Minolta X-700 Review

[@sshadmani15]

Just wanna say a massive thankyou to Hashem for talking me into doing this review and stepping out of my comfort zone!! I've wanted to do a KZbin review for a while but have always hesitated for whatever reasons but I am so thankful for this platform and for having the opportunity to share my thoughts with you guys. And thankyou to everyone who has watched this review (and continues to support Hashem's amazing channel) and left us such lovely and kind words of support. It really, truly means a lot and makes me smile! Looking forward to doing the next one, whenever that may be! Thanks again! Stay safe and take care ❤️ and have fun shooting!! 📸

[@ajthealchemist]

Shukran to you and Hashem for the awesome content!

[@davidhabel91]

Hey Sarah! First of all, thanks for this wonderful review. I`ve been using Minolta lenses on my sony a7 since a couple of years and always felt that it would be time getting deeper into "original" fotography. Now I`m on the streets with my x 300 and love it! Could you recommend some color films?

[@helisoma]

I shot Kodachrome 25 and 64 for over 25 years with an X-700.... it's very special to me and happy to see you enjoy it so much 🤗🙏🏻

[@kawk1996]

Bought in this 80s. shot this for years..makes great images. still have it

[@neilspector9221]

Thank you. I have been shooting on film since I was 14 years old. that was 37 years ago and that is all we had back then. The Minolta X-700 is my go-to camera for a light, compact camera that just feels great in my hands. One principle rule of photography is bring a couple of extra batteries.

[@sshadmani15]

Neil Spector thanks for your comment and watching the video :) it’s a great camera!

[@Vintage35MM]

TIP: look for an X700 with a genuine Minolta strap. It’s not the most comfy strap, but it has has two useful accessories. One is a cover that slides over the viewfinder window to prevent back light from entering the viewfinder which can affect really long exposures. The other is a container threaded onto the strap for two spare batteries. It’s not easy to use, because one end the strap has to be removed and unthreaded from the container to free the batteries. It’s clunky but useful if the batteries die when on a photo walk. Another tip about batteries. The Minolta X cameras use the still available LR44 size batteries, instead of the more common mercury based PX625 used in that era. ANOTHER TIP: use a Silver Oxide based battery like a 357 instead of the alkaline based LR44. The Silver Oxide cells maintain a constant voltage then will fail suddenly. The Alkaline based batteries slowly loose voltage over time. The shutter and meter systems are dependent on constant voltage for accuracy. The Silver Oxide batteries are a bit more expensive, but worth it in the long run. The camera’s voltage regulating capacitors (known to fail) will thank you.

[@fake488]

The on mode with sound is incredibly useful when taking selfies with toddlers/ kids. They seem to get hypnotized by the sound/ flashing light combo and tend to look straight into the camera for the picture 🙂👍

[@pushingfilm]

That's a good use for it!

[@sshadmani15]

oooh that's an awesome trick!! Maybe I will use this with our cat hahah

[@Jenovari]

I think the 'sound' only comes on to warn you if your aperture priority drives too slow shutter speeds.

[@ceritat625]

Lovely video! You are an amazing photographer, your subjects just respond to you in such a beautiful way. It's been ages since I have actually enjoyed looking at people photographs, normally I find them dull, but not yours, they are poetic and have a kindness to them. Please share more of your work with us. Thank you! I suppose I should haul out my X-700, I have never used it LOL!

[@sshadmani15]

Wow!!! That really means a lot, thankyou so so much for such lovely comments of support! Haha yes, if you have one definitely give it a go! 💖

[@cameronwheatley7065]

I shoot the Minolta x570 (x500). It's basically a x700 without program mode (I wouldn't use) but WITH a display of your selected shutter speed. So unlike the x700 you don't need to remove your eye from the finder. Also always always carry spare batteries when travelling! Minolta actually has a handy spare battery storage capsule that attaches to a strap.

[@sshadmani15]

Cameron Wheatley ooh nice nice! Yeah I’ve heard about the strap but it didn’t come with my camera :( oh well!! Thanks for your comment :)

[@mjoelnir58]

The original Minolta strap for this camera had these capsule.

[@alexparadis3438]

Thank you for doing this! I'm actually going to pick up one of these tomorrow and your video just made me even more confident in the purchase! Can't wait to start shooting :)

[@krisaore]

Minolta XD review is now needed! :)

[@sshadmani15]

Haha perhaps!!

[@tommcmillan2300]

Thanks for this review! I picked up an X-700 a few years ago but haven’t used it much lately. You’ve inspired me to dust it off, load some film, and start shooting.

[@sshadmani15]

Tom McMillan thankyouuu for watching and supporting!! It makes me happy to know that I’ve inspired you to do that, have fun!!!

[@aboud510]

That was sooo great, thank you for the review Sara!

[@sshadmani15]

Thankyou for watching!!! And for your kind words 🙏🏽😊

[@jensknappe2485]

Well made video ! Perfect mix of explanation, details, pics and small video parts ! Especially love the sequence in 4.37. After years with other analogue cameras i rediscovered minolta. My favourites are X500 and X700. So comfortable, perfect quality and design, great lenses too. (To preserve these precious cameras, i use a minolta XG-M in everyday life too). Thank you for this excellent review !

[@joshuaemmanuelrichardson4921]

Cheers Sarah, great review! I've had a Minolta X-700 for a few months now and I learned something new! Never knew about the depth of field preview button lol

[@titofly00]

a few months ago a friend surprised me with one of these too, it was a little dusty but in perfect conditions so I just cleaned it real quick and went out with some test rolls and I found it very easy to use. I didn't love the need for a battery to shoot etiher but in my city this batteries are very cheap so I am always carrying a spare just in case, aside from that little thing I love the camera.

[@pushingfilm]

Nice! Carrying a spare battery is worthwhile

[@sshadmani15]

Nice!!

[@jenohogan9254]

YEAH!! Kickass, Sarah only video. You were a natural! Minoltas are such fantastic cameras. I got my first one a few months ago.

[@sshadmani15]

aaah thank you lovely Jen!!! Appreciate your support ALWAYS! Which one did you get?!

[@lifewithjordyphotography]

A good review! I have been gifted 2 Minolta X-700s and love using them. I have a few lenses to swap around for different circumstances also. I like to do a bit of Street Photography so my preferred method of shooting is using the Aperture Priority. I find the camera gets the exposure right each time. Such a great camera for my small hands too.

[@AnandaSim]

I bought the X-700 new with in those days when I just started work. It's reliable except the ISO ring falling off when I was on an overseas trip, sigh. I got it repaired. 1/60th and B shutter speed work without battery

[@alyssaacchione]

Does it really? Every review i've seen says once the battery is done, it's done. This is great news! haha

[@benjaminneoh]

Great review, Sarah. The video is well put together and flows through nicely. Nothing to critique, only that you should be in more videos in the future. Congrats on your first solo video.

[@sshadmani15]

Thanks Ben!! Your support means a lot :)

[@ecem4556]

Awesome! Sarah, you’re great ☺️☺️ love the photos too!

[@sshadmani15]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate your kind words :)

[@hollywoodheiner6028]

Great review! Your pictures are absolutely amazing! Minolta is such a great brand but highly underrated. My first 35mm was a Minolta XD5 and I‘ve shot some of my favorites images with it. Even after using Contax, Mamiya, Leica, Yashica etc. I haven‘t seen a huge difference in quality. So if you’re a beginner, join the Minolta Gang :)

[@sshadmani15]

Thank you so much! Yesss, it's fantastic!!

[@jaeAre200]

Wow!!! The production of this was amaaaazing!!! I kind of like the idea of Sarah being permanently in front of the camera and Hashem in the background as a director hahaha. No offense, but it seems like a great tandem. You found your Leo Mr. Scorcesse!! Great work you too!

[@sshadmani15]

jae rose hahaha wow thanks Jae!! But I’d rather watch Hashem videos hehe but yeah I’m defs keen to help out on more videos and more content :) I like having both myself and him on the channel, mixes things up! Thanks for your comment and I hope you are well!

[@pushingfilm]

lol Thanks Jae, I wouldn't mind being Scorsese! And I can still make weird little cameos like he did in Taxi Driver 😁

[@geelove76]

I love the X-700 and shot it for years before going to the XD11 (the US XD) and will always one one of the two as a primary or backup most of the time when I’m out shooting.

[@sshadmani15]

Yeah it’s a great camera!!

[@Slyguy96]

I love my Minolta XE-7 that i found at a thrift store for $8.00 usd.

[@pushingfilm]

Fantastic!

[@jorgeu111]

more Sarah videos!

[@sshadmani15]

haha thanks for the support!!

[@joeyl101]

You've convinced me to pick up one of these beauties on Ebay! Thanks :)

[@sshadmani15]

Aww good I'm glad!! Enjoy!

[@terryroth2855]

I’ve got two X-700’s. Bought them new back in the day. They have been very reliable except for the shutter release capacitors. Have had to have them replaced on both cameras. Just had the second camera fixed last week. Still not bad for a 34 yr. old camera. At this rate they will most likely outlast me. Nice video from you.👍👍

[@Ibibiogal]

Sarah, this was great. You’re great, this channel just got even more awesome! 👌🏾🙌🏾💕

[@sshadmani15]

Aww thanks so much!

[@Wrublos212]

Just got XD7, this thing is built like a tank! Worth to mention that XD no batt operation is limited to only 1/100 shutter speed and bulb time. All the other speeds are triggered via electronics.

[@johngskewes]

Hi Sarah, if this is your first review, I would say, brilliant. And camera aside - your work is stunning. Thank you.

[@sshadmani15]

John Skewes wow thankyou so much for your kind words of support!! Means a lot :)

[@SM-qr4kw]

And I’m sold! Gonna find one online and place an order! Thank you so much for this video!!!!

[@catey62]

Well done on your first solo effort Sarah, you did a wonderful job, your'e a natural. though I'm I shoot primarily Nikon and Leica 35 mm slr's I do enjoy learning about different brands in case I ever decide to try another one. will keep this one in mind if that ever happens. look forward to seeing more of your video's.

[@sshadmani15]

Aww thankyou!! Your support means a lot 💖

[@KarinMajoka]

Excellent job, Sarah, loved the review. I can totally relate to how it feels to step out of your comfort zone, but it was surely worth it! It would be nice to see you more often on the channel, either solo or together with Hashem :)

[@sshadmani15]

Karin Majoka aww thankyou so much Karin!! That means a lot :)

[@MultiSciGeek]

Thanks a lot for this! The pros and cons plus sample photos really help me make a choice!

[@NeubauerMM]

Great video. Thank you. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 PS. Can’t wait to see your next video 😉

[@kylieknight8847]

You killed it Sarah! Excellent review :) now I miss mine😅

[@sshadmani15]

Kylie Knight aaaah thankyou so much lovely Kylie!! 😘

[@Kikotronik]

Very nice and informative review, I just got my hands on the X-700, can't wait to try it out with the 45mm f2.

[@AdityaVarma]

Beautiful review and pictures! You are such a natural. Thank you ❤

[@raisa_cherry33]

Fantastic job Sarah,proud of what you are doing. You are sure an inspiration to future photographers,keep up the good work 👏 -your cousin Cherry.

[@sshadmani15]

Awww thank you dear Cherry Apu ❤️

[@invest200]

Good review Sarah, don't stop, keep going. I believe the Minolta was the "budget" system in the US during the 70's and 80's, while the Pentax system was similar in the UK during the same time. I love shooting film - I love Pushing Film!!!

[@sshadmani15]

Thanks Mario!! :)

[@charlesjohnson5778]

I LOVE my X700... My copy somebody really cared for and loved. You can tell because it is not beat up whatsoever and was not worn. I got it with the Minolta 50 1.7, minolta 24 2.8, and minolta 70-210, bag, and tripod for $40 US :-0. I honestly feel like I stole it lol. The shutter is SO LOUD on this camera though!

[@sshadmani15]

That's awesome!! What a bargain! haha I really like the shutter sound :)

[@HtMnBrusso]

Great job on your review and some super photos! I have a 370s on its way and looking to get one of these as well. I like the touch to activate the meter, seems like a unique feature for the time this came out.

[@sshadmani15]

Thanks Kevin!! :) Yeah it's a pretty cool feature!

[@neilyakuza6595]

Thanks for the review, beautiful shots. I am buying ine tomorrow for 50 bucks with the 50mm f2. I have not shot film for a long time now.

[@yoly70perez]

I really like the Minolta X700 it was fun to take pics

[@davidburgess937]

This wonderful camera we MY FIRST camera! It was a great camera and I'm so happy to see that you're getting some great photos around the world with it!

[@sshadmani15]

David Burgess thanks so much!! It’s a great camera!

[@neilpiper9889]

My friend used to have this camera and did some great pictures especially with the 24mm lens.

[@sshadmani15]

Awesome!

[@PiotrekGrzesiak]

Bloody excellent! Beautifully talked through, well shot, great sample photos, hope to see more, as it's very, very useful for people who could be interested in starting the film adventure :) stay safe!

[@sshadmani15]

Thank you so much for your kind words!! Really means a lot :)

[@sshadmani15]

And you stay safe and take care too!

[@lijakobrisseva3962]

I absolutely loved your review! Thank you :)

[@paulkennewell2752]

Great job - very professional and honest review

[@sshadmani15]

Thankyou so much!

[@aperturecollect]

I use it with a 28mm for street shooting. Fairly small and light and easy to use.

[@georgek.8750]

i have the same issue with the iso dial. i managed to set it to 400 and I'm not moving it. love this camera.

[@danielerdos3046]

Nice review! I have an XG-1, thinking upgrading. I'd like an XD review too and best MD lens video would be cool too.

[@sshadmani15]

Thank you!! Perhaps I will do an XD review in the future :)

[@MyTube_4U]

Thanks for posting this article 🤗. I owned a X700 a.o. and I did like it a lot! ☺👍like other Minolta cameras.

[@bradsingle4814]

The camera is cool. I have many of them. Even a silver body. The real advantage is the Minolta glass. There is so many lenses out there. I think I have 85 percent of them. Also I like the choice of film options out there. When you pare film and lens together with a Minolta camera, the results are endless.

[@sshadmani15]

brad single nice!! And thanks for your comment :)

[@Intz51]

Whats your favourite lens for this camera and which film?

[@bradsingle4814]

@@Intz51 The lens I use for this camera is a MD Rokkor-X 50mm 1:1.4. It is pretty sharp and has good bokeh.Another lens I like is the MC W. Rokkor-X 1:2.8 f=24mm. The film I like is Kodak Ektar 100 and Ilford Delta 100.

[@39exposures]

Very nice review. Thanks!

[@neeravnaik]

Great review and really cool photos!!

[@sshadmani15]

Thank you so very much :)

[@jonasstrmmen1328]

Really great and informative review! 👏👍

[@teodavid739]

I own two of these cameras. Great Overall camera. I send my cameras for service to keep it up to speed and prep for my shoots. Great review.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Back in the day you could buy minute plastic pocket, just big enough to fit two LR44 batteries, which was intended to be mounted on the camera strap. That way you'd always have a pair of spare batteries...

[@benjhaisch]

Just inherited one 🙌🏼

[@ghostgums]

Your review was absolutely perfect. Cheers!

[@pushingfilm]

Glad you liked it!

[@YesImZane]

Great review Sarah, you're a natural! Keep it up!

[@sshadmani15]

Thanks so much Zia!! Appreciate the kind words :)

[@carltanner9065]

That review went really well, Sarah :D You're a natural in front of the camera and you have a good presence and great delivery :D I have two Minolta cameras, both SRT Supers, so a bit older still than the cameras you have. They can be shot with or without batteries as well, like the XD. One of them is a silver camera and the other is black. They look really good, together!!!. You want to try one out, if you get the chance to use one on loan, or purchase one for yourself. They're easy to use and like the rest of the Minolta cameras, you can get some fantastic lenses for them.

[@sshadmani15]

Thankyou so very much for your kind words and support! I really appreciate it :) yess they're such great cameras! Love Minolta!

[@carltanner9065]

My pleasure, Sarah :D It's very much deserved :D Hope to see more of you in future videos!!! Minolta have always made good cameras. That's why Sony bought them and still use their A type mount!!!

[@Alllexman]

I’ve bought the x370s and it’s a great camera. Love it. The price was 85$ for body with the Rokkor 50mm 1,7 in Ukraine

[@pushingfilm]

Great!

[@veechaps]

Loved this review, you went in depth and gave clear explanations on this camera!! Would love to see more from you :)

[@PieterBreda]

I still have 2 of these and a couple of lenses. It was revolutionairy at the time. It had a fully automated exposure mode which was the bomb back then. The shutter speed is on the right, the f stop on the bottom but when in P mode, it will show 22 which is the setting it needs to be on in P mode

[@markandrewhoran]

Very good overview of this camera and, more importantly, some really great shots you've taken with it.

[@vintagephotographer]

A comprehensive and informative review carried out with charm and professionalism. I've long had a soft spot for Minolta and was looking at buying the X-700 myself, but in the end, I decided on the X-500. Now, you've got me thinking about the XD. Grrr 😉

[@sshadmani15]

Thankyou so much!! Hahah oops!

[@cameronwilson8561]

I love this camera, it's just hard to find one that actually works 😉

[@xaviegarcia2657]

Great job! Love the Minolta line!

[@sshadmani15]

Thank you!!

[@marcp.1752]

I use it since the late 80s....it's mostly made out of plastic, but the bright OVF is extraordinary. From the haptics side, i prefer the XD7. (XD, XD11 into USA, Japan) Both are great Film SLRs, but from the feeling, the XD feels better, because it's made out of metal. But the X-700 does have a small grip. Hint: use the Pentax "PB" Eyecup, it fits greatly on the X-Series, means X300, X500, X600 & X700. /edit I forgot to mention, whileas the XD Series (also the subtle less featured XD5) uses a metal focal pane shutter, the X-Series has to-do it with a cloth shutter.

[@Luudite]

Sounds like you did a nice job covering stuff. Nice to see you join in the channel fun! I kinda wished you had fired it because I'm odd and like to know how it sounds being fired and wound...small point though, great job :)

[@sshadmani15]

Thanks so much!! Hahah now I'm wishing I did that! Will have to keep that in mind for the next review :)

[@nicksucio]

Beautiful photos through your travel images, a timeless cameras and my 2nd camera to own (:

[@sshadmani15]

Nick Pirro thankyou so very much!

[@AdamAllen]

Just had to ditch my X570 for the impending failing capacitor issue that plague the lineup of these. Would love to see a review of the XD.

[@sshadmani15]

Adam Allen perhaps an XD review will happen!! Thanks for your comment !

[@NCSTalkid]

Minolta x700, xd, fm2 and f3 has the best camera design. Timeless.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

That went very well :-) I have the XD too btw, love that thing. Really nice camera and the best shutter sound I know!

[@sshadmani15]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate it :) yess, the shutter sound is very satisfying!

[@jarok.3720]

Hey awesome review thank you a lot :D How did you digitize your fotos?

[@samuelwest5752]

Great review! And love your photos. The shots at 1:54 and 2:49 have amazing color. What film stock do you shoot with?

[@sshadmani15]

Samuel West hey thankyou so much for your comment! Both are Ektar100 ☺️

[@sshadmani15]

As for other film stock I shoot with, my faves are proimage 100, lomo800, Kodak gold and colorplus, portra 400 and 160, fujic200

[@benjaben101]

awesome review and editing :)

[@sshadmani15]

Thanks so much!! Hashem did a great job at editing it together :)

[@JoeLopez]

Nice job on this video. Always carry spare batteries 🤓 Thank had a X700 for a while and ended up with a X-570, great cameras. I also have a XD, love it! I find the focusing to be the same. 45mm f2 is my GoTo lens.

[@sshadmani15]

Thanks Joe!! :)

[@1973sonvis]

Great camera review! And fabulous pictures! 👍🏻

[@davymike761]

Great production! Sarah is a natural. Enjoyed that.

[@sshadmani15]

Thanks Davy!! Appreciate the support :)

[@davymike761]

@@sshadmani15 You bet!

[@davymike761]

Sarah Ruhullah You’re very welcome!

[@tilica5353]

Thank you for video .All the best for you .

[@JoeLopez]

The XD has a grip quite similar to one of the XG grips. Look for a Minolta Winder D.

[@johnnycee5179]

It just so happens that I am looking into a purchase of my first real camera which is a Minolta x700. I have discovered in research that this camera was made in 3 different countries within the time it was produced. Originally made in Japan having best electronics while later in Malaysia and China where build quality suffered. The Canon AE1 is better for night shots generally.

[@stansam3053]

Very interesting. Many thanks. What about the type of lens you advice on the X700 ?

[@sshadmani15]

Hey there! Thank you so much for your support :) I've used a few lenses but I generally stick to my 50mm f2 lens :) but would loveee the 50 f1.2 hehe

[@mallardc6049]

great review - many thanks

[@therealsirrobin]

Hey Sarah, great review! I think you should take over the channel more often. Sorry Hashem! 😝

[@pushingfilm]

Hahah thanks Robin, I don't know if I can afford Sarah's full time salary 😂 but hopefully she will be in more videos now that I finally convinced her to make this one

[@Ukepuke95]

Great review. You're very talented, keep it up 👍

[@ThePhotographyMinimalist]

A very good review, I would like to add that the X-700 has a very bright viewfinder which is a great plus in my opinion. Also you mention the button lock with regards to the top dial, this is only locked in P and A mode. If you use only manual mode, then this is irrelevant, unless you accidentally click into P or A mode when changing shutter speeds. I absolutely prefer using this camera in aperture priority mode. One dislike for me is the very light shutter release, you can easily accidentally take a shot...

[@pushingfilm]

That's true, it's still a great design! Even things like that are largely subjective and I'm sure Minolta pleased the vast majority of users with all the design elements.

[@algrano-fotografia4338]

Nice review. The X-700 is a very capable camera. The last MD (manual focus) mount from minolta.

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks!

[@Martin_Siegel]

The way you shoot you could have used the X-300 on. It has metered manual and takes the same lenses. Or if you wanted to see the aperture setting in the viewfinder the X-500. But now you've got an XD you're set anyway.

[@adultswithrcs]

Great job Sahara! Good looking photography and look forward to seeing both doing duets with Hashem!

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks Lang!

[@jonnchristie6519]

Hi Sarah, such an informative review on two very sexy cameras😍😎 I know you said the XD doesn't require batteries, but just in-case, which ones does it take take? Also do you have a full review on the XD?😀 Happy traveling my photography loving kindred spirit.😊

[@markschneider3915]

Great review! I just bought one, can you recommend a few good lenses, I have always shot Olympus, so I'm not as familiar with Minolta.

[@amosk24]

Review approved! 💯

[@sshadmani15]

Haha thanks so much for your support!

[@STGFilmmakers]

Nice Review Thanks!

[@sandorszabolcsi]

Wonderful review! Thanks Sarah, I have quick question, I am getting back into photography and starting back to my roots in 35mm film so excited to find a camera like yours; how are you scanning the negatives into digital?

[@sshadmani15]

Hey there :) how exciting! Well I'm very grateful to havs a bunch of local labs here in Melbourne who I take my film to and then they process and scan it and send me the digital images :) maybe you have a local lab near you too! Alternatively you can also do home scans and I believe Pushing Film has a video about doing home scans!

[@rezanurdiansyah7506]

Any lens recommendation for x 700?

[@nomnesti]

Thank you for the review what lens did you have on your Minolta x700?

[@ebbyfabiola]

Such a great review, thank you! Was curious what your thoughts are on B mode for this camera?