Five Reasons You Should Get the Minolta XE-7

The Minolta xe-7 is one of my favorite cameras I own. In fact I have shot more with this camera than any other manual focus film cameras. It just oozes quality. It’s well built and has a very substantial feel in your hands. Sure, it’s no Nikon f3 when it comes to design but it’s right up there in quality. Do yourself a favor and get one.
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[@bensonstein3993]

Minolta has been epically under-rated for years. Both the bodies and lenses. I have the X-700. It is a cheap, plastic-y Minolta, but is amazing in all regards. Super light. I have all kinds of film cameras and it is one of my favorites.

[@MikMilman]

I 100% agree with you. The x-700 is a great camera that embraces its plastic materials. Unlike the Canon AE-1 that hides it.

[@dronefox2619]

I completely agree with you. I have a Leica M2, multiple Canon AE-1’s, several Nikons, but my Minolta X-700 is actually my favorite camera to shoot. It has never let me down. Great camera!

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Smoothest winder and shutter of any manual SLR I own. Such a joy to use.

[@willdogs]

Glad to see that you are using your XE-7. I bought mine new in 1977 and took thousands of pictures with it for decades. It went everywhere with me. It has not worked in several years and more than likely needs a complete overhaul. Do you know of anyone who restores these cameras?

[@MikMilman]

I have someone I go to when I can't figure something out on my own but he's in Los Angeles. Where are you? What's wrong with it?

[@johnirby493]

Call Pro Camera in Charlottesville Va. Ask for Bill Moretz. You can google the phone #.

[@vinyljunkie64]

Excluding the fact that I'm a great fan of Minolta, I have to agree with you about the XE-7. The XE-5 is great too. It is the one camera I always yearn to shoot!

[@MikMilman]

vinyljunkie64 I picked up a Leica m3 recently and sold mine to help fund the cost of a lens. But I 💯 plan on getting another one at some point.

[@ihmintz]

why the xe-5??!

[@kbasco2000]

I am a collector of old cameras and I own several brands. I shoot with all of them. However, the XD-7 is above all my favorite one.

[@Original_Pepe_Pupu]

The shutter was borrowed from the Leica R. It is s vertical-travel blade shutter.

[@MikMilman]

YUP

[@amplifierheadache]

I got lucky last summer while out at a community rummage sale, I had only found several Polaroids (which I already had) and a Canon Photura (I bought the Photura) but before I met with a friend I noticed an old camera bag under a bunch of luggage and to my surprise was a XE-7 and 50mm 1.7 in the bag, I asked the woman running the stall how much she was asking for the camera and she said $10, I only had $9 but she said that would work too. fast forward a few months and I was really enjoying the camera, then my dentist told me he had a few old cameras that he no longer wanted and asked if I would like them. I said yes and I went an met him at his practice two days later and he game me a very broken Yahsica TL-Electro (fortunately the lens was mint) and a Minolta XG-1 with a 50mm 1.4, the very next day, my town burned down in a forest fire. my home was spared but, if I hadn't gone to pick up that XG-1 it would have surely been destroyed.

[@MikMilman]

Wow. Are you in California?

[@amplifierheadache]

@@MikMilman Yep, I lived in Paradise. Now I live towards the State Capital.

[@MikMilman]

@@amplifierheadache Sorry to hear that.

[@amplifierheadache]

@@MikMilman It's alright. I think of it as part of the adventure.

[@MikMilman]

Do you ever consider going back and photographing the area?

[@vorteco7692]

Looks like I made a good choice. I was on KEH looking for my first film camera after having a Canon DSLR for about 6 years now. I dislike the Canon for many reasons. Anyways, I judge a camera (used/vintage) based upon it's glass. I wanted to use my gut and not look up videos on which camera to buy. I don't want to follow the crowd. I looked at the lenses for the cameras that were available. I could not believe my eyes on the Minoltas!!!!!!! The price is fantastic! The build quality looks great! Metal. Japanese made. MMhmmmm So I ended up picking one up from KEH with a 35MM prime lense to try film photography. I'm looking forward to learning new things, once again.

[@kyleleonard7845]

Inherited one of these, and I'm going to use it to learn film shooting. Cool video!

[@MikMilman]

Awesome. Share those photos!

[@wilder89]

Thanks to you just purchased Minolta XE 🙌🏻

[@destini8690]

i just bought that camera and i am so excited.

[@MikMilman]

Excited for you!

[@Falkenroth1]

I inherited mine from my grandfather. He bought it new the year I was born. Have the receipt and it wasn’t a cheap camera in it’s day. He got the rokkor x f 1.4 at the same time and it’s the lens that stays on it.

[@duharry9863]

There is very little information about this camera on the Internet. I’m glad I had the same camera as you!

[@leoimr7321]

Is basically a Leica R3 with Minolta Glass and logo is the best including the XE 1-5-7

[@lomocult8728]

I also have this one, the Asian version of XE-1. It's always fun to shoot with.

[@michaelsullivan988]

Well said. I shoot most of my film on mine. It just works.

[@kane2703]

Great video you've persuaded me into buying one of these but the only problem is that they're basically non existent in the UK/Europe. No listing on ebay whatsoever they're all US listings and because the camera is so cheap I dont feel like paying the price of it in shipping fees. Hopefully a European listing comes up soon!

[@66marlinmike]

The XE,XE-1, and XE-7 are all the same but built for different markets I found a good XE on ebay for reasonable money (about £50) the XE-5 is a lower spec version

[@salvadorgrey1007]

Look for the XE-1 , that was it’s name in Europe. Or The XE-5.

[@stonex55]

excellent video, keep up the film content !

[@MikMilman]

Will do! Posting new episodes of "some photography show" weekly. Check it out and let me know what you think?

[@jennanadigoo785]

Thanks for the info! Was actually considering the F3 but then I saw this video! Other than this camera, what do you shoot with most?

[@MikMilman]

An old rolleiflex :)

[@NateEll]

The XE-7 was more competitive with Nikon’s EL, ELW and EL2. As much as I do like the XE-7, I’ll part company and say the F3 is notably more advanced

[@vinyljunkie64]

Congrats on the Leica! It is the cost of the Leica glass that keeps me from getting one. Enjoy! BTW, Leica's R3 is pretty much the same camera as the XE-7. A collaboration of sorts. I'm not certain if Minolta manufactured the R3 for them.

[@MikMilman]

vinyljunkie64 and the Minolta cle is basically a Leica

[@vinyljunkie64]

👍

[@MikMilman]

Mister Man I'm not saying you personally got one based off my video but I'm surprised to see some of you guys go for it

[@colindavis6723]

So 3 questions very quickly. 1. Do these have different years they were made or is it just one standard xe-7? 2. Can these transfer directly to my phone with an app like some nikons? 3. If not how should I transport my photos?

[@MikMilman]

1. Don't know. 2. No. (this is a film camera) 3. You can get scanned images from the lab you process your film at, or do it at home like I do.

[@colindavis6723]

@@MikMilman appreciate the video and your response

[@MikMilman]

Of course. How did you find this one? Are you specifically looking for this camera?

[@66marlinmike]

I have a minolta XD which is a fantastic camera there's a XE on the way, so if it's that much better yipeee!!

[@MikMilman]

66marlinmike you're gonna love it. I sold mine to buy Leica glass but I'm thinking I better pick a new one up before people catch on!

[@MikMilman]

totally worth it.

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

Mik nice vid. What do you think of the XD11? how does it compare? Also, the Nikon EL2, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on how all these three compare to each other. Thanks. -Bob

[@MikMilman]

I have been meaning to try out an XD11, but have not found one yet. My understanding is that the xe-7 has a bit more of a premium feel, as its an earlier model (more metal). I have not used a Nikon EL2, but since I compare the XE-7 to an F3, I'd say it would not compare.

[@MikMilman]

Check out my latest post if you want a very thorough review of a camera ;)

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

when i sort by date this is your latest post. Ricoh Shotmaster 130z Review // Ep. 4 which is not a review. Is this the one you meant?

[@MikMilman]

lol yes. I'm joking about it being a review. Let me know if there are any other cameras you're interested in.

[@dhaneshr]

@@MikMilman While xe-7 is bulkier, XD-11 is more compact but equally well-built - and it was designed in response to Olympus OM-1, Cannon's AE series and the Pentax MEs of the day. It is the first SLR to support Aperture priority, Shutter priority and fully manual modes. The XD-11 / XD-7 was also made in collaboration with Leica (the R4 shares the same internals). I beg to differ - the XD-11 is perhaps the more premium Minolta, in fact the best manual focus SLR Minolta ever built.

[@DogsandFilm]

As a Minolta fan, I'm here to say thanks for review one of the best Minolta cameras... and as a Mexican I have to say... is that a San Judas Tadeo candle behind you? Saludos!

[@MikMilman]

Interesting timing on an old video! I plan on picking up a new one of these later today. I sold this one a while ago and have regretted it since. For a while I got into buying, repairing, and selling film cameras. It was hard to part with but I figured I would just pick a new one up at some point. And yes it is. Although I didn't know their proper name. I have a mild obsession with them.

[@DogsandFilm]

@@MikMilman I'm also buying, repairing and selling film cameras! Haha I was watching your video because I'm searching for a XE, so you helped me to decide about it.

[@MikMilman]

It's seriously an excellent camera. To me, it felt no worse than an f3. I think I mention that in this video. Minolta cameras in general are just so good. Especially their mechanical ones. Have you shot with an autocord yet?

[@DogsandFilm]

@@MikMilman Yes, I have an Autocord and the lens is superb. I'm really impressed by the quality, also I was amazed by the film Santa Rae 1000 @800. Check the Minolta AL-E, is a compact rangefinder but the lens is amazing, really amazing. My IG is @davgarci if you want to share more thoughts and photos

[@MikMilman]

I'm not familiar with Santa Rae. If I ever see some I'll grab it. I have not shot with an AL-E yet. If I find one I'll grab that too. I'm not super active on IG but you can see my work @retrograding (for personal and film stuff) and @mikmilman (for work stuff).

[@journeyquest1]

I have 2 XE-5s and 2 XE-7s. A black SRT 102 and an X 700 with grip. The XE cameras seem well built but tend to have electrical problems over time.

[@MikMilman]

So far no Minolta camera of mine ever has. Maybe I'm lucky?

[@stephenstrader1577]

That being said, which camera out of that group do you prefer? SRT 102, X-700, or XE?

[@Spreadthep0sitive]

Great video. Thanks.

[@MikMilman]

I'll keep them coming. Anything specific you'd like to see?

[@RedHell2884]

Nice Video .. Dose it accept MD-MC lenses mount. Thanks

[@j.c.103]

it accepts all of Minolta MC and MD lenses !!!

[@stonex55]

i would love to hear some of your favorite minolta lenses and see some samples ! :)

[@MikMilman]

I have a lot of cameras and lenses. Any specific requests?

[@RedHell2884]

Is it mechanical or electronic?

[@danc2014]

It will do mechanical speeds for X and Bulb. but the shutter for all other speeds are electronic set and needs 2 batteries to run.

[@zacharypfeifer6131]

I bought mine at a antique shop for $40 that came with a 35-85mm f2.8. I have been looking for a good 50mm lens for the XE-7. But I dont know what to choose. I was hoping for a 1.2 or 1.4. When I look at the Rokkors online they look plastic. Yours actually looks different then the ones I found online, bc your focus ring looks different. Any suggestions? Also you said you took it with you everywhere do you have any sample images to show the quality of the camera? That would be pretty cool. Thx awesome video

[@zacharypfeifer6131]

I meant quality of the lens not camera lol

[@MikMilman]

Sorry it took me a bit to get back to you on this. I've been making videos at a furious pace lately to challenge myself. My lens is a 58mm 1.4. I have a second one if you have trouble finding one. The build quality is nuts; I think it's my heaviest 50mm ish lens You can check my work out @retrograding but I won't recall which photographs I specifically made with it

[@zacharypfeifer6131]

Your good man. Im glad your doing the videos. I subbed and love it so far. Keep trucking on man. I used to do youtube videos i understand its rough

[@zacharypfeifer6131]

Mik Milman i also might contact you for the lens. I would love to see your work.

[@MikMilman]

Just let me know. I can sell it to you for whatever the going reasonable rate is.

[@johnpeterramos17]

Hello Bradley Cooper

[@MikMilman]

Um, thanks.

[@joepasquarello1273]

I regret selling mine.

[@MikMilman]

hahha same... i sold mine to someone as a favor, thinking I would just pick up another and never did. I think about this camera often.

[@thegreenphotographer8214]

Too late, bought one over a year ago.......

[@MikMilman]

The Green Photographer the xe or the f3?

[@paulgreen6903]

AFTER WATCHING YOUR SHOW.....I CAN ONLY SAY ONE THING.....BE VERY SURE OF YOUR INFORMATION. ( check your facts...then re check your facts again ).....AND PRESENT YOUR SELF IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER.......

[@paulgreen6903]

AGAIN........NO.....CANON fd lens are the same as every one else....in the time period.......metal with plastic moving parts inside.........i sold 35mm camera s since 1969....please remove you hat.....it show s how in mature you are..........

[@TorreyVoigt]

Lighten up man!

[@MikMilman]

Lol don't mind him.

[@paulgreen6903]

HOW IN THE HELL IS THE MINOLTA BETTER THEN THE CANON AE-1?................YOU WOULD NOT BE A GOOD CAMERA SALES PERSON WITH THAT KIND OF THINKING......NEXT.

[@paulgreen6903]

NO...it s not like the nikon f3.....it s very much like the leica r3.......please remove your hat when you are inside.............

[@MikMilman]

I am just going to assume that every comment of yours is a joke. Or that you are in character.