Minolta X-700 Video Manual 2 of 2

Minolta's X-700 is one of only a few cameras -- the Pentax K1000 and Nikon F3 -- to remain in production for almost two decades. It rested at the top of the Minolta Rokkor-mount lineup and wasn't suitably replaced by a Maxxum camera until the second generation in the Maxxum lineup.
Lacking in any sort of stylistic risk and engineered to be inexpensive but reliable, the X-700 struck a chord with photographers across the skill and experience spectrum, making it Minolta's most commercially successful model. And with good reason: the X-700 is a stunningly enjoyable camera to use and capable of delivering very nice results.
Minolta X-700 Review:
• Minolta X-700 Review a...
Video Manual 1
• Minolta X-700 Video Ma... :
Video Index:
Skip the Intro: 0:07
Changing the Lens: 0:21
Changing the Batteries (Two A76): 1:02
Flash Photos: 2:16
Looking through the Viewfinder: 2:45
Using Aperture-Priority, Program, and Full Manual Modes: 4:25
Fastest Flash Sync Speed: 6:48
Using the Self-timer: 8:01
Using AE-lock: 8:39
Exposure Compensation: 10:27
Taking a Photo with the Minolta X-700: 12:00
Taking a Double Exposure with the Minolta X-700: 13:05
Loading and Unloading Film: 15:20
Invitation to Like and Subscribe: 18:20
References:
www.cameramanua...
www.rokkorfiles...
en.m.wikipedia...
www.mir.com.my/...
www.thecamerasi...
www.casualphot...
camera-wiki.org...
www.jwhubbers.n...
www.thecamerasi...
Follow me on Twitter:
/ _david_hancock_
Gear I used for Filming and Editing:
Video Capture and Film Digitization- Pentax K-3 (www.ricoh-imagi...) or Pentax K-1 (www.ricoh-imagi...)
Secondary Capture- Sony CX330 (www.sony.com/el...)
Lens- Pentax 31mm FA Limited (www.pentaxforum...)
Off-camera Audio- Tascam DR-70D or Tascam DR-60D MKII and Tascam DR-05 (tascam.com/prod... or tascam.com/prod... and tascam.com/prod...)
Video Editing- Sony Movie Studio Platinum (www.vegascreati...)
Audio Processing- Adobe Soundbooth (www.adobe.com/...)
My Photography Website:
www.5119photogr...
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[@oystermika4765]

as an absolute amateur, this was fantastic, thank you

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@kylekane7213]

I seem to be the only 11 yr old in my class interested in film photography, but everyone else is missing out. Thank you sooooooo much for this video!

[@DavidHancock]

You're welcome and keep it up. I got my first camera at 10 and my first SLR at 18. It's a great hobby, a great escape from real life, and a great way to make either side or primary income if you're good enough.

[@AshU-ug2fy]

I just bought one from the Salvation army (where I work) for $50 with 2 lenses and it is in great condition. I'm going to spend the summer learning how to use this SLR camera :D

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! And that's a great price.

[@LongTimeTTFan]

Thank you very much, David. Very detailed. You have been doing a great favor for those who want to take up film photography, but lack the know-how. Really appreciate your great efforts.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! I'm always glad to know these videos help people.

[@afilmaddict]

I've seen lots of instruction videos but yours really get to the bottom of things, especially the advanced settings. Keep up the good work :)

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@woolyub]

Hi David. Although I've used spool cameras before I'd never used the Minolta X-700. I received one as a gift recently as the owner is no longer able bodied enough to use it. I really enjoyed both your videos on this camera, so informative. Thank you so much for taking up your own time to do these. Much appreciated.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! Enjoy the X-700. They're a good deal of fun to shoot with.

[@AuroraFenzl]

Man, thanks so much for this video. I'm in a film photography class this semester and I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing with this equipment. You where very concise and have good points to keep in mind when using this camera. I'm not so scared any more!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! And there's nothing to be scared of with this camera. They have a few extra features, but they're reliable and can take great photos.

[@davidpeppert9168]

Great video. Someone gave me a pristine X700 with a complete set of Minolta lenses. It’s a nice handy camera.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice gift!

[@caseywood8389]

I usually never leave comments on videos, but after watching this I had to! This was so detailed without being confusing. Bravo! So helpful!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you, Casey!

[@rainy5517]

This is exactly what I needed. Got my camera today! I'm so excited

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and great choice on cameras!

[@mikevargas0495]

great manual , i just got mine at my local thrift store with a 50mm f2.0 for only 15 bucks!! your video really helped me understand this awesome camera , thank you!

[@DavidHancock]

Holy cow that's a great deal!

[@zeljkoplavsic784]

Just bought Minolta X700 with MD 28mm f2,8 and Minolta SRT 101 with MC 58mm f1,4 Can't wait to start shooting,Thank you for posting this tutorials

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@krisi5060]

So useful! I just landed one of these as a first camera and this really helped me understand what I was dealing with. Thank you.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@gam3955]

Hi, thanks a lot for that detailed video. It helps me because I just bought a used X700 in very good condition.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and good choice!

[@jasono9358]

Thanks for your detailed videos, David. I've been wanting one of these for a while now and Sometimes you get lucky.. mine arrived from EBAY today, and after a good clean and fresh batteries it works beautifully, looks almost brand new and I got it with a wide angle lens and a teleconverter too, all for a steal, I'd feel guilty only I know it will be used and appreciated now and not left to rot in the back of a cupboard.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! Yeah, eBay has a bad rap and I've bought some bad cameras there, but more often than not the cameras I've gotten are great.

[@MstyleP]

Great review!! I love how you're straight to the point and detailed. Subscribed for the quality of information you give!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@jud4312]

This was incredibly helpful! Probably the one that helped me the most here on KZbin. Thank you so much!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@juliadebbs]

Thank you so much 🙏 I'm about to get this camera and your videos helped me a lot understanding how it works, the best 2 videos about the Minolta x-700 I've watched so far!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@nickfanzo]

I’ve been shooting digital with a Fujifilm camera. My wife just gave me her college camera, the x-700. Can’t wait to use it. She hasn’t taken it out since 2001

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! There's a good chance that it will still work, too.

[@nickfanzo]

David Hancock I loaded it lastnight. Works great. Even has the multifunction back

[@niloow]

I found my dad's old camera and wondered how it worked. This really helped me getting to know it!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@nickmain542]

literally same here

[@dennisb204]

you rule. youve taught me a million things.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@gaho_x_coco5484]

8

[@AK_allday_907]

Thank you so much for this video! Just got one from my uncle but had zero clue about how to use it

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@iakusz]

Very professional and helpful. Many thanks, David!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@iakusz]

Hi Dave, I need an advice! I bough an x-700, but I've got a problem with the shutter - it doesn't always open all the way, producing half-exposed frames. Any idea what could be the issue? Is it electronics such as battery (lithium duracell 1.5v) and capacitors, or would that be more of a mechanical flaw with the curtain gears? Edit: the shutter sometimes gets jammed, but the LEDs in the viewfinder seem to work anyway.

[@plentiheart]

This was a great help. Thanks David!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@waynegreenstreet9608]

Thank you for this informative video. My camera has been sitting for at least ten years and I forgot how to work some of the features. The batteries were removed and film not advanced to the next frame upon storage. Hopefully everything still works as soon as I can get batteries for my camera to do some test photos to make sure. Thanks again and wish me luck.

[@DavidHancock]

Good luck! As long as the batteries didn't leak, I suspect you'll be in good shape.

[@ricardopachecoart]

You're a boss David, cheers from Pixar

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! And thank you guys for continuing to create new stories. Coco looks fantastic and I can't wait to see it.

[@marcp.1752]

Hi David, yes into production between 1981-1999, and into the camera shops (here into germany) up to until 2005. I have two copies, since ca. 1990/91.

[@DavidHancock]

Yep, new old stock was out there for a while (I found one in around 2015, in fact.)

[@bzilla8o8]

Thanks a lot David. Great review!!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@javen69]

Thank you for the great review! I wanted to start shooting film so I started watching videos including yours and my photos have turned out great. I have learned a lot of and I see myself shooting even more film in the future.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! It's fantastic that you're enjoying and doing well with film, too.

[@lilydickinson3703]

This is great, super super helpful. Thank you so much!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@etienneportail5122]

Thank you David, very useful!!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@tomthetitan101]

bro thank you so much for this

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@malennachbruchzahlen]

Thank you, great and helpful videos!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@gIdz95]

awesome video! so helpful

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@Leah-df3mw]

This was soooooo helpful thank you!!!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@victormendoza2630]

Thank You! very useful information.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@user-cg7uw9uh6n]

Nice video, I still have mine fro0m the mid 90s

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@MarcoMalavolti]

Thank you very much! Very useful

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@alexstevenscreativemedia]

amazingly helpful

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@MMIGZ]

Loved the insightful video! About to get mine soon :) Got a few questions. When you say actuate the shutter does that just mean press down on it so theres so tension in the spring when storing away? Also, when rewinding the film, do you hold down the button or do you press it once? If you press it once, how does the button reset to the normal position?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! For those, actuating the shutter just means firing it. For the film rewind, I forget if this is a press and forget or a hold-down camera. I don't have one any more to check. Either way, what that button does is disengage gearing in the camera that causes the film tension sprocket to only spin in a certain direction (the film moves forward.) That tension loss allows the film to be rewound.

[@MMIGZ]

@@DavidHancock great thank you for your help! :))

[@XavierValentine]

this video is awesome thank you

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@vangestelwijnen]

Good vid. The best series are the lower serialnumbers until 24xxxxx (flash shoe). Yours is very early (11xxxxx I saw). The newer ones have capacitor issues (top one).

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! I was really lucky to find this one. I'm going to part ways with it, though. I did like it a lot but don't have a lot of use for MD lenses any more. I did not know the SN cut-off for the better ones and less-reliable ones. Thank you very much.

[@AK_allday_907]

Thank you! I just got one and it's a 19xxxxx

[@Amongstthewildflowers14]

Hey I just saw this comment. I have a Minolta X700 with the serial number 2464375, is mine a bad one?

[@Aplus205]

excellent video I have book marked for future reference.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@gordwrath6811]

You forgot the picture preview button, on the lower left side. I havent had my film developed yet, but i used it on almost every shot. Gosh i hope my pics turn out ok!

[@DavidHancock]

I might have mentioned it in the first video. As long as you weren't holding down the DoF preview while taking your photos, then no issue. If you hold down the DoF preview while taking the photo it will result in overexposed photos.

[@rububu]

Thank you!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@jaredsbanta]

Thanks for all the info, I picked one up today and your tutorial was fantastic in explaining everything about the camera. The only issue I'm running into with mine is that the viewfinder is focused incredibly close and I cannot bring anything into focus unless it is 6 inches from the lens.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you. Is the focus problem the same regardless of where the lens is focused? If you focus the lens at infinity, does the lens still focus at six inches?

[@jaredsbanta]

Yes it's the same, you can tell that it focuses in more when adjusted to closer range but set to infinity it still only focuses at six inches or so. I've opened the back and set the shutter speed at "b" and held the shutter open to look through the lens and it seems to focus correctly, that's why I wondered if there was a way to adjust the viewfinder

[@DavidHancock]

This is perplexing. When you rotate the focus, does the lens move in and out or is the rubber grip spinning freely without moving the lens? The Rokkor lenses, about one in three, need to have the rubber grip glued back onto the lens because the old glue has failed. Also, let's check one other thing. With no film in the camera, open it and remove the film back. Then open the shutter with bulb and leave it open for this whole procedure. Run some frosted Scotch tape from the upper to lower inside film guide rail. The lens will focus an image on the tape. So as you focus in and out the focus on the tape (the image will be kind of hard to see) will change. Your best bet it to be indoors or in the shade and aiming the camera at something in the sun to see the image on the tape. If the lens focus on the tape changes with the lens' focus, then you know the issue is in the focusing screen or prism and that the camera needs to be serviced. If the focus on the tape does not change, then you know the issue is with the lens. Make sure to remove he tape before letting the shutter close.

[@bedevere007]

You have so much beautiful gear

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you. I don't really keep much of it anymore. In fact, this X-700 will be going up for sale next week on Amazon with that 50mm f/1.7 Rokkor-X MD lens.

[@bedevere007]

Nice!

[@DereckYen]

Great vid! Just discovered this piece of gem recently in my dad’s closet and it’s been pleasant shooting with it. One quick question, what happens when the dial is in P mode but the lens isn’t?

[@DavidHancock]

Nice and I sold this camera some time ago so I think that what happens is that the camera delivers an incorrect exposure.

[@njjoc3]

Great video...

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@verezworkshop1483]

Wow thanks for the video. I appreciate that you mentioned that the camera doesn't tell you what your shutter speed is in the viewfinder, but only what the shutter should be. I thought mine was broken! I became so used to my x-370 (had it since the 80's) which does indicate the shutter speed you are at. Its as if they designed the camera solely for Aperture priority mode or auto. Even an old srt102 I found can do what this one can't. My eye can stay looking through the viewfinder that way while I get all my settings right. I was going to choose to keep two cameras and sell the other. I may be selling the 700... decisions. Do you know why they did that way back when?

[@DavidHancock]

I think you have it pegged. It strikes me as a camera meant to highlight program mode. I prefer the 570 to the 700 for this exact reason. The 370 is a hugely underrated camera, too.

[@davidkempson2852]

I think this video is absolutely terrific. My late wife and I had an X700 each with a range of lenses and I used mine for work also. In 2004 we went digital and our cameras were consigned to storage. Recently I found them and with the help of your video have been converted!! I was thinking of selling the cameras but now I just cannot. Many thanks. PS one has a metering defect reading low - any ideas?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! For the metering defect, how far off is it? If you set them both to 400 ISO and the good one says, for instance, 1/60th at f/5.6 (indoors in bright light), would the other one say 1/30th or 1 second (as two examples)?

[@davidkempson2852]

@@DavidHancock Thank you for your interest. With both cameras set on A with the same lens and battery pack at 400 ASA and 5.6 the good one reads 500 when pointing at an outside window the faulty one flashes a down arrow - increasing to 1.7 it gives a reading of 2 and 4. That is a big difference! Any ideas gratefully received. Many thanks, David.

[@njjoc3]

Great Video

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@kevinli5479]

Hi David, great video! just a question hoping to clear up. In manual mode, you set the aperture ring first to an aperture you want, and in the view finder, the camera will recommend you a shutter speed setting then you can adjust the shutter speed to match the recommended shutter speed correct? If so, then isn’t manual mode the same with P mode? Since in P mode, the camera handles your shutter speed anyway.

[@DavidHancock]

Good question and not exactly. In P, the camera makes all the selections for you. In M, you'll make the adjustments to the settings you want.

[@Holambrart]

Hi! Thanks for the quickly answer. The film advance lever is locked up. I think is broken. I hope I can get my money back, I paid 50 euros for. Shame the camera looks beautiful.

[@DavidHancock]

Yeah, that sounds like a broken camera.

[@chuckd9815]

Hello David. When i Attach the flash, can it be used in Program Mode,? or do you always just set it to a Shutter speed of 60 or lower

[@DavidHancock]

You need to use it in manual mode at a 1/60th shutter speed and slower, yes. The flash and camera cannot communicate exposure data like modern cameras.

[@DopaminSX]

Hi David, what a fantastic two video’s telling about everything about this fantastic camera! Only one question. How will I know if the Viewfinder scale still works properly? Regards from the Netherlands

[@DavidHancock]

They should given the way the camera is designed. The only fool-proof way to find out is to see how the film looks. A general guide can be had using the Sunny 16 Rule, which is that on a sunny day with the sun to your back the shutter speed should be the same (or very close to) your film's ISO at f/16. So if you want to test it during the day, assuming you have 400 ISO film, set the aperture to f/16 and the shutter reading should be around 1/500th with the sun behind you.

[@I922sParkCir]

This was wonderful, thank you. Do you know if you can you Aperture Priority with MC lenses on the X-700?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and you can. Set the camera to "A" and then you're in aperture-priority.

[@MarioLoco03]

My dad gave me this camera about 10 years ago. I never used. I just bought some film and wanna get out there and do something with it.

[@DavidHancock]

Go for it. Nothing should stop you from taking photos except you (and maybe severely bad weather or a broken leg or something like that.) If you don't know what you like to photograph, go out and photograph everything you can and see what subjects you enjoy working with the most.

[@lee-fj5cc]

for some reason those red lights don't show up in the view finder so I can't see what mode im in, etc... idk what to do :(

[@DavidHancock]

Just to check, do you have fresh batteries in the camera and are they inserted correctly? If so then d93s the camera still work and does the shutter fire? If yes, then the LEDs are dead.

[@Analogbrain]

Nice and informative video, David! It seems it have the same quality issues with the chinese made ones as the Pentax K1000. Otherwise the X700 must be quite close to the Canon AE-1 Program, being popular from beginners to professionals. It also reminds me of the Olympus OM40, but I don't know if those were used by profesionals. Anyway, they are three very nice cameras.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and I agree, the MiC cameras of the 90s were not as reliable in the near-to-long-term.

[@leahharris5217]

Do you have any suggestions on why the shutter speed dial would be stuck in Program mode? Physically will not move away from Program mode?

[@DavidHancock]

Just to check, are you holding the dial lock down when you try to change out of program? The dial won't let you turn away from program if that button isn't pushed.

[@leahharris5217]

@@DavidHancock I was not, so sorry! Thank you for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it!

[@rvd4193]

Très utile quand on ressort son x700 du placard pour tirer quelques pellicules. Merci

[@DavidHancock]

Merci beaucoup et profitez de votre appareil photo!

[@jaskaranbains7161]

wat do you mean whne you say actuate your shutter to relieve tension ? do you mean make sure the shutter is not armed ?

[@DavidHancock]

Correct

[@nickollangelolim5006]

does all minolta x700 bodies have ae lock? the button for the ae lock on mine’s can’t be pressed down. Or is mine broken?

[@johnnycee5179]

Ok, I have a bunch of black specks in my view finder. I understand it's most likely on the focusing screen. Not any camera shops near me to take it to, any for a camera like this, do you have video shows how can I do this myself? It's a delicate process I have found. Removing the screws on silver ring where lens sits to give access to the screen is another problem as the micro drivers I have are not small enough.

[@DavidHancock]

Wit hthe X-700, you can swap the screen pretty easily. I forget if this video demonstrates it. With the screen caddy dropped out and the screen removed, a rocket blacster (or similar) and a fine brush should be helpful in removing specs. Assuming that you bought it online, it's common for degraded foam to be knowcked free in shipping and rest between the focusign screen and prism.

[@johnnycee5179]

@@DavidHancock No, it's not in this video.

[@DavidHancock]

Okay. The process for this is the same as with the Olym pus OM-1. That is shown in video 2 of my videos on that camera (kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6aYdKWuiZpmga8) at 20:22. Both have drop-down trays that allow access in the same way.

[@samwestguitar]

What does “actuate the shutter” mean? he says it at 17:35 ish. Brilliant video too!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! It just means to fire the shutter.

[@giulianos.1117]

Great videos! Is it really necessary to waste a frame (lenscap on) after a double exposure? Or is it just to be safe?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! I believe, with this camera, that it's necessary.

[@Frisenette]

If you can live with a bit of the frame possibly intruding over the next, then no.

[@josieschoonover4664]

Hi David! This was so helpful! I have an x-700 so I'm trying to learn how to use it! Unfortunately I'm having some issues with getting it to turn on even though I have put in fresh batteries. I also cannot get the advancer to work. Any suggestions?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! First thing, to make sure, it's switched to on. Assuming so, is the light meter responding at all when you look through the camera? Also, have you advanced the film advance lever before trying the shutter?

[@nathancorr7220]

Can someone explain how to actuate the shutter?

[@DavidHancock]

Just push the shutter button; it will need two batteries to work, however.

[@handwriting8804]

hey, so, the red lights in my viewfinder just stopped lighting up but i can still take pictures.

[@DavidHancock]

The shutter requires batteries to operate, so if that's still working then it's likely that the viewfinder lights have died or a wire has gotten loose. You may be able to use it without issue as it is or you may want to get it repaired, but either way fixing that would need a professional repairman.

[@handwriting8804]

@@DavidHancock its working sometimes now

[@cheesefriday]

Thanks for the great videos! I have no idea how to use film but inherited this camera and a few other Minoltas. I want to put them to use. One thing I'm confused about is what do you mean by actuating the shutter? How do I do that?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! Actuating the shutter simply means pressing the shutter button and having the shutter activate.

[@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

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! So here is what I SUSPECT is going on: In Program, the aperture ring has to be set to the far side (f/16 or 22, depending on the lens) to work. If you don't change that when you leave P, then in aperture-priority the camera will try to use that aperture for the exposure. In P mode, at the f/22 setting, your camera could use f/22, or f/8, or even f/1.4 if you lens is that fast. So when you switch out of program, be sure that the aperture ring is no longer locked for "P" mode. That would explain why both AV and manual modes are behaving as described.

[@SkRy27]

@@DavidHancock Thank you for you answer! I did not lock my aperture ring on F22. When I switch to 'Aperture priority,' even though I'm set on F1.4 or F8, the viewfinder display doesn't seem to change, except when I switch to 'priority mode.' However, this change in speed is only noticeable within the range of 'f2 to f8.' I don't know how to interpret this, as for a priority mode, I'd expect to set it on 'F22'.

[@alexramos799]

I’m having an issue were in Program mode the shutter curtain pauses for a few seconds before taking the picture. Not sure if this is normal or if I’m doing something incorrectly.

[@DavidHancock]

Is it only in program mode or is it all the time? My knee-jerk reaction is that the self-timer might be on.

[@alexramos799]

@@DavidHancock Only seems to be happening in “P” mode. When I’m shooting fully manual, it seems to be working just fine. Timer is off as well.

[@DavidHancock]

@@alexramos799 That's curious. I haven't run into that before. I might ask the Fix Old Cameras channel about that. It's could be an indication of some kind of problem.

[@alexramos799]

@@DavidHancock Thanks for the feedback!

[@ninawith6ify]

Nita655- I have two Minolta cameras just like these. My problem, the film advance is stuck on both of them. I am extremely careful with my cameras, and don't know what to do. Love my film camera but I do have digital. Just not the same. Any advice?

[@auj5901]

what do you mean by "actuate" the shutter?

[@DavidHancock]

An actuation is a cycle. So it's the same as firing, triggering, or releasing. Different terms for the same thing.

[@flyingcutless]

Hello . Is it easy to change out the focus screen .

[@DavidHancock]

Fairly. Here's a good guide. www.rangefinderforum.com/classics/forum/messages/6899/7491.html?1160187831

[@patrickmckenna1010]

I have a question. After taking a shot, before turning off the camera should you advance the film to the next negative? Or can you just turn off then advance when you are ready for the next shot.

[@DavidHancock]

Either will work. It's a bit easier on the camera to NOT advance because that leaves tension off the springs. However, if you're like me and in the habit of always advancing, it's not an issue unless you leave the camera sitting for months or years and then it can stretch some of the springs.

[@parladdahele6053]

Hi. I'm having a bit of trouble with a new lens I bought for my x700. It is a Vivitar 28mm 2.8 MC lens but it doesn't fit the mount on my x700. I though MD and MC lenses could be used on the x700. Am I wrong?

[@DavidHancock]

Not wrong, but some third-party lenses don't mount properly. I have a Seagull 50mm lens that will not mount on ANY Minolta SR mount body and will only mount on Chinese-made Minolta SR bodies. It's possible that the third-party mount would fit an older SR mount camera like an SRt, but not a newer SR mount camera with the MC and MD updates.

[@parladdahele6053]

@@DavidHancock Thanks for getting back to me. I did a bit more research and it seems the mount is a Pentax pk mount even though the lens is an MC. Just wondering if you might know a website to find an adaptor for this or if you know if it's possible to change the mount of the lens itself?

[@DavidHancock]

@@parladdahele6053 There won't be an adapter for that. The MC then would mean multi-coated and refers to the lens coating on the elements. The good news is that Minolta SR (that's the correct designation, MC and MD are updates to the SR mount) lenses are relatively cheap because it's a dead mount. There is a lot of overlap in camera terminology and naming and it is very confusing. I've made that same mistake before.

[@kennynvake4hve584]

On a electronic advance camera...like my 600si Minolta, when you first load the film..it has the red color indicator to the right side of the drum..does the film wind around the rubber drum like it would be in the film canister..or does it reverse the film like your camera when you put the film to the left side of the drum? I see when you put film in your camera..it winds the film CCW around the film take up spool.

[@DavidHancock]

Most automatic advance cameras wind the film in the direction of the curl, as opposed to most manual advance cameras (there are exceptions) that wind the film against the curl.

[@bohnec1]

Hello, I have a question. So, let's say I turned the camera to P mode and that I set the 'f' to the green number. So now, if I'm right, the camera figures out what should both 'f' and shutter speed be, right? And my question is, if we rotate the exposure wheel to, let's say -1.5, then our final photo would be darker than if we let it at 0? And if I got it right, the exposure wheel is only used in P and A mode, and in manual mode it doesn't affect a photo, or? Thanks

[@DavidHancock]

That is all correct, yes. Except that, If I recall (and it's been a couple years since I used this) in manual mode the exposure compensation wheel, I think, gives you a meter reading that corresponds with the setting. So -1.5 would cause the meter reading to show a proper reading when you're 1.5 stops underexposed.

[@bohnec1]

@@DavidHancock Oh, I get it. Thanks a lot

[@keithgunther1880]

Do you know where I can get a minolta x700 repaired. It more than likely has a capacitor issue. Lights up and beeps but won't fire off.

[@DavidHancock]

I do. If you're in the U.S., Vermont Camera Works would be my choice. That said, the capacitor replacement on those is easy. I've done a dozen or so and it's really simple if you can solder. There are some good videos on YT showing how to do it.

[@keithgunther1880]

@@DavidHancock I have never Soldered before, but will definitely check out your recommendation. Thanks a lot!!

[@keithgunther1880]

@@DavidHancock do you know were i can get the capacitors? I may try to fix it myself. Thanks

[@DavidHancock]

@@keithgunther1880 Amazon and eBay would be easiest, but a hardware store or hobby shop might have them.

[@laurel5432]

Hello, I have found my mom's 2 decades sitting in closet x-700. It is in mint condition, everything works fine, except for the most crucial thing. The film advance lever doesn't move past the 30° of free rotation. Would you happen to know how to fix it?

[@DavidHancock]

We'll start easy. First two tweeting the film and are if there's film inside of it. If so, before opening the film back twine or all the way. If there's no film, make sure that you have fresh batteries. The film advance won't move past 30 degrees until the shutter is fired and the shutter needs batteries.

[@laurel5432]

@@DavidHancock thank you a lot, I somehow didn't think of the easiest solution - just pressing the shutter. However, I did that and was able to pull the lever except now when I do pull it, it doesn't crank the shaft, it just moves to the right with no consequence :(

[@DavidHancock]

@@laurel5432 does it re-arm the shutter? Also, piss out just flipping around loose? If you can get your hands on an old roll of film, give it a shot, back open. And see if it takes up the film. If not, and of the answer to either of the first questions is yes, then the advance gearing is stripped and needs to be replaced. That's a big repair but worth it for these cameras.

[@laurel5432]

@@DavidHancock yeah it's just loose and doesn't take film, I'll go to a shop tomorrow and try and get it fixed before my vacations, thank you a lot anyway. I think there might be some fault to it from my side, as I obviously tried pulling a little harder before.

[@DavidHancock]

@@laurel5432 if they can't fix it and you're in the US, let me know and I can recommend a shop that fixes these.

[@MegaTruthfull]

Brilliant video, thank you. Would it be possible for you to do a video on the minolta XD7/XD11? Thank you

[@DavidHancock]

I would like to. I haven't used any XD cameras. I have a number of cameras in the queue right now, but I get a lot of XD series requests.

[@MegaTruthfull]

Thank you for your reply, no worries.

[@coleradcliff8023]

Can anyone tell me how to tell how old my camera is and does anyone know what the AEL function does with the self timer?

[@DavidHancock]

It's in the age range noted in video 1. To the best of my knowledge, there's no way to know the age precisely. For the AEL, it should lock the exposure and then take a photo with that exposure setting after the timer ends.

[@coleradcliff8023]

David Hancock Thank you!

[@onnowesterman4825]

I got the Minolta x700 the other day from a second hand store for charity , they do not sell these cams for apparently nobody wants them so since they know I a vintage cam collector they bring me the cameras which come in ! the serial nr. is 1-9992501 which means this item could have issues with capacitor ? The lens is a f1.7 md 50mm. Lens cover says European Camera of the year 8. Camera came with body cover leather case and manual and the flash Minolta auto132px. I think it is a good deal .. although it did not cost me anything.

[@DavidHancock]

Sounds like a great deal to me! If there are capacitor issues at some point, you'll know because it won't work properly. But until then, it's definitely worth shooting and enjoying.

[@Nateboogie805]

How do I upload pics to my computer can I do that

[@DavidHancock]

When you get the film developed, just have the lab scan it.

[@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904]

Ummm, you either scan the negs yourself, or have the lab scan them, or you get prints and scan the prints...

[@Gabez82]

You remove the SD card from the camera and insert into the computer, or just use Bluetooth to transfer, duh. 🙄

[@wobbles67768]

Hi, David! I just got this camera as a gift and I have a question. When looking into the viewfinder, there is no LED numbers, or anything. Camera is on and shudder works fine so I don't think I need new battieres. Is my light meter broken? Is there a way to get it fixed? Thank you!

[@DavidHancock]

That's not uncommon. The good news is that your shutter fires. So here's a quick test. Put your aperture to 5.6, the shutter dial to "A", ISO to 400, and point the camera at a light (not the sun.) Then point the camera to the corner of your room and repeat. The shutter speeds should be noticeably different. If yes, then your viewfinder LEDs are dead or the wire that connects them is damaged. Not the end of the world it just means that you can't shoot in full manual mode. If the shutter speeds are the same, repeat the test at f/16. If they remain the same then something larger than dead LEDs is at play.

[@felixlohl8763]

I have an ( as it seems) really common issue with my x700. No matter what aperture I set and what shutter speed I Use. In M, A and P mode the only thing the light meter shows is an arrow down or 1 or 2. I took off the lens and the little hook some people are talking about is as wanted set on the left. Can anybody help me solve this problem?

[@DavidHancock]

Your best bet is to check with the Fix Old Cameras channel. This is a new one to me and I don't know how to fix that.

[@jessk2292]

Thank you Dave for your great videos. I have recently started using my x 700 again but I’m having a problem with shutter speed in any mode, aperture setting or light. If I shoot right at the sun the fastest setting I see is 2 to 6 on the exposure scale. The lower flashing triangle is always flashing which I believe is telling me I’m in exposure compensation. The exp/ adj control is set to 0. Any ideas on how to get out of exp. comp. mode? Thanks.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! Let's see if we can figure out what's going on. If you have a sunny day today, take it outside and face something like a tree and fill the frame with it and keep the sun at your back. Set your aperture to f/16 and the shutter speed should be close to your film speed. If that happens, then everything is okay. Old light meters can be strange in extreme settings like when the sun is in the frame or if you're indoors with too few lights on. When I test X-700 bodies I have to point them at a light bulb to get an accurate indoor meter reading. For getting out of exposure compensation mode, if you're set to 0 and the camera says EV comp is on, then the cable connecting the switch to the meter readout may have broken. That would require a professional repair. If your camera does not provide the f/16 reading it should outside, let me know and I can probably figure out what's going on from there.

[@juanaragon6112]

Great video! I've got the camera and i had some trouble with the metering. So whatever number the LED is showing on the screen is the exposure that I need? Based on the fstop setting I've put?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and you've got it!

[@juanaragon6112]

David Hancock thanks! I thought that the meters preferred aperture was when I couldn't go higher up in the meter. Up until now I have just set my desired shutter speed (let's say 125) and I simply adjusted my aperture to 125, and depending on how dark or bright I wanted my photo, I adjusted the aperture. Am I good?

[@DavidHancock]

You can definitely do it that way. That's a manual form of shutter-priority. In that you pick the shutter and adjust the aperture to match. You can also set the camera to "A" and let it pick the shutter speed based on your aperture. That's aperture-priority and you may find that you really enjoy that shooting, too.

[@juanaragon6112]

David Hancock thanks! I appreciate your help. For now I think I'm gonna stick to manual though haha

[@danchirita9065]

Great videos. What is your favorite SLR camera?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! My favorite SLR is the Minolta Alpha 9.

[@madelynshoemaker5805]

david! your videos have been so helpful to me over the past few weeks. I recently acquired the minolta x-700, and i have to say that I am struggling with figuring out how to open the back panel in order to place my film inside! i'd appreciate if you had any tips

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! So what happens when you pull the film rewind knob up? That should pop the back right open. Have you been able to open the film back before?

[@madelynshoemaker5805]

It worked! popped right open. I dont know how i missed that, thank you so much!

[@Sploads]

I am having trouble loading film in my camera. I should a whole roll and went to have it developed. Then I put a new roll in and now the film won’t load I don’t know why. The camera is “stuck” and won’t shutter pls help!

[@DavidHancock]

Hmm. When you say the camera is stuck, what's it doing or not doing? Is the mirror stuck upwards? Is the shutter not firing?

[@arminnasser]

thanks for the awesome video. do you know what kind of data back fits on it?

[@DavidHancock]

Here's a link to some info about the X series accessories. The multi-function back is near the bottom. I've never seen one and I'm not sure if they have the ability to record data with accurate years any more, however. Many of the mid-eighties data backs from all manufacturers capped years in the early 2000s. www.rokkorfiles.com/X%20series%20accessories.html

[@srinivaskuruganti4526]

Hi David, I've pulled my X700 out of storage and put some fresh batteries in. The meter works. I'm missing a lens but getting it soon. The shutter doesn't release. Does it need the lens for the shutter to release? ps the camera is in great shape. Thanks!!

[@DavidHancock]

It does not need a shutter to release, so if the power is on and the batteries are good and installed correctly, it should work.

[@bryantan2303]

Hi david, I just received my Minolta X-700 and put in some fresh batteries in them. But I found that the film winder is locked and am unsure how to 'unlock' it?

[@DavidHancock]

The film winder won't advance until the shutter's been actuated, and it also won't advance if there's film. So the first thing to try is operating the shutter. Assuming you have, see if there's film in it that needs to be rewound and removed. If both of those aren't the issue, make sure that the batteries are in correctly. If the shutter still isn't actuating, then it could be an issue with the electronics.

[@allan473]

great camera. just got one. has one minor issue though. the film speed dial is very loose and the slightest touch makes the exposure compensation move. is there any way I can tighten it up? its rather annoying.

[@DavidHancock]

I'd check with the Fix Old Cameras channel. There probably is but I don't know it.

[@marlonaso1]

Hola, cuando el dial está en modo A y la exposición es muy clara o demasiado obscura la cámara dispara? O se bloquea para ajustar la apertura del diafragma?

[@DavidHancock]

The camera, in A mode, will select the proper shutter speed for the selected aperture. However, if you select an aperture that requires a shutter speed that is too fast for the camera (faster than 1/1,000), you shot will be overexposed. Likewise, if you select an aperture that requires an exposure longer than the camera's electronic shutter can provide, the show will be underexposed. Both of those are rare unless you're using fast film (400 and faster) in full sun.

[@marlonaso1]

entiendo la explicación, lo que sucede es que tengo una minolta xg1 y una x700, con la xg1 al elegir una abertura no adecuada la camara bloquea el disparo hasta que uno elija una abertura correcta, en cambio en mi x700 en el modo A el disparados no se bloquea a pesar de que la abertura sea o no la correcta

[@DavidHancock]

Yes, that's correct. The X-700 works differently in that regard. The XG1, being an entry-level camera, was designed to prevent mistakes. The X-700, being an advanced camera, was designed assuming that users would know how to prevent exposure mistakes.

[@tiarnanm54]

Ive loaded the film into my camera and took a few shots but theres no numbers coming up in the frame counter, it just says s, have i not loaded the film correctly?

[@DavidHancock]

When you advance the film does the film rewind knob spin at the same time?

[@tiarnanm54]

I actually got the film developed and the pictures came out great, have a look at the video on my channel if you get a chance. I think my frame counter is just broken, so i just had to make a note of how many shots i had left

[@wb6945]

Hey David Great video. Just picked one up at a garage sale. Looking through the view finder its lacking a sharpness. Something is dirty and i hope its only the viewfinder. How do i clean it if its the mirror or image sensor.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! You can clean the viewfinder with a cotton swab and 91% rubbing alcohol. Since this is a film camera, there wont be any issues with a sensor. Make sure that you're focusing the lens, too.