How to Use Minolta X-700 Film Camera (Beginners Quick Guide)

Introduced by Minolta in 1981. It was the top model of their final manual-focus SLR series before the introduction of the auto-focus on Minolta Maxxum 7000 camera.
The Minolta X-700 is a stunningly diverting camera to use and capable of delivering very nice results.
If you want to know how to use:
- Use Program Mode
- Use Aperture Priority
- Use Manual Mode
- Use Light Meter
- Set Aperture
- Set Shutter Speed
- Set ISO
- Load Film
- Insert and Check Battery
- Focusing
- Detaching and Mount Lens
- Unload Film
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[@hannahfelicity]

I love this camera so much! I got one 2nd hand to use at community college and learnt how to take photographs using it. I remember visiting Venice for the first time, back in '00. No one really had digital cameras back then - when I ran out of film I recall popping into a newsagent type shop and picking up the film from the shelf (I doubt you could do this now!). I went to university the year after and it broke on my first week - so I sent it to get fixed. I bought a newer model Minolta whilst my X700 was being mended and life sort of took over and I didn't get to shoot with it again. I only just found my camera again after all these years. I can't recall how to process my own film and I don't have the equiptment either. Now I have the time I am going to have fun using this camera again. Thanks for making this video!

[@machia0705]

It’s a great camera isn’t it? What film do you buy?

[@nickfanzo]

My wife took photography on college and used this camera around 2000-2001 . Tri x was 1.50-2.00 a roll in the store

[@j.balasubramanianbala4142]

இந்த கேமரா என்னிடம் உள்ளது உங்களுக்கு தேவையா

[@MrNeversweat]

Just got mine, feel like a kid in a candy store, exept I needed a mentor. Thanks for your video and KZbin.

[@photographyandmore]

Hi, Congratulations on your new acquisition and good luck with your photographs!

[@astralshore]

Thank you very much! I recently found this camera among my late wife’s things and I know it’s the one she used in art school. I can’t wait to start using it, and thanks to you, I now know how to 🙏🏻

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Bram, Thanks for your comments and good luck with your pics!

[@cinafratti1077]

This was grandpa’s camera, I even have photos he took with it - at the beach and vegetables from the garden. He shot the photos and my grandma painted them. I now have the camera and haven’t shot with an SLR in years. Thank you for you video, I am ready to shoot!

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Cina, Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. Good luck with your photos!

[@machia0705]

Got an SRT-101 in 1972 and this camera in the 1980’s. I still use them occasionally with the superb Rokker lenses. My Canon digital equipment is great, but nothing beats the old Minolta’s.

[@ChaosCreww]

Thank you for the vid. It was the most helpful out of the other vids I watched. My grandfather gave me his old Minolta and the film compartment seems to be jammed. You helped me alot!😉

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Brenda, Thanks for your comments, take the camera with a technician to resolve the compartment issue.

[@NostaIgiaJunkie]

This was my moms camera in the 80s, took great pictures and still does ☺

[@photographyandmore]

Hi J C, It is the wonder of these cameras, not only the good memories they generated in the past, but their ability to continue registry our present.

[@NostaIgiaJunkie]

@@photographyandmore My sister was a pageant girl, looked just like Jon Bonet Ramsey. My mom refused to pay a photographer so she got lessons. Studio quality stuff, wish my mom kept up the hobby she was very gifted with film.

[@AnthonyPtak]

Picked one of them up at garage sale and this tutorial is spot on thanks

[@soupdragon12345]

Great video , very informative. I found my camera in a thrift store for $28 . Cannot wait to try it out .

[@photographyandmore]

Hi soupdragon12345, Thank you for your comments! Hopefully and soon you can test your camera and tell us how it went with it.

[@thehumanityoflife6460]

Wow, you got a great deal for that price!

[@captawesome11]

5$ for me at a thrift store ! Lol

[@soap924]

This bud helped a lot! This is my first manual SLR so I didn’t even know how to put the film in 😂 thank you!

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Soap, It's great know that you found useful this video. Good luck with your pics!

[@carmenburgos1616]

I’ve always wanted a camera of the 80s and early 90s to load the film . Just an iconic piece of time .. Wow I’ve missed out on soo much

[@joshstubbs7375]

Very informative video thank you. Very straight forward to understand the settings rather than reading a manual

[@KeesKouwenberg]

That was my first 'real' camera, Bought it new in I think 1982 or so. Great camera!

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Kees, Thanks for share with us your memories!

[@kimmbalism7134]

Very helpful video. I'm even more eager to start using this camera now. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@tsts9459]

:26 without your video, I would have never known one of my batteries were stuck to lid. Thank you😷♥️

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Ts Ts, It's great know that you found useful this video, thanks for your comments!

[@tsts9459]

@@photographyandmore this sucks. Took , what I thought were my first pictures. Went to have printed, nothing on film. Happened on another camera I was testing. Sounds like operator error. Were did I go wrong?

[@Shirenkie]

Thank you! My husband gave me his old one and I could not figure it out. Now I did and I'm going on an adventure!

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Shirenkie, A great gift, good luck with your pics!

[@anonymousreality6]

Thank you so much! All my questions answered perfectly!

[@photographyandmore]

Hello sofukincreative, It's great to know that! Thanks for your comments!

[@kurburrr]

most helpful video on getting started with this camera. thank you!

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Kurt, I'm glad you found this video useful. Thank you for your comments!

[@mckinley.w]

Thank you so much for this it helped more then what my teacher told me to read

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Payton Williams, It is great to know that you found this video useful. Thanks for your comment and don't forget to subscribe to the channel. And good luck with your pics!

[@nickfanzo]

My wife just gave me hers from college , she hasn’t used it in 20 yrs. it has the data back and was made in japan

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Nicholas Fanzo, It is a great gift. If you decide to try it, it would be nice if you could tell us about your experience.

[@selinddmn]

this is the best usefulvideo about how to use of the minolta. Thank you so much!

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Fleurdelys, Thanks for your comments, that encourage me to keep working!

[@jozefowny]

I've already shoot a roll, but still forgot how to turn the damn thing on. Thank you

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Józef Urbanowicz, Thank you for your comments, its great know that you found it useful. Good luck with your pics!

[@robertvonbuelow1260]

Very good, first time ever holding a camera

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Robert, Photography has its own magic! If you haven't done it yet, I invite you to subscribe to my channel to see more videos like this one.

[@artyomkennedy8894]

You have many cameras thanks for share. Like.

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Artyom kennedy, Most of these cameras are borrowed, I only use them to create these video tutorials and thus help more people know how to use their cameras. Thanks for watching my videos!

[@alanaauston]

this is so, so helpful. thank you so much!

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Alana, Thanks for your comments!

[@thehumanityoflife6460]

I used to have a Minolta SRT-101. It was the first camera that I had bought for $209 at Walmart back in 1973 when I was 17. Then I lost the whole outfit while on my way to shoot children track & field event (I had put it on the roof of my car and I drove off!). Then I bought a Minolta XD-11, and later, a used Minolta X-700. Many years later, I gave them to my two teenage sons, who then sold them off! Oh, what a loss!

[@thehumanityoflife6460]

Sorry, NOT WALMART. I bought it from K-MART.

[@photographyandmore]

Hello TheHumanity OfLife, Thanks for share with the community this history! It's a shame that you no longer have those cameras, but surely you have good memories and good photos of when you had them.

[@PaulCuenin]

Very helpful thanks

[@ainhoasamford8046]

Gran marca y muy buena cámara con mecánica envidiable, tamaño ideal y peso aceptable

[@alinaboychenko427]

The only thing I didn’t see you talk about in Metering portion, is how does the camera indicate if you are over or under exposing?

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Alina, When overexposure or underexposure blink the +/- LED.

[@alinaboychenko427]

@@photographyandmore excellent thanks!!

[@DamarisIordache]

Great video!! I've just found my dad's old minolta. Btw what song is that in the beginning of the video?

[@angeldiaz3995]

What does it mean when there a a plus and subtract sign ? I don’t know it doesn’t let me take pictures but everything else works perfectly

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Angel, When there a plus sign means 'overexposure', that is when to much light exponing the film, the result for this is a too lighthen picture When there a minus sign means 'underexposure', that is when there is not enough light to get a correct exposure of the image, the image is dark.

[@busybees.r.c.1836]

My sister has one of these with a bunch of attachments and really good quality gear with it, so Im trying to learn how to use it since she hasnt

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Busy Bee, I hope this video has helped you to learn how to use this camera, any questions you have leave them in the comments and we will gladly try to solve them.

[@busybees.r.c.1836]

@@photographyandmore cool! Thanks

[@cole0537]

You might not answer but my camera was working perfectly fine the it seems that it got stuck in the middle of taking a picture? I looked to see what the problem was because every time I looked in the hole so I could take a picture, it was dark. it seems that the little mirror behind the lens is stuck in an up position can you help

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Chloe, Try turning off and removing the batteries, re-inserting the batteries, and turning on the camera. If the above does not work, I think you will have to take it to a specialized technician.

[@kellymahon4689]

hello, can you share some links for battery options?

[@nickfanzo]

It’s a very plastic feeling camera compared to my Leica m3, m6 and Nikon f2 or f3 . But it works .

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Nicholas, Thanks for your comments!

[@marlonrocha9918]

i love these camera, i have 2

[@sevvilla1421]

This is such a helpful video! Someone gave me the camera a while back and Everything seems fine, but the film position dial never reaches the red “S” instead it just goes to 14 and starts from there? Is that a sign that its broken or is it something i can get fixed?

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Sev, Indeed this behavior is not normal, it should start from 1, it is not something that you can solve, for this you have to take the camera to the technical service. On the other hand, if it is the only problem you have, maybe you can continue using it for a while while you take the camera to fix it.

[@taylorgurka4063]

Just to clarify, after taking each photo you have to move that lever over? I’ve only ever used canon and Nikon SLR and I saw this Minolta today I’m very tempted to buy and get the hang of. Thank you!

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Taylor, That's correct, after take a photo you need turn the advance film lever to move the film at the next unexposed frame.

[@adnanabdillahghifari720]

Excuse me, the left dial is the exposure compensation, not the shutter speed dial

[@shelbylazenby2976]

I just got one from my grandparents they had used a longggg time ago. The thing you push to turn the camera on won’t move and I can’t figure out if it is stuck it if it doesn’t turn when the batteries are dead

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Shelby, This camera needs batteries to work, maybe you need to replace the batteries with a new batteries.

[@remykist]

Hi! Thank you for the video! May i ask what the difference is between the two 'On' modes?

[@albertoalvarez3600]

justo lo que buscaba. MAX respeto

[@SkRy27]

Hello, I have a small issue with my Minolta x700. The speed displayed in the viewfinder is always very low in "Aperture priority" or "manual" mode. However, if I switch to "program mode" without placing the zoom in the "program mode" notch, the displayed speed is higher and seems more consistent. I admit to being a bit confused. Thanks for your help. Ps: I love your videos

[@emmaolivas4005]

Hi! thank you so much for this informative video but I do just have 1 quick question. Will the advance not work if there are no batteries inserted? Thanks again!

[@taemonomololu6815]

Does anyone know what to do if my advance lever is won’t budge? I can’t even load the film. Doesn’t seem stuck stuck, more like something mechanical preventing it from moving

[@abipam]

Thank you so much for the video! I just buy this camera and i have a problem, I can’t change the ISO, is stuck in 800, i also didn’t put a film in the camera, it could be for that? Or the problem has nothing to do with that? Also, do you know if it’s too expensive to fix it? Thank you so much!!

[@photographyandmore]

Hi P O, It's not necessary to load the film first to set the ISO. To set the ISO, lift up on the ISO film ring and turn it until the proper ISO number appears centered in the window and locks in that position when the ring is released.

[@ediejohnson8878]

Where can you get the batteries and film

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Edie, Maybe you can find the battery and film in some local photography shop. Or you can find them on Amazon or eBay.

[@grillman7170]

Do you think 2x 394 batteries will work ? They are rated at 1.55v

[@Sword-of-Christ-Ministries]

If you don't mind me asking what was the music you use for this? Who was the artist?

[@MarioHernandez-gg7sv]

Hi my film advance lever gets stuck a little less than half way, is it because it has to have batteries and be turned on? I think that’s the reason but I wanna make sure before I go and buy the batteries.

[@hannahbowden2863]

Same thing happened to me but was fixed once I put in batteries

[@Ca_1021]

When it's in P mode, what film speed should we set it to?

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Cassidy, At the film speed that is printed on the film cartridge.

[@lunagotta3499]

hey can somebody help me please? I have buid the minolta x 700 and the film position dial is always on "S" and never comes to the numbers. Does that mean that the camera dodn`t take any pictures? Thank you for your help and i`m soory if my english is not that good.

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Luna, Not necessarily, this may be due to the fact that the film has not been loaded correctly or because the camera only fails the frame counter while the rest of the camera could be working well.

[@poppysensei2279]

I got this camera for $15 today. i hope that is a good deal haha. i still need to buy film. what kind should i get?

[@nicholaswright6892]

35 mm film of any kind should work! Your main options are black & white or color. I would pick up a roll of each and see how you like them. Kodak makes many great films but I would pick whatever you can if you’re new to the hobby. I would advise you to get unexpired film which is a little more expensive but presents fewer headaches to newer shooters.

[@sunshineBeach17]

Thank you for the video! One question though: where can I see how many shots i have left on the film?

[@photographyandmore]

Hi lop z, In the top plate, to the right side, the camera has a little frame counter window next to the film advance lever.

[@sunshineBeach17]

Thank you!

[@lunagotta3499]

@@photographyandmore hey on my camera it always says "S" and i don`t understand how i can get the numbers. Can you please help me?

[@photographyandmore]

@@lunagotta3499 This may be due to the fact that the film has not been loaded correctly or because the camera only fails the frame counter while the rest of the camera could be working well.

[@christianlanger5129]

What's the black button below the lens release button for? Thanks :-)

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Christian, This button called "Preview Button" enable us to view through the viewfinder the depth of field acchieve with the aperture slected in the lens when we pressed it.

[@christianlanger5129]

@@photographyandmore Thanks a lot! I guess that's only working with a charged battery? I found this camera in the attic and thinking about buying a roll of film... :-)

[@yilineng2864]

May I ask what’s the difference between Minolta x700 and Minolta x7?

[@Alex-fi8zk]

im a little worried i think i put the film in correctly. i tried to advance the film and the knob would not go unless i pressed the shutter? I do not think i am doing this right :(

[@angelashs2695]

What film did u buy!

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Alex, The rewind knob just move after you pressed the shutter button and turn the film advance lever.

[@Alex-fi8zk]

@@photographyandmore thank you! I hope I put the film in correctly haha! I’m very much new to film photography I put in a 35mm in but not sure if the film was fit correctly

[@photographyandmore]

@@Alex-fi8zk With a little practice you will surely achieve it. Good luck with your photos!

[@angelashs2695]

Can someone help me out with what film to buy!

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Angela, This camera uses 35mm film, depending what you prefer can be Color or Black and White, IS0 400 are most comfortable when you beginning in the photography.

[@ThanhPham-cl2ld]

My camera always runs out of battery after shooting 1 roll. Do you know what the problem could be?

[@mococaboy17]

they are POS’s you should get an Srt series as they actually work

[@user-ny3zf5go6c]

my iso wheel is stuck :( got the camera from ebay

[@photographyandmore]

Hello Elutidos, Sometimes it is difficult to lift the shutter speed ring, try to lift it as high as you can before trying to turn it.

[@jckmillxr8774]

may i ask you pls 🥺 is minolta x-700 can use programme mode with older md lens (no red little button on len's body ) ?

[@vangestelwijnen]

Only if it is a MD lens with green aperture 16 or 22.

[@vinyljunkie64]

Recommend anyone buying old film cameras as this to budget for a servicing from a reputable repairman. Research before sending camera too. I've been buying these old cameras for years and having them serviced and while they all worked after buying, they all had issues such as needing new seals, sticky shutters, etc. Just because camera appears to function, doesn't necessarily mean it is functioning properly

[@photographyandmore]

Hello vinyljunkie64, Thanks for your recommendations!

[@vinyljunkie64]

@@photographyandmore Welcome

[@tyler-ux4nb]

what film do i buy

[@photographyandmore]

Hi tyler, You can buy 35mm film, in color or black & white depending on what you prefer.

[@bekabuchashvili]

is it an aluminium body camera?

[@jonathanmauldin8801]

I just bought one and have loaded it up with batteries and nothing is indicating to me that it’s working or that it’s even turning on at all. The shutter won’t press, the advance lever seems to be stuck, and there’s no lights or anything coming on. Can anyone help me?

[@photographyandmore]

Hi Jonathan Mauldin, You can try wiping the terminals of the battery chamber with a clean, dry cloth. When battery capacity is no longer sufficient or the terminals are dirty, the shutter will not operate.

[@vangestelwijnen]

This camera has two capacitors. One under the base plate and one on top. After 1985 these were made of aluminium instead of tantalum. Aluminium ones are less good. The one on top is harder to replace and it may be the one that is broken in your camera.

[@nancypena6941]

This might be a ridiculous question but how do i know if my Minolta film camera is taking pictures. I open the back cover and cant see anything. I dont know if i should be able to see anything or if i have to wait until i take it to get developed.

[@nungarayify]

I'm unclear if you've loaded your film properly, but typically once its loaded, you should NOT open the back to check on your film. Light will mess up your photos/film, so it's best to keep that closed and wait it out.. To check if you are actually taking photos after you've loaded the film, you'll notice that you have to flip the lever to wind the film, and press the button to take the photo.. the camera won't take a photo unless you wind the film & the numbers will advance on the little dial to let you know you've taken a photo.. I found that its easiest to use the setting "on)))" with the little sound lines next to it, so I can hear when I am going to take a photo. Other than that, when you are finished with the roll, properly rewind the film and wait til you get it developed.. you should not be looking at your film or touching it really. Hope this helps!!

[@nancypena6941]

Jane Nungaray thank you this really helps so much 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@zoeyroy5769]

what kind of film do i use?

[@lunagotta3499]

i heard that the Kodak Gold 200 is very good for beginners

[@amethystfernandez6445]

What type of film does it use ?

[@lunagotta3499]

hey i heard that the Kodak gold 200 is very good for beginners

[@nitablackwood6301]

Mine is blurry. No matter what kind of film and lens I use the photos are never in focus lol

[@thehumanityoflife6460]

You need to buy new eyeglasses...lol!

[@nitablackwood6301]

@@thehumanityoflife6460 lmao I have 3 pairs of glasses that I switch between. It's my camera I don't use it anymore tho.

[@lemon2735]

am I going crazy or is the film flipped?