Minolta XG1 Video Manual, Video 1 of 2

[@Cnick1891]

I'm a avid photographer in my spare time. My grandfather just passed away and my grandmother gave my grandfather's old camera, the XG-1, thank you for these videos!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! And that's a nice heirloom to have from your grandfather, too.

[@richardhernandez2081]

Thank you sir, I truly appreciate these videos. My wife and I randomly found a Minolta xg1 today at a thrift store with an extra lens for $45! I had to buy it lol I've recently got into photography, but the wifes been shooting for years, so with this new hobby, your videos are extremely helpful!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and that's a great deal!

[@christinnorthuis9287]

Thanks for this. I was at a consignment shop this afternoon looking for some chairs, and stumbled upon a camera bag with a camera inside. The bag and camera were $12. I shrugged and grabbed it thinking that for $12, at least I would be amused even if the camera didn't work. When I arrived home and started looking through the bag, I found two more lenses! I gave up film photography a long time ago, but I am so psyched to see how this camera works. I appreciate the tutorial. On to part II.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and that's a fantastic find!

[@jayhefner6404]

Thank you sir! that was the most informative (and actually interesting) video about cameras and their uses (that I could actually understand AND follow!) But what makes it THE BEST so far is, I HAVE THAT SAME EXACT CAMERA TOO! Thank you for your time and efforts in making that video! cant wait to watch part 2!

[@DavidHancock]

Jay Hefner You're very welcome! And thank you for the feedback. I'm always glad when my videos are helpful.

[@Iris-wr4ud]

Thank you so much! Just bought the camera from a thrift shop. This really helped.

[@DavidHancock]

Iris Blom You're very welcome. Take great photos!

[@hugoalvarado8697]

Love it, I got one for 3 dollars because it was broken, the mirror was stuck up and the advanced lever was jammed. I managed to fix it and works good! I really like it as a second body to carry around, I have a few MD lenses and it looks beautiful. Thanks for the awesome review, I always come here for some fine entertainment.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice and thank you!

[@jiaqiliu9055]

This is a wonderful show, to make me realize how amazing the camera I own. And how to take better photo with it. Thank you

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@intheworkseg6]

I just found one of these on craigslist and so Iv been looking for reviews and I must say your review was GREAT..keep it up and Im on to part 2..lol

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful. This is a great shooting camera.

[@H.E.J.S.A.N]

I am also the owner of this model. Your movie David, helped me discover the battery check. Thanks

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@Enleydo]

Just bought one. Thanks for the Video.

[@DavidHancock]

You're very welcome. These are great cameras and take very nice photos.

[@CorkVanDenHandel]

Well done, David. The XG-1's are incredibly inexpensive right now; I just bought a lens and an XG-1 was attached to it. The XG-1 is a nicely sized, light-weight metal camera with a good center-weighted meter system. For what it's worth, my XD-11's, XD-5, XG-7, and my wife's X-700 all have their serial numbers in the hot shoe.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! Yeah, these are selling for dirt cheap. Some of them are starting to have life-ending problems, though. I'm seeing a lot of electronics failures on these as well as prisms that are deslivering (causing black bands inside the viewfinder.) But if you can get one that works, these are great cameras and they perform well. I'd say about 20-30% of the XG-1 bodies that I see are seriously faulty.

[@ultrasonika9]

So well articulated and explained . VERY GOOD. cheers bud

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@melissamcintosh1755]

Just bought this camera along with a bag, lens, filters, computer mouse (🤷🏾‍♀️?), flash, lens covers, etc.!!! The rewind lever was not attached and can't get it to attach to open the back, so trying to find a way to open the back. This is going to be a project camera, as I've got to replace the leather on the front, fix the rewind lever, etc., and clean it up a bit. Excited to get it open and working so I can really play with it!

[@DavidHancock]

Sounds like a fun project! These are really fun to shoot with, too, so it sounds like you have a good time ahead of you.

[@doplinger1]

I have an XG-SE, the black version of this camera, I believe. Very nice, relatively compact camera, feels very tight and ready for action!

[@DavidHancock]

The XG-SE is a slightly better, I think, version because it has the Acute Matte screen, which I think were brighter than the previous generation of screens.

[@karehnlozano2373]

My camera is about 34 years old and I found it in my grandpas garage I put in some fresh batteries and film but the film advance lever won't work the way it's suppose to not sure what I can do... Is the red light on the front side of the camera suppose to be on when I try to turn it on?

[@esthercordova4660]

Hi, my mom also had one , tried putting film in but also the advance lever won’t work so can not put the film in. Did you get an answer 4 years ago ? Lol

[@James-hy1xc]

sometimes it could be on lock and have something to deal with the lenses try playing with the lense and the shutter

[@j.c.6012]

great vid! i picked one of these up from my uncle and am attempting to set it up today. its a bit different from the film cameras Im used to (pentax). Thanks to your help, I should be able to get it running.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! Minoltas are a bit different than Pentax, but as a Pentax user for more than 20 years, I found Minolta very easy to slip into as a second system.

[@benzo430]

I like these videos, I have so many I forget the little extra buttons and knobs on each one.

[@DavidHancock]

Yeah, I was amazed at how many functions this camera has.

[@beermejosie]

This video is awesome! I just purchased the same camera before labor day weekend and didn't know hie to use it until Sunday! Just rewinded my film and took it out properly. Just need to know about the aperture and the other numbers on the knob thing

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! The aperture is a measure of how large an opening there is in the lens, which control the amount of light reaching the film. The dial on the camera adjust shutter speed, which also controls how much light reaches the film. Adjust those two settings to reach proper exposure. If you're a subscriber, I'm working on a video that explains the relationship between the two, but it's not ready yet.

[@beermejosie]

@@DavidHancock thank you! Just subscribed as well!

[@Maartenols]

Thanks for the upload! It was a good one. :)

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@NathanielScottYT]

Found two of these in my grandmas basement. Seeing if I can learn how to use them. Thanks!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@YehAigh]

I found my minolta in a thrift store and im pretty confident that the issue i am having is either 1 of 2 things: first is the oils might be dry and i should get it redone and what not or when i switched it to aperture mode "A" it locked up and it will not return to a down position. If you can help me with the limited amount of info ive provided that would be the tightest thing

[@DavidHancock]

victor ojnes Try putting a fresh battery in and then actuating the shutter on a setting other than A. That sounds like the way an XG1 should behave if the battery didn't have enough power to allow the shutter to complete a cycle.

[@YehAigh]

I've replaced the batteries 2 times with fresh batteries. When I first got it, it wasn't loaded with film and i fired it off twice. Could that have something to do with it locking up?

[@DavidHancock]

victor ojnes It will function the same regardless of whether there's film or not. With the batteries in, when you push the BC button, does the red light come on indicating the batteries have charge?

[@YehAigh]

yupp.

[@DavidHancock]

victor ojnes Try rotating the shutter speed dial one time. The shutter should unstick either when you set it to a mechanical speed or to bulb. If that doesn't happen, there there are a few possibilities, all of which require service. It could be gummy lubricants, as you suggested. It could also be dirty wiring, a loose connection, or a screw that's worked its way loose. If the shutter doesn't unstick after rotating the shutter speed dial through all the speeds (you may need to hit the shutter button on bulb mode to try and unstick it), let me know and I can send you some repair people who I know of who work on Minolta bodies.

[@edwardmaxwell5899]

Just bought an XG-1. I can not get the camera to advance (without film.) I just put new batteries in it and the BC indicator does not light up. Am I missing something?

[@DavidHancock]

@@edwardmaxwell5899 I can run you through a few things. First up, the advance won't go unless the shutter fires. If the shutter won't fire, that's another issue. For the batteries, verify that they're good, installed correctly, and that the battery chamber is clean. If it's still not working, there may be an issue.

[@angelvu3427]

I was wondering what kind of batteries this camera uses?

[@kolbjrnhalvorsen863]

2 x SR44 silver oxide

[@courtneyr5473]

Hey David. I am confused about the ASA setting. If I am in low light, what kind of setting should I use? And where is the f-stop setting? Have you done a video about this or can refer me to a good one? Thank you!

[@DavidHancock]

Hey, Courtney. Video 2 should show most of that. In a nutshell, once you set the ISO for your film, leave it there for the whole roll. For low-light, you need a high-ISO film (like 800 or 1600.) You'll also want what's called a fast lens setting, meaning your lens' largest aperture (lowest number.) Your lens aperture is on the aperture ring, near the back of the lens. It will be something like f/2 to f/22. F/2 is the largest (fastest) aperture setting.

[@fyndyn]

Hi! I just bought this camera at a flea market, but the seller didn't know wether the camera is working or not (turned out to be off). Now I've been trying to change the batteries with new ones several times and it still won't work. The battery-checking LED didn't turn on either. Do you have any idea why and how to repair it?

[@DavidHancock]

Assuming that the batteries are good and installed correctly, you'd probably need a professional repair.

[@rosacarmona2199]

Hi David. Do you know what I might be able to do with my main switch for on/off/ and battery check. It loose and it won't stay so when I try to do battery check the light won't turn on.

[@DavidHancock]

Hmm. That sounds like a broken switch. If you can return the camera, I would suggest that. Alternately, you could see about a repair. A repair would find and fix other, unknown issues with the camera, too.

[@ceciliopenaranda2479]

Good afternoon, I got one of these cameras but the lens has fungus inside, and in the viewfinder you can also see that it has a layer of fungus, can these cameras be opened and the fungus removed or is it better to go to someone professional?

[@DavidHancock]

That's a repair I'd suggest using a professional for.

[@sarahbartel4399]

I have a black speckled line across 25% of my lens, with or without attaching the lens … any idea of how to fix it?

[@DavidHancock]

Sounds like if you take the lens off and like through the viewfinder it remains in the view, correct? If yes, that's degradation of the viewfinder prism silver coating. It's common with this camera model and requires a professional repair to install a new prism.

[@lasvegas32290]

Do you have any idea how to fix a shutter curtain that's not closing fully after I press the shutter release button? I have an X-7A by the way.

[@DavidHancock]

+Arlene Pettway That's going to require a professional repair. There's probably some old, gummy lubricants in it.

[@lasvegas32290]

Oh ok :( Thank you

[@soselo3924]

I just got my minolta xg1 and for some reason, the film advance lever doesn't move. I checked and there is no film in it and I tried taking a picture but it didn't help. have you ever encountered this and if so, how did you fix it

[@DavidHancock]

There are a couple possibilities. Let's start with the easiest. You have batteries, correct? The batteries have to be fresh and inserted correctly. The film advance will not work without the shutter being actuated and the shutter requires batteries. If that doesn't work, let me know.

[@lesley4462]

hey david, i just picked up a XG-SE and am having trouble with the film advance lever and the shutter. the film advance lever only moves halfway until it jams, and the shutter doesn't click. any ideas on how to fix it?

[@DavidHancock]

Does your camera have a battery in it? The XG series requires a battery to actuate the shutter and the film advance won't work without the shutter firing.

[@lesley4462]

David Hancock it doesn't have battery in it right now. i'll try that though and let you know. do you know what battery it uses?

[@DavidHancock]

If it's like the other XG models, it will use two S76 batteries. It might say inside the battery compartment on the plastic dealie that holds the batteries to the battery cap.

[@rosatorresserra4652]

I don’t know why when I put the camera lens i can’t see anything, but de lens is perfect and the camera alone also. The mirror is opened in 45 degrees, not as yours, is this a problem? Thanks

[@DavidHancock]

That's probably the cause of your problem, yes. The mirror needs to be fully down in order for the camera to function.

[@trainmaster35]

Wait, so it's aperture priority, and not automatic exposure? I don't mind manual focusing through an SLR, but I know nothing about apertures and ISOs. This little Minolta seemed like the ideal entry as it seems to go pretty cheap, but now I'm not so sure.

[@DavidHancock]

Aperture priority is a type of automatic exposure. Any time the camera is deciding on settings, it's an automatic exposure. This is a good starter camera for sure. You can set the ISO on the camera by just selecting the same speed as the film (and leaving it there for the whole roll). Then just adjust the aperture and the camera will select the shutter speed when you have the camera set to aperture-priority mode. It's pretty easy to use.

[@RachelMarieSmith2150]

Question. Will this camera only advance/wind with a functional battery?

[@DavidHancock]

Advancing is mechanical and does not need a battery. However, the shutter requires a battery to fully cycle.

[@maxhlavin337]

I used a lens wipe to lightly clean off the mirror inside before watching this video… will the silver be ok?

[@DavidHancock]

Should be. I think I just released a video on how to do that, too.

[@shelbydayzie9567]

Hello, so I’ve had my camera (XG1) for awhile now and have taken some awesome pics. I recently changed out my batteries, it was working but now the film advance lever moves but not fully and mirror inside the lens folded up, so now when you look through it, it’s black. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[@DavidHancock]

Try new batteries. It's possible that one or both of the replacements are weak. If new batteries don't work, let me know and we'll take it from there.

[@shelbydayzie9567]

David Hancock okay, I tried it but the lever is still not moving all the way and the mirror is still blocked off

[@DavidHancock]

Hmm. Okay. So eliminating bad batteries or the batteries being inserted backwards the most likely cause is a failed capacitor. In that case the old capacitor needs to be removed and replaced with a new. I haven't had to do that on an XG camera so I don't know the capacitor specification or whether it's location on the bottom or top of the camera, which would determine how hard the repair would be. The best bet might be to send the camera in for service if you won't want to take it apart and find and replace the capacitor.

[@vancouverrifles2169]

Hi David, Can you do a video on the Minolta Maxxum 7000?

[@DavidHancock]

I definitely can. I've been taking photos with one, off and on, for a while. The 7000 is the next Maxxum body that I plan to review, but I don't have an estimate on when just yet.

[@vancouverrifles2169]

Cheers, i have one from my Father but it recently began to have issues. i haven't been able to find many videos online that can help me trouble shoot the issues.

[@DavidHancock]

What's it doing?

[@vancouverrifles2169]

Film isn't rewinding and film isn't holding an Image, all the cartridges I've gotten developed hold no image.

[@DavidHancock]

Hmm. If the film isn't rewinding, that sounds like a rewind motor problem. That would need service. For the images, is the film coming back clear, with distinct, black frames, or all black with no frame lines?

[@thedope1ne434]

when your in the apature priority mode, can you tell if your photo will come out either overexposed or underexposed?

[@DavidHancock]

TheDope1ne You have to trust your camera. You'll know the results when your film comes back. This camera is a really good one, though, for aperture-priority shooting. The shutter speed is, if I recall, stepless, so it should be able to pick any shutter speed (including ones not available on the dial) to account for light and aperture.

[@brettboren2849]

What lens do you use? I am trying to pick one out but I want to be sure it functions with the Automatic mode.

[@DavidHancock]

+Brett Boren Any of the Minolta lenses will work in Auto mode. You'll need to pick an aperture and the camera will know what aperture you have picked and select the best shutter speed. A good, starting kit for a camera is a 50mm, 28mm, and 135mm. Minolta lenses are pretty affordable. The 50mm f/1.7 and f/1.4 lenses are excellent. Either one would be a good choice with the 1.7 running about 35 less, typically. The 28 has an f/2.8 and an f/3.5 version. I have a preference for the f/2.8 version but it's a bit more. I think the added cost there is worth it (though I think the 50mm 1.7 is as good an option as the 1.4.) For the 135, there are f/2.8 and f/3.5 options. The f/2.8 is meaningfully better. The Celtic 135mm f/2.8 runs around $50. So if your XG-1 comes with a 50mm lens, you're looking at about $100 more, give or take, to get a basic three-lens set up. You can save a few bucks getting the Minolta Celtic lineup, which were budget lenses. The Celtic 135mm lenses are very good and the 28mm ones are a pretty decent choice, too.

[@nozomiueki4756]

hello i just purchased this camera at a thrift shop. the film advance lever is loose. is it because I haven't put batteries in?

[@DavidHancock]

+nozomi ueki Loose as in it just flaps around?

[@nozomiueki4756]

+David Hancock yes it's very loose. just flapping around

[@courtneyr5473]

Do I need a separate flash for this camera? Does it work well in dark light?

[@DavidHancock]

You would if you're shooting flash photography, yes. Flashes for this camera can be had as cheap as a buck or two at thrift stores or a bit more on eBay. An old Vivitar flash like a 2500 (make sure that it's Minolta compatible) or similar would work well. The camera won't affect how well it works in the dark. The film and the lens are in control of that. For low-light imagery, a fast film like Portra 800, Superia 1600, or Delta 3200 would work. You'd also want a fast lens like a 50mm f/1.7 or 50mm f/1.4.

[@oliviaplayspiano3108]

Question, my Minolta XG1 came without a cap to the battery compartment, meaning the Camera wont turn on even with batteries in, is there any way I can have a solution to this?

[@DavidHancock]

Yup. There will probably be XG-1 battery caps on eBay. Any of the XG series camera battery caps will work -- XG7, XG1, whatever the other XG numbers were.

[@oliviaplayspiano3108]

@@DavidHancock okay, thank you very much and keep up the good content 👌

[@_film_flashback]

When did they add the dash in the XG1!

[@DavidHancock]

I don't know the date or year, but they changed the design a bit mid-way-ish through production.

[@mattmullis4140]

I just picked up an XG7, as a gift for someone else, and I know absolutely nothing about cameras. Although this video has shown me that the XG1 and XG7 pretty much work the same, right? So, I got batteries, and I'm positive they are the right kind of batteries, yet when I put them in, it seems like I can't get anything to happen. It's quite possible I'm doing something wrong... Please help?

[@DavidHancock]

***** I'm glad to help. Let's troubleshoot. The first and most common mistake with these cameras is not turning the camera to on. The camera's shutter won't work without it being switched to on. I'm assuming that you did that, so let's go on to the batteries. I assume your batteries are brand new. Did you try putting them in each (positive up and positive down)? I haven't used an XG7 before, though my guess is that it's wired in the same way as this camera (positive toward the camera body, IIRC.) The A76 batteries are really easy to load the wrong way, and then nothing will work. YOu can use the battery check setting on the main switch to make sure that the batteries are installed correctly and that the camera is getting power. (There's a red light on the front of the camera that comes on when the battery check is set and the batteries have power.) So, assuming that the batteries are loaded correctly, also make sure that the battery contact in the camera and on the cap are clean. If they aren't, some fine steel wool and a dry paper towel can clean them up quickly. Next step is to make sure that there's no film in the camera. Check the film rewind knob and try rewinding the film. If it spins freely about a dozen times there's certainly no film in it. So at that point try to advance the film advance lever. If that advances, try the shutter button again (preferably on a manual setting.) If the film advance lever puts up resistance, put the camera on a manual shutter speed and actuate the shutter. If the shutter works, then the film advance lever should work, too. Let me know if any of that gets it working. If not, we'll take it from there.

[@mattmullis4140]

Thank you so much for responding so quickly. I've triple checked to make sure the batteries are in correctly. I don't know if I'm just missing the battery check setting, but I can't find it. I checked for film in the camera and there was none. What I keep noticing is that when I advance the film advance lever, then push the shutter button, nothing happens. I guess if there's no battery power going through, which that may be my case, the film advance lever and shutter button won't do their job, eh?

[@DavidHancock]

Can you advance the film advance lever without pushing the shutter button?

[@nozomiueki4756]

yes i tried that but nothing happens. the lever doesn't move anything. :-/ do you think professional help would be very expensive?

[@DavidHancock]

+nozomi ueki Depends on what country you're in. It'll be, I would guess, in the 75 to 150 range in the U.S. But it's worth it because a repair will fix all your camera's problems, even ones that aren't obvious. Buying a different used camera means you may also be buying other problems.

[@makailahhackett]

Hi David, I need help if you don't mind? I have no idea how to get the pictures off it. Can I transfer it from a cord onto a computer, or do I have to buy them from a store? I hope not : / I'm new to this so thank you.

[@makailahhackett]

My camera is exactly like yours in the video

[@DavidHancock]

+Makailah Hackett After you finish shooting your roll of film, you'll need to have it developed (or develop it yourself if that interests you.) Then the photos need to be scanned. The easiest way to do that is send it to a lab and order developing and scanning. I use OldSchoolPhotoLab.com because they develop well, return negatives (Wal-Mart, CVS, and others shred your negatives), and Old School has a very good scanning tech and keeps their scanner clean.

[@MrSodaBelly]

The shutter or snap button is jammed, or is that because I need new batteries?

[@DavidHancock]

MrSodaBelly The shutter release requires batteries to operate. Put in the new batteries, set it to "B", and it should unjam. At that point it should work fine in any setting.

[@gopalpanday4921]

Wow Awesome 💯

[@John-N-541-ym7dx]

I have the XG-SE and was told it was the same as the XG1 but all in black.

[@DavidHancock]

I believe that is correct, yes. Or if not the same, very close.

[@jeralynnnickerson8334]

I have a few questions. Can anyone show or tell me if this takes good photos? Also where would i find batteries? And how would i acess the photos? If u could help david plz let me know

[@DavidHancock]

I sure can. They will take fine photos; that said the photographer and their passion for the subject make the photo good, great, or other. And you would get the photos by sending the film to a lab for developing and scanning.

[@atomicwaves3264]

Hi! What is the music in the background please ?

[@DavidHancock]

+Mones Greg I have no idea. I use songs from the KZbin music library.

[@mattiegiles2360]

I can't get the back of my camera where the film goes to open how do you do that

[@DavidHancock]

Is the film rewind knob able to be pulled all the way up and, when you do that, is the back still not opening?

[@mattiegiles2360]

Yea I got it open

[@osvaldasn]

hey, Pentax mg or this one? I saw you have made reviews on both. which one would be your choice?

[@DavidHancock]

+Osvaldas Nutiko That's tough. I really liked the MG because it was fun and easy. The XG-1 is a more capable and controllable camera. Ultimately, I think I would suggest the XG-1 as a good camera if you want to learn how to take good photos and grow your photography. If you want a camera to just take photos and not worry about if the image will turn out well exposed, the MG would be a better choice.

[@osvaldasn]

+David Hancock i see, I'll go for Minolta (: thanks for great reviews (not only on these two) and for super quick answer. take care

[@DavidHancock]

Osvaldas Nutiko You're welcome. Take great photos!

[@brittneybarba3058]

So how do you clean the mirror

[@DavidHancock]

With some lens cleaning tissue bunched up like the business end of a feather duster, dampen the tissue with some lens cleaning fluid and then wipe the mirror clean.

[@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904]

My X-700 also has the serial number in the Hot shoe.

[@DavidHancock]

Yeah, Minolta liked doing that, and I'm not 100% sure why. The SNs in the hot shoes are really hard to read.

[@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904]

David Hancock They sure are hard to read.

[@triton-productions0]

What does the battery on the bottom do?

[@DavidHancock]

It operates the shutter and light meter.

[@BloomyAdventures]

How do you put new batteries inside?

[@DavidHancock]

Video 2 shows that.

[@lukethexboxexorcist6725]

What kind of battery's so you need?

[@DavidHancock]

Two LR44, which are also called A76, S76, or 357. Video 2 in this series also shows how to load them.

[@johnlowery1412]

How do you clean the prisom

[@DavidHancock]

You have to disassemble the camera for that. It's safer to have that done professionally. The Fix Old Cameras channel might have a guide. If you prism has a line of black stuff in the viewfinder, that's not dirty and is the silver on the prism failing. That requires a new prism.

[@johnlowery1412]

@@DavidHancock I don't think so I just took the top off I has a prism I just might find a way to clean it

[@ramskycam607]

Just acquired my XG1 camera along with three lenses; a 45mm, 135mm, 70-150mm zoom, & 118X flash, all from an auction, dirt cheap!. Your video is a gift from God, many thanks! Learned a lot. My XG1 works very well, light meter too after installing fresh batteries. I'm an DSLR user (Nikon D5100) and wanted a film camera as backup because film is the best resolution media currently (16,000 lines HR). Looking for am auto-wind "G". Tweet me @RamSkyCam if you know of one. Again, many thanks and God Bless!

[@DavidHancock]

+RamSkyCam Thank you and good kit! You'll be happy with that set.

[@user-jo2ny6ci2p]

my camera has new battery's but when I try to take a picture it doesn't work I have a gx7

[@user-jo2ny6ci2p]

xg7 sorry my mistake

[@DavidHancock]

Hmm, we;;, let's troubleshoot the easy possibilities first. 1- Are the batteries in correctly? It's easy to insert them backwards in these. 2- There's an on switch by the film rewind knob. Set it to B.C. and that will verify that the batteries are good and inserted correctly (a red light on the camera's front will light up.) 3- Is there film in the camera? If so and if it's fully used, you'll need to rewind it before using it. Let me know the answers or if any of that fixes it. If not, we'll see if it might be a more serious issue.

[@rogemonca]

@@DavidHancock hi i have the same problem. I just recently purchased an Xg1. But the film advance lever seems stuck and doesnt advance. It also doesnt turn on and I have checked the battery and have tried changing the battery positions a lot of times already. I had also tried removing the film and trying tp turn it on and still no avail. I hope you respond to this, definitely will help a beginner!!

[@joetalbilly]

i have a issue with my xg7 it has a problem with advancing

[@DavidHancock]

+billy toal I've been getting this question a lot lately. And I picked up an XG-M today with the same issue. I tried eight sets of batteries and nothing worked. With my MG-M, I think that the problem lies in the batteries not being able to provide power to the board. My guess is that the board on mine has a short or there's a loose wire somewhere, but maybe the on-off switch is bad. Whatever the case may be, I haven't found a solution yet and suspect that it's a sign of a dead camera or one that needs an overhaul.

[@nate6935]

my xg1 is not advancing, how can i fix that ?

[@DavidHancock]

Let's rule out the easiest and most basic things first. Just to check, you have fresh batteries in the camera, correct? The shutter needs batteries to fire and the film advance won't do anything until the shutter has fired.

[@nate6935]

@@DavidHancock YEAH I HAVE FRESH BATTERIES AND WHEN I USE BATTERY CHECK, THE RED LIGHT COMES ON..it still won't advance

[@DavidHancock]

@@nate6935 Hmm. Okay. Sounds like a failed shutter capacitor. That happens on these, unfortunately, and it's a bit more common now as these have gotten older. And it happens unpredictably. I had a capacitor fail on me on a different Minolta camera model mid-inspection earlier this year. I think it's a pretty easy repair on the XG-1, though I've only ever done it on X-370 and X-700 cameras. If you just bought it, definitely see if you can return it exchange it. If not and you've owned it a while, Vermont Camera Works could fix this pretty easily.

[@nate6935]

@@DavidHancock man, i appreciate you for the insight. I got it last week so i am going to return it..if not, i will get it fixed

[@PaulaRodriguez-cp1bx]

Hola hay nucha diferencia esta y la minolta x300?

[@DavidHancock]

Sí, existen algunas diferencias menores en términos de apariencia y construcción. Sin embargo, en aspectos importantes de funcionamiento, este y el 300 son similares. El 300 reemplazó esta cámara.

[@PaulaRodriguez-cp1bx]

Gracias por contestar he adquirido la minolta xg1 pero me he dado cuenta que funciona todo menos ese pequeño botón que bloquea el modo automático:(((

[@Mrtrollgood]

I recently purchased a used Minolta, and I checked the mirror and it appears to have a smudge. Is there any possible way to clean and/or replace it?

[@DavidHancock]

+Grandaddy J You can try to gently clean it with a lens tissue, but I'm not sure what, if any, effect solvents like lens cleaner will have in terms of damaging the mirror.

[@ToxiicFlamez]

is something like this comparable to a new iphone camera in this day and age?

[@DavidHancock]

Apples to apples, this would be a bit better. The iPhones don't allow a lot of exposure control; though they do give a lot of effects control, that's different. This would have been comparable to an entry-level DSLR like a Nikon D3300. iPhones would be more comparable to compact point and shoot film cameras.

[@ToxiicFlamez]

i just got one at a thrift shop for 20$ and im excited to start learning, thanks for the reply :)

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! Great find!

[@korbiniangrad9676]

Hello david...thanks for your videos. so helpful :) is there any chance i can contact you ...i have some questions about the xg1 + flash :) thanks a lot ..koko

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! Your best bet is to simply post your questions here. I check my YT comments way more often than any other communications I have.

[@korbiniangrad9676]

allright..thank you so much for your time...im pretty new to the analog world :) i was just wondering how to use the flash with the xg1...i have an meitz metz 32 ct2 ...

[@DavidHancock]

Here's an old video I did on flash guide numbers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2jEi42Fnruin9E That should help explain the general principle. Flash use is an art form and there are a lot of people who spend their careers perfecting it. I think that the 32 on the Metz is the flash guide number, but don't quote me on that and you'd want to test out your flash anyway as older flashes lose power, to establish the guide number. So to test that what you'll want to do is sacrifice some film. Set up a subject (could be a vase, or another camera, whatever, doesn't matter, just has to be stationary) and set up your camera on a tripod if you have one. Then set the flash at full power (if power can be controlled; I'm not familiar with this specific flash). Place your subject a set distance from your lens, let's say two meters (five feet if you're in the U.S.) for easy math. Then take a series of shots at different lens apertures, all at the flash sync speed. Keep notes. So if you have the 50mm f/1.7, write down your frame number, the aperture, flash power, and distance for future reference. Start the process with a frame with a note to yourself (outside, in aperture-priority mode to guarantee it turns out) that the next frames will be your flash tests. Then go inside and perform the series of flash tests across the aperture range. When your film comes back, look at the negatives (not the scans) and see which one looks best to you. If you use lens click-stops as your points for taking each test photo you can count the frames and then count up from f/1.7 to find which stop worked best for you. That will give you the data you need to calculate your GN and from there calculate how to compensate your flash power with subjects at different distances and with films of different speeds. Here's a very detailed web page that has a calculator you can use to automate some of the math. It also goes into TONS of detail about flash use and calculating power: www.scantips.com/lights/flashbasics1c.html

[@JZNYC]

just got mine in the mail, and the film advancer wont go the entire way.. still doesnt have batteries yet.

[@DavidHancock]

Before opening the back, try rewinding the film. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the previous owner's last roll. Get it developed if there id one. Found photos are great.

[@julesverne4629]

You MUST put Fresh LR-44(357) Watch Batteries into any Minolta SLR Film Color Cameras for the "Film Advance Lever to advance ALL the way". NO,NO your problem is that you do NOT have any LR-44 Watch Batteries. Get yourself Fresh LR-44 Watch Batteries and install 2 batteries into the battery compartment, opened and closed with a Nickel-5 cent coin or a 25 cent Quarter,install the LR-44x2 Batteries according to the Film Compartment diagram then tighten to Chrome Cap-Thread aligned and closed by rotating clockwise with your Nickel or Quarter Coins or for any Minolta SLR Color Film Cameras before operate any Minolta SLR Cameras.!!!

[@jimmydinobluesage]

thank you

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@dermin3060]

I put batteries on it and turn it on but it doesnt work.

[@DavidHancock]

The first things to check are that the batteries are fresh and good and that they're installed correctly. If so, make sure that the contacts in the camera's battery compartment are clean.

[@dermin3060]

@@DavidHancock batteries are new

[@dermin3060]

i checked it and it still does not work

[@DavidHancock]

It's a distinct possibility that the camera is having an electronics issue. It may be worth taking it to a camera shop to be checked out.

[@dermin3060]

@@DavidHancock Today im going to service. Thank you very much.

[@Bomo-gt6zn]

subtitulos en español pprfavor

[@DavidHancock]

I don't speak Spanish to be able to translate or type the scripts for subtitles.

[@BloomyAdventures]

The back of my camera won't open

[@DavidHancock]

Just to check, you're lifting up on the film rewind knob as far as it will go while trying to open, correct?

[@BloomyAdventures]

David Hancock yes. I don't know why it won't open

[@DavidHancock]

Hmm. Okay. This can happen sometimes. There are a few reasons. If it hasn't been used in a long time, the light seals may have turned to a glue-like goo that's holding it shut. If it was bumped, it might be pressed into the camera a bit more than normal. Either way, the means to open it is the same. With the rewind knob up, use your finger, or fingernail if it's short and string enough, to pry the back away from the edge. This process is basically the same one you'd use to open it normally but with more strength. This can take a LOT of hand strength. If that doesn't work, you can try having someone, or you, hold the film rewind knob up to unlock the camera while trying to pry it open. A good way to do this is to put a thin, wedge-head screwdriver into the gap between the film back and body and simply twist. That SHOULD work. If that doesn't work, there's a more drastic option. You'll need someone to help with this. Someone or you will need to hold the camera with the rewind knob up, pulled into release position while also trying to pry open the back. A second person will use a nail set and hammer to GENTLY tap on the lip of the camera back and try to jar it open. I can't stress enough ow gently this needs to be done. The worst-case scenario is that the nail set dings the camera back's lip and creates a light leak that can't be fixed. Beyond that, I don't have a fourth suggestion. But I'd be surprised if you need to go past the second. Even if the back is jammed into the camera slightly from being dropped, the second option should work. If those don't work, the other place to try is the Fix Old Cameras channel. They may have some ideas.

[@BloomyAdventures]

David Hancock I got it to finally open but when I closed then tried to open it again it wouldn't open. That is probably why

[@DavidHancock]

Sounds like the back may be warped. You might be able to get replacement back on eBay or a broken XG1 that you can swap the back from.

[@FeRmBot0118]

just got one of these.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice!

[@FeRmBot0118]

+David Hancock thanks! though I'm not sure if the shutter functions only with batteries?

[@DavidHancock]

Correct. Only with batteries

[@FeRmBot0118]

+David Hancock awesome! cant wait to fire this bad boy.

[@FeRmBot0118]

+Fermin Amaya fyi i have the xg-1(n)which is basically the same camera? besides the "grip"

[@rylanbalderas3274]

👍🏼

[@christophermurillo6106]

One hour and 44 min add this is ridiculous

[@DavidHancock]

It takes at least an hour and 44 minutes to learn to use a camera. What's ridiculous is not putting in the time to learn something if it actually interests you.

[@DavidHancock]

Also, there's a time-linked index in the description so that viewers can skip to the info they need.

[@kickz2828]

Damn shame you don't even show how to load the damn thing. And this video could have been half the time

[@DavidHancock]

Video 2 shows how to perform all the camera's operations, including loading the film.