily. I don't like having to think too much especially when doing street photography. I have never tried the A1 or F1 though, and I might give them a shot in the future. 🤩

[@JoseSaulUribeGuzman]

#MinoltaGang

[@exploring_analog]

🙌🙌