🔴 Cheap Leica R4 Alternative!? | Minolta XD7/XD11 | First Impressions - Leica R vs Minolta XD11

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Cheap Leica R4 Alternative!? The Minolta XD7 (XD11) | First Impressions - Leica R4 vs Minolta XD7 ✅ Check price on eBay: (US) ebay.to/2PmMpmD (UK) ebay.to/30vZdgV ⭐️ Patreon: Join us today for more videos! From £1/mth - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom

[@patrickfaleur6346]

I’ve got a Nikon FM2 and a Minolta XD and I much prefer the Minolta! It’s one if the nicest film SLRs I’ve ever used.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Patrick, interesting.. it is the XD7/11 you have or are there other models too?

[@patrickfaleur6346]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The Japanese version (which I imported is called the XD.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@patrickfaleur6346 ah thanks, good tip! Maybe I should give them another chance (and try to find a decent copy).

[@marcp.1752]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Minolta XD/XD7 & XD11 are all the the same SLR, but for different markets into the world.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@marcp.1752 thanks Marc!

[@iiwii8622]

The XD7, what a fantastic camera. Check out the professional reportage photographer, Harry Benson. He chose the XD7 over the Nikon and Canon offerings in the 70s/80s and spoke extremely highly of it. He took images of Royalty, presidents, the big celebrities of the day and so on. His work is definitely worth a look at.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for the great info!

[@iiwii8622]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Anytime mate

[@thedondeluxe6941]

I have both an R4S and an XD11, actually! The biggest difference for me is the viewfinder. I find it easier to focus with a shallow depth of field and hit the mark on the Leica. The focusing screen is more precise and the camera just feels slightly better built. But it's very close and both have that super smooth, nicely dampened shutter. I can get ca 1 stop slower hand held speeds sharp with those cameras than any of my other SLRs (apart from the Canon 5DSR, but that's very different :-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for commenting, I appreciate your knowledge on this, interesting to hear thanks!

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

The XD it's not the alternative, it's the better option.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I have cameras like the FM2n so on paper I’m struggling to find an excuse to buy an XD. (The X300 i reviewed works and is tiny).

[@geraldillo]

The XD7/XD11 was developed by Minolta. As far as I know the only input by Leica was that they licensed Minolta to use a black chrome finish for the camera which is much more durable than the ordinary black paint of most camera's. It has an excellent Copal shutter which is adjusted just milliseconds before being released (no TTL yet...) In shutterspeed priority mode the camera prevented over-exposure by adjusting the shutterspeed when the aperture range turned out not to be sufficient for the exposure value. Leica used the XD7 body for the Leica R4 in the same way that the Leica R3 was based on the Minolta XE1. It refined some details which makes the handling a bit more refined (from what I have heard) and added some features like selective metering system and later models had also TTL flash metering like the Minolta x700 Leica used some Minolta lens designs but not the other way around as far as I know, so it doesn't make sense to think of buying a XD7/XD11 as an alternative for buying a Leica camera. The quality of Minolta lenses in general is good though. The earlier version of the xd 7 had real leather cover on the body which tends to shrink when it ages, which makes the camera looks a bit cheap indeed. There are replacement sets available online.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! Yes I knew Leica had no input in Minolta kit but I probably didn't explain it well. It's normally Leica using Minolta or Sigma etc for the R system. I bought the "all Leica" Rs - R5/R6/R6.2/R7 but I have the X300 Minolta still and the 45mm f2 lens is so good for the price.

[@marcp.1752]

The XD/XD11/XD7 does a double check on exposure, before releasing the shutter. Which simply means, if the measured exposure varies from the 1st measurement before, the SLR adjusts that in real time (=miliseconds) before releasing the shutter, for making a way stable exposure. Afaik no other SLR onto the market does that. The SLR also adjusts the shutterspeed into A - Aperture mode, inofficially >1/1000s, say 1/1500 to 1/2000s, if the measured exposure with the user settings doesn't fit a proper exposure. I shoot my XD7 >3 decades, and will so as long as it works.

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

@@marcp.1752 The X-700 , X-500 (x-570) and X-300 (x-370) does that too.

[@stephendeakin2714]

I had the Minolta 300 when it went to the repairer, they said it had the most accurate meter they had ever seen.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Stephen Deakin ah love it! Seems Minolta made great meters. Yes I love the weight of the 300 and screen (VF).

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom you can mount the same screen in the XD, it's not too difficult. The XD focusing screen is good but the acumate of the x-300 x-500 or x-700 are better and you can install it on a XD-7 no problem

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@marcelocampoamor4761 thanks!

[@ronaldsand3000]

Hi Matt I bought a brand new R4 back in the late 1980’s - showing my age The salesman demonstrated its build quality by literally putting a brand new camera on the floor and standing on the top of it with his full weight, he said try that with your Nikon F3! The build quality, slick stylish look, black chrome (rather than paint) and function of the mechanism is as good as the M series’s in my opinion and the lenses superb Please try if these Portuguese built cameras hands on before comparing them to the Japanese “equivalent “ All the very best and kindest regards

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ronald! Great to hear your memories/story/experience. Yes I have no doubt the Leica R is as good as other Leicas. I hadn't planned to get this Minolta but I'm currently using the lenses. Great optics for the price though not as good as Leicas ofc.

[@timrpbrown]

I love my XD7, picked up on eBay for peanuts. I find this camera (and the nearly identical but cheaper XD5) so underrated. Using with a 50mm Minolta MD f1.4 mostly.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Timothy Brown thanks, nice setup! I think perhaps I got a bad copy as my X-300 is lovely. I’ve not got a 50/1.4 lens get but I might be tempted if the X300 test roll looks good. :) They do offer amazing value don’t they!

[@timrpbrown]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I must admit, my XD7 doesn't compare to well to my R6, though not sure it's a fair/appropriate comparison (and 5 times cheaper), and neither really compare to the exquisite feel of an M2 (I have too many cameras....lucky me)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Timothy Brown interesting to hear vs. R6, thanks. Yes I’m spoilt too so against vintage Leica M or Leica iii cameras it was never going to feel impressive!

[@minoltacollector9128]

Youre tripping about the shutter feel lol, unless you've got a bad copy. The mirror slap on yours actually sounds pretty loud you might wanna get it checked out. The XE and XD series have the smoothest film advance and shutter feel of ANY manual focus SLR, nothing even comes close and Ive tried a lot.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you and good name! :) Yes I had a really bad copy so I returned it for a full refund. I love my X300 and Nikon F bodies. Do you this it is worth giving the XD7 another chance?

[@minoltacollector9128]

​@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom definitely! Ive bought several black XDs the past few years for under $100, and now people want $250+ for em. I'd get one now for a reasonable price while you still can. Ive been seeing a lot of youtubers making videos on minolta stuff recently, I think the secret is getting out. Also its worth mentioning that with all the XDs ive bought ive honestly never had a problem or malfunction with any of them, they all work flawlessly. I'm positive once you feel that silky shutter you'll love it!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@minoltacollector9128 thanks, I’ll keep an eye out for a deal! I bought quite a few lenses too but the 45 f2 v3 MD49mm outshines the 24 49mm, 35 49mm, (latest model ones - solid plastic block type, all 3) + 50 1.4 (very very soft). The 24 which is supposed to be good didn’t come close to lenses I use (25mm Biogon, 28mm Elmarit m, 28mm 2.8 ais nikkor, 28 Ltm canon 2.8) ..and it was a second copy as first had flare

[@vespa64m26]

I can't believe you said the xd7 feels flimsy.. not got a leica but have many many brands. Olympus feel really plasticy and canon mmm Pentax ace but the xd7 is brilliant. I have the x300 lovely camera but xd7 is the dogs, you must have had the cats!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your thoughts.. this was a very bad copy and was sent back.. I guess a good one feels better.. another example for you X300 love but plastic, Nikon FM/FE/FE2/FM2.. metal, far better build. But I can use both to take nice photos and somelight lightweight plastic is useful!

[@marcp.1752]

It's my prefered Minolta for Decades, together with the X700 Successor. (albeit plasticky build, and only cloth Shutter 1/1000) The Best Film SLR from Minolta. Came out into 1977, slightly Modfifications during the Years. At least 3 Main Versions, subtle Differences. Your Copy is Version 1 clearly, seeing from the Leather, which was being prone to shrink, and therefore leaving a small gap between it, and the Camera Body, as seen into the Preview Pic here. 2nd, the Exp Comp is being outside, as seen on the Screenshot too, on Version 2, 3 that was being turned inside, moved to the inner Corner in front. Then there are Versions with marked green "125" for 1/125s Shutter, and the last Version does feature the newer, Rising Sun Minolta Font Logo, like on the X300, X500, X600 & X700 Series. The Shutter is a Copal Metal Focalplane one, pneumatic damped, and the XD7/XD11/XD does have the 1st Program Shift Feature into a SLR, it does a 2nd Check when one is pressing the Shutter, if the set Values aren't matching a proper Exposure, the XD Series are autom. adjusting it on the fly, in order to get a proper Exposure. The same Copal Shutter was being built into the matching Leica, and even into the Cheapskate Beginner SLR Nikon EM. The "O" Setting on the Mode Dial gives a mechanical 1/100s Exposure, when the Battery is running out, in order to use the XD Series, but you've to use the Sunny-16 Rule, or something similar, without the built-in Light Meter then (it depends on 2x LR44/SR44 Batteries) Personally, i don't like the Design from the Leica R3/R4....R6.2 SLRs, especially the Mode Dial looks ugly, vs. this Minolta, or Contax. (edit: fixed typo) Some Gear Snobs using only Leica, but i do say, one can make decent Compositions with any Camera, even a disposable Film 35mm Camera, or 35mm Plastic Lens Holga. Your Milage may vary. Pick your Poison, and what suits you best.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Marc! Great info thanks for sharing.

[@mariobravo8253]

Thank You Marc ❗️. You gage us a wealth of info 😃🙂👍 - I'm sold on the Minolta XD... I'll pay attention to those subtle markings for different versions- would love to get version 3

[@marcp.1752]

@@mariobravo8253 Well, me too. ;) But i am quite happy with version 2.

[@1911geek]

I am the opposite I work and grew up on Minolta the CD-11 out lasted the Leica Re R4 etc. However I do own the R6 the few R series I trust SL Sl2 and R6 like wise 6.2 for very obvious reasons. On positive note the Minolta XDs are solidly built

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for the info, I had a bad copy here so it went back. I now have X300 + R5,R6,R6.2,R7.. loving the R setup at the moment!

[@Luxman1958]

As a First owner of a 1978 XD7 I can tell you this , split prisma is standard for the XD7 , and also your shutter sounds loud and mechanical ( and not the super smooth, nicely dampened shutter) , it sounds its not healhy also the R4 is 3 times more expensive, so comparing is relative...)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Alex! Sorry I missed this. Yes I had a bad copy and later returned it. I have just bought an R6 so now can appreciate the Leica R side of things verses Minolta.

[@mbecker163]

I have both the XD11 and Nikon FE. The FE is not "far superior". The are of similar quality, with the XD11 having the slighter edge

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Mark, I think my XD11 was a bad representation of this camera as it was complete rubbish. I returned it for a full refund. Thanks for correcting me vs the FE. I like the FM/FE series. I like the X300 too (see that video).

[@vespa64m26]

Hi there. I have the FG20 and its not a patch on the XD7. Any thoughts on the FG20. Thanks.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I knew several professional photographers in the late 1970´s into the 1980´s who used Minolta XD-7 for their work. Leica should have made their Leica R Lenses for the Minolta XD mount at that time ! I think that the XD-7 was the best analogue SLR Minolta have made, it was even better than the Leica R4 which had issues the first years of production (be aware !!!).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes I recommend people skip the R4 and R3. After that they seem better. This camera was a bad copy so was returned but my X100 is fun

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom If you know which R4 to get, then there is no problems, also late R4S can be good, the R4s mod. 2 and R4S mod. P are safe to get.

[@jmtubbs1639]

The R4 does have a split centre. The 28mm Elmarit-R focuses to 12", but the lenses do vary in minimum focus, ie my early Summicron-R 50mm is .5 meter/ 19". It will never be like using an M, but I think it compares well with other SLRs for feel and performance. Spot or weighted avg metering in aperture mode.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks JM, yes some XD7 have split screen too but sadly not this copy. (My X300 does). Yes agreed some lenses/ variants focus closer. I think I had a bad copy. I'm enjoying the X300 instead and it's lighter than my other SLRs.

[@bobbrockett2157]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The XD/XD-7/XD-11 and XD-5 all came with acute matte focusing screen with split-image bi-prism surrounded by microprisms. Three other screens were available, so the one you got was changed out at some point. I've been shooting since the 1960s, and have pretty much handled all the big-name analog gear, and have a special affinity for the XD-11 (as it's called in NA). Calling it 'crappy' and 'spongy' is beyond belief. Maybe your hands are spongy. It sure isn't the camera. My copies have never needed internal repair and the metering system is the best I've seen for film, having shot slides for decades with them and Nikons, mostly. Leicas are, by any measure, way overestimated both in value and performance. I'll tell you who else felt that way: Harry Benson. He dropped all his other 35s in favor of the XD-7 when it came out and did fantastic work.

[@Cheetorblz]

The shutter is a bit different due to slight lag but should be very smooth and quiet. Perhaps a service is needed?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Erik, I had a bad copy that was later returned so perhaps not a fair test of this camera. I prefer my X300! (See that video)

[@markoramljak9579]

hey matt! while I completely agree with you in regards to xd7's feel compared to an fm2 and a leica (I own an m2), I still have to say that when I feel like shooting an slr, I find myself more often reaching for my xd7 than my fm2n... sure, it's not as rugged, tactile or precise like an fm2, but it still has it's charms... for one, the lightmeter... in my experience, xd7's lightmeter is more accurate than any other camera's lightmeter I have used.. well, apart from nikon's or canon's modern matrix meter... I've used it in both automatic and manual mode and have yet to shoot an incorrectly exposed photo with it.. also, I just love my rokkor 50mm f/1.4 md iii.. it's sharper than my nikkor 50mm f/1.4 af-d and it has a much much nicer bokeh compared to nikkor... it's simply a superior lens compared to nikkor.. oh and my xd7 has a split image focusing screen.. I wonder why your doesn't... I have owned two xd7s so far, one was a 1st gen and the current one is the 4th and last gen and they both came with split image focusing screen... anyway, great video as always :D cheers!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Marko Ramljak thanks Marko! Really great to hear your experience, many thanks for sharing the details. Yes I need to get a 50/1.4.. I nearly bought on a few occasions already but missed out. I have the Nikkor AFD so good to hear your comparison. I have the Voigtlander 58/1.4 but that is probably an unfair lens to test against! Yes not having the expected split screen was a bad start then the lens that came with the camera was damaged in shipping. (I’ve recorded a second video about the same camera for Patreon to share more thoughts in a more private space. It’s not posted yet but this week I will try to do so. It would be great to have you join us if you think you could benefit from the extra content. Either way thanks for your comment here..and I am loving the X300 so I can see how you can love your cameras. 👍🏻

[@markoramljak9579]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom my pleasure, matt! just be mindful which version of rokkor 50mm 1.4 you buy.. they're not all the same.. while, I believe, the mc version is regarded as the sharpest, the latest md iii version is thought to be the best all around... that's the version I have... cheers!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Marko Ramljak thanks, I bought the III so I did well then, great! Yes I’m mostly interested by the MD3s so got the same for 24/35/45/50. That’s all I need I think :). I’m interested to see what the 50 can do! Thanks for commenting.

[@k1emenv]

Matt Osborne mc pg 50 is really sharp, but a bit busy bokeh. 35mm f1.8 is great, so is 28mm f2

[@carloupano]

currently have the minolta x300,x700 and xd11.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! I later got the X300 and love it (see that video)

[@toulcaz31]

So many better SLRs to consider before getting an XD or a R4... you should try Olympus OM4-T since you like small

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nico Cazals thanks Nico! It wasn’t a planned purchase. I only came for the lenses ha. Good to know though, thanks about the Olympus. I have a PenF and RC35 :)

[@highlander200107]

The Leica R is more heavy duty built compared to the Minolta bodies, more like the M series, I had the R3 with some lenses for a while, and it was so over built compared to my F3, and significantly heavier as well. But it felt so solid in hand. So while the Minolta bodies and lenses are based off of the Leica R, they do not really compare buildwise. But if you are looking for an inexpensive camera and lens system that will give you similar image quality to the Leica R, the Minolta is a fantastic way to go.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

John Roberts thanks John! And thanks for joining us on Patreon too! Yes Minolta do seem to offer exceptional value for money 👍🏻

[@Ardavan47]

NEEWBIE HERE.... i want to buy my first camera... AE1 is not available so i am Left with MINOLTA XD or Minolta X 300 (700 not available) which one is better for me? i know its a vague question but will appreciate any help you give

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I love my X300 so I’d say get that!

[@Ardavan47]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you for your reply

[@averywagg1839]

A buddy of mine just gave me his old XD7, upon hearing that I was getting back into film photography. I had it CLA’d and it now works like a charm. However, I’d like to use his 5 old ROKKOR MD lenses with my M4 but don’t know what kind of adapter to use..

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Avery Wagg good to hear! I’m Not sure how much experience you have but you can’t use on M4 easily as you can’t focus via RF. I show the adapters I use in Patreon as I use Minolta lenses a lot for photoshoots recently. If you scale focus you could use on M4 but probably easier with X700

[@eduardoflores7732]

bruh, I was looking for insight on XD7/XD11 and got nothing from your video!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for the feedback, I’m sorry you didn’t get what you were looking for.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Check out the x300, I find it a much better camera.

[@ciprianoravet]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Lol, the X300 next to XD is like a Hyundai compared to a Mercedes, I really think your XD was a bad copy. Try to re review the XD, please!

[@amyalkhafaji8733]

Could you review the Leica R4 film camera? Love your content!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Amy! If I ever get one to play wit I will yes. I’d be interested myself actually as I’ve never shot R glass either.

[@greysuit17]

Really enjoy my Minolta lenses. Great video!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

greysuit17 thank you! I’ll do more Minolta videos in the future 👍🏻

[@jasongold6751]

The problem of Leica R-4 is crappy electronics and varying cam requirements! Leica lenses in R mount may not work.. Very unreliable. Minolta XD, which I bought for peanuts, is better. But what is better in lousy? Mine sort of works, electronics again.. BUt I prefer the Rokkor Minolta lenses..All Minolta lenses fit, as far as I've used.Wrong to mention really bad gear, like R4!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes! I skipped the R4 and got the R5,6,6.2,7.. but still have the X300 and Minolta glass. Love the 45/2 👌🏻

[@danpedroza007]

I have the Minolta XD-11 and I have to say the only thing I don’t like about it is the sound of the shutter. it seems to me that the shutter speeds sound the same, don’t like that.. but the images came out really nice. I also have the Minolta XE-7 and to me I think it’s a better camera. I also have about 30 more cameras lol..

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Daniel Pedroza Yessss! The shutter sound is weird! I should have said that in the video. I couldn’t understand that either! :)

[@dirksentaguiam6622]

I have the minolta xe-7, it’s bulletproof. Most reliable lightmeter i have ever used. More reliable than my leica m7 seriously.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Dirksen Taguiam thanks! Yes someone else mentioned the light meters are excellent. Good to hear.

[@dirksentaguiam6622]

Matt Osborne yes a hidden gem, xe-7 and nikon f3 have almost the same size and function, but xe7 is built differently, that is the reason why I sold the f3 bec it’s more expensive at that time until now, if prices will go up then it’s mainly your fault lol

[@dirksentaguiam6622]

Btw, i bought xe7 with the 50mm 1.4 lens for $13 in ebay 3 yrs ago, now the cheapest beat up condition with working light meter costs around $50

[@vault7269]

or the minolta G1 or g2 or the G Super,same body samething but cheaper!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I got the cheap X300 and loved it!

[@RobMoses]

Definitely some nice camera over here ;)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rob!

[@AlbertVillaroman]

are you recording this late at night? it sounds like you're trying to keep your voice down so the kids won't wake up 😅

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha thanks Albert! I can’t remember to be honest, possibly! 😆

[@flyingcutless]

Wish you could recommend your favourite Minolta prime lens ???

[@flyingcutless]

Matt I have a new boxed x700 if you wanna swap for an M3 😁👍🏻

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I’m still testing but I will share results when I have more examples! 45 f2 is a good start 👍🏻

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

flyingcutless ha thanks! No the X-300 is good for when I want an SLR. Rest of time will use Minolta glass on digital Leica. ...and I need my M3! #bestcameraever! :)

[@AGL93311]

Have an R4s, feels much like an XD-11, not impressive. Supposedly the R6 is better. Leicaflex SL much more Leica-like. The advantage of using Leica R lenses (were relatively inexpensive when Leica orphaned them) is going away since they are now being used more and more on a multitude of mirrorless cameras, Leica and others . My only R lens that is useful to me now is the 180/3.4 Apo-Telyt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for confirming Adam, yes I wasn't impressed (I returned the camera). Yes Leica R lenses are nice. I managed to resist them and as you say the prices are not cheap now.

[@lattesweden]

Here an article about the Leica-Minolta collaboration: forum.mflenses.com/the-leica-minolta-collaboration-t77452.html

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Anders, sorry I missed this and thanks for the Facebook message!

[@jmac_photo]

XE7/XD11's run $$$. Leica R3/4 are the most unwanted camera on the used market. I can't even donate a mint condition R3 or R4 to Goodwill- they refuse to take it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha yes I avoided the R3/R4 and went for the better later models, R5/R6/R7 etc. This particular camera was rubbish but I think I had a bad copy. My X-300 is great fun.

[@eelcobrinkcate5303]

My Minolta's are like prima donna's: like balletdancers. like little Nuriyevs. And my Nikon's are like German Tiger tanks..this means: with my xd7 I am far tooo carefull, ( leather on the outside,a Leica copal shutter, a Nice sophisticated silent shutter sound, andso on, andso on... Everytime I take Them out for a walk, I feel I have to wear a couple of gloves. I dont feel free.......My Nikon's however I throw around like garbage, I know they Will survive anything!! They Will shoot untill the titanium shutter (fe2) is red hot, Like the brake pads on a formule one car...and I do feel free...making strangly enough better pictures??!! I think camera's have personalitys to😊 Just My experience with Minolta's...they dont fit my INFJ character.. Opposites atract I Guess!!! Greetings World😘

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! :) Fun comment. You might like the F4 video I just posted. I dropped it down concrete stepping while teaching a workshop and it still worked!! Se FE2 vid for those. Love those cameras :) For Minolta I like my X300 best.

[@eelcobrinkcate5303]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Just bought myself a mint x500 ( black ...very rare😀😀, happy as a little kid!!!!!! Thanks for youre reaction Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@eelcobrinkcate5303 congrats! :) Yes I am always the same with a new purchase :)

[@walterarroyo5220]

The most snobbiest pretentious & stuck up, “review I’ve ever seen. This man is ridiculous the points and complaints he makes are so dumb and irrelevant.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Walter, good to hear your opinion. To be fair to Minolta this was a junk copy of the camera so it was returned for a full refund. I do now own a X-300 and it's a fun little camera that takes great photos.