Why Minolta X-700 is my favorite 35mm Film Camera

Brought my favorite 35mm film camera to Palm Spring. I love this camera so much so I just bought another one!!
00:00 Intro
01:49 Palm Spring sample shots POV
04:50 How to use the Minolta X-700
08:16 Next time with this camera
Equipment used in this video:
Photo Camera: Minolta X-700
Lens: 28-70mm 3.5f
Film Stock: Kodak Pro Image 100 / Kodak Gold 200
Video Camera: Sony A73
Lens: 16mm-35mm 4f
Check out my KIT: kit.co/sam_zhang

[@rickt.8866]

My Minolta x700 was a $20 flea market find! It was in new condition and only needed a battery change! I recently got the scans back from my first roll of film. The pictures it produced were amazing! I used a Minolta 50mm 1.4 lens. My first roll of film was Kodak pro image 100.

[@Webpromotions]

The x700 can normally be fixed reasonably easily. I picked up three last week and repaired two on the weekend. It is generally one of about 3 things. 1) the capacitors need replacing (well known issue), 2) the wind on gear needs a bit of lubrication 3) the shutter curtain guides have come off (probably the biggest tear down but still doable). If you do a search on KZbin there are some good videos on how to fix it if you have a friend that is handy

[@itscapturedbysam]

That’s what I was told, Im not a very handy person, but when I have time, I’ll definitely be trying~ thank you for the tips~

[@ultimafuelie]

Great camera. I repaired 35mm cameras during most of the 1990's and I repaired hundreds of these. Always like the design and the way it felt in the hand when shooting.

[@itscapturedbysam]

it's for sure a solid camera, my old one has been with me for years before it finally give up on me~ LOL

[@alexgarnett7557]

Just bought one of these. You’re video is an excellent advocation for the camera. Thanks 😊

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you for watching

[@titusburgos5317]

Thank you so much!!! I just got one and I've watched like 3 or 4 videos and none of them helped, But yours was the best and now I understand.

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you, I'm glad this video helped you!!❤

[@keagansmith5235]

A really well made video, love the vibe and your information. Beautiful video!

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you ☺️

[@nonechico]

I bought a X-700 a month ago and it's been really great learning to shoot film with it. Also, your videos are insanely well made! Subscribed!

[@itscapturedbysam]

thank you~ Hope you enjoy your X-700!!

[@Three2Anh]

Loved this video ✨

[@dereckenamorado1275]

Enjoyed the video! I bought one back in 2020 for a birthday gift to myself and have enjoyed taking so many photos with it! I got so crazy with restoring it, I bought the 360px flash, the Motor Drive 1 auto winder, the Multi Function Back, and the Remote Cord L (16.5 feet long!) I’ve taken about 200 photos with it so far and plan on taking more photos in the future!

[@itscapturedbysam]

That's great!! This is the only Minolta camera I used, but looking forward to try others from this brand in the future.

[@abchappell01]

I enjoyed your presentation. I can’t wait to see your next video 😊

[@itscapturedbysam]

Welcome to the channel, and thank you for watching 🥰

[@YMYetii]

I just picked up the Minolta, can’t wait to see how it does. Great video and photos!

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you. Hope you like the camera!!

[@YMYetii]

@@itscapturedbysam thank you! Me too! subbed and can’t wait to see some more content.

[@acecreates]

What a beautiful location and a stunning camera!!!

[@itscapturedbysam]

Will be back here next month, looking forward to explore it more~ 🤓

[@terrywbreedlove]

I bought the X700 new way back in 1986. Loved that camera and keep thinking I should find another just for memory sakes.

[@VideosByDeb]

*Loved the picture at **4:10**! I am soon going to get my Minolta X-700 silver one. Finger crossed. Hopefully I can use it a lot more. Thank you for the video.*

[@itscapturedbysam]

Yeah!! Congratulations with getting a new camera!! I definitely need to use mine more often as well!!

[@jaycielinh]

i love the minolta x700!! i've shot so many of my favourite images with this camera. also love your videos, glad to see more women photographers come into the scene! :) subbed

[@itscapturedbysam]

👏 YEAH~ Girl photographer high five!! 👏

[@dp6528]

Your tutorial is very interesting and helpful. Thank you.

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you :)

[@TreyxSuarez]

Great content really - enjoyed your editing

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you ❤️

[@clarityle-poodle2389]

This video helped me so much! Thank you! :))

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you for watching!!

[@senkawascott]

Very calm and pleasing video. I shoot with a Minolta XE (XE-7 in the USA) and a 50mm prime. I loved the shots of the buildings you got with your camera. The same shots on a digital camera would have been sterile (in my opinion), but the warmth of the old lens and the film quality (and your skill, of course) made each photo gorgeous. Thanks for the encouraging content!

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you Scott :) ❤️

[@Jay-jb2vr]

I have the XD7. It's like a classic Cadillac of cameras.

[@itscapturedbysam]

@@Jay-jb2vr the x700 is the only one I used from Minolta, now it broke again, make me so sad!!

[@Jay-jb2vr]

@@itscapturedbysam oh no ugh!

[@markattardo]

I always enjoyed my X700 (years ago). I got a free one a year ago that had issues, it brought back fun memories. It stopped working after a couple rolls and unfortunately it wasn't worth repairing. I did find an X-570 to replace it. If you come across one, it's worth a look as a backup. One upgrade in my opinion is an aperture window that lets you see your f stop setting on the lens while you look through the viewfinder. Good video, nice job capturing that really interesting architecture!

[@itscapturedbysam]

since now I have a new one, I have been looking up how to fix it. I'm thinking about open it up to see the inside, just to explore~😄

[@markattardo]

@@itscapturedbysam I was stunned at how the electronics are packed inside, it's quite impressive😉

[@omarallahouthi159]

A wonderful camera and a wonderful picture , the pictures are not different from the latest digital cameras today. Keep up the constructive, fun and wonderful video

[@itscapturedbysam]

thank you

[@Vega.pdf35mm]

Nice shots!

[@itscapturedbysam]

thank you ❤️

[@alejandrocampollo]

Your channel will explode very soon! Please keep it up 💥💥

[@itscapturedbysam]

I’ll definitely try my best!! Thank you!!! 🥳

[@igorvainshtein5731]

It has been a while since you have posted this video, so I don't know if you have fixed your x-700 yet or not, but you could probably fix the camera yourself. you just need to replace the capacitors. One under the top plate and the other under the bottom plate. I would recommend starting with the bottom. the capacitors are cheap, but you do need to know how to solder (it is not that difficult). There are a lot of tutorials on these repairs. I think it is always worth it to save one of these cameras. I have a number of Minoltas and x-700 is one of my very favorites. It was the first serious camera that I owned and it does make beautiful pictures.

[@mxbvibes]

Underated channel. Love the style and editing.

[@itscapturedbysam]

Thank you ❤️

[@-mr-brokken1471]

Omg I found your channel today and now I just found out you love the same camera as me!!!

[@itscapturedbysam]

Yeah!! Hi-five on MINOLTA~

[@bknapp9728]

Really enjoyed this video! I used an X700 about 40 years ago; it was my favorite cam. This inspires me to purchase another. For the Palm Springs photos, were you using a filter? Or, do you edit colors from the scanned negatives? Thank you!

[@KeeeeenW]

This was the camera I used primarily in high school and got me into film photography. I still have it and use it from time to time. For a price

[@itscapturedbysam]

LOL, wish Minolta still here with us~ Modern camera and lens will give us sharper images, but sharpness is not all we care about~

[@gunnerovergaard9646]

I love my X-700! Have mine with a 50mm 1.4 lens

[@itscapturedbysam]

I have the 50mm lens too. I love the 50mm!!

[@JoeLopez]

What a very photogenic town! Great camera. If you haven’t already, pick up the more dependable Minolta X570 or X-500

[@theundefinedphotographer]

Beautiful Californian colours! I've seen quite a few good reviews of the Minolta X700, and so I'm really curious to try it out sometime.

[@itscapturedbysam]

I really love mine! I haven't shot much portrait with it, but it's great for landscape and just everyday stuff~

[@theundefinedphotographer]

@@itscapturedbysam Everyday stuff is exactly what I like to shoot too! Haven't done portraiture but would love to try

[@RhettAnderson]

Good video! I like the x570 (also known as x500) better because I don't use the Program setting and the x570 is better for using manual mode. It's pretty much the same camera, though, aside from those two differences.

[@itscapturedbysam]

I don't use Program mode either, when I first start buying film camera, the x-700 is my friend's recommendation, I didn't really look for other options.. but good to know. Thank you for watching my video btw :)

[@patrickbruckel3705]

Loved it! How do you get your pictures transformed to such a good digital quality?

[@itscapturedbysam]

All of the photos in this video are from my local lab, they process the films and scanned them for me. After this shoot, I have been scanning my film at home, hopefully I will make a video in the future to compare the lab scan and my home scans :)

[@DavyRayBennett]

I just ordered one from KEH, about 4 days ago. It’s my first 35mm film camera. Well, my first nice one.

[@itscapturedbysam]

Congratulations for getting a new camera !! Hope you enjoy it!!

[@seanteo6218]

hello Sam! I love your videos! Can you advice what kind of camera bags to buy for the Minolta x-700? Or it's not needed?

[@itscapturedbysam]

It really depends on how many stuff you bring when you go out to shoot. I always have a lot cameras on me, because I’m also record videos~ just for the Minolta, you can get a sling bag~ I just recently bought the 6L wandrd sling bag, it’s bit heavy but has a lot utility space, and it fit my other bigger cameras too.. if you only have one camera, you can get something even smaller.

[@mirunacosma3651]

My battery compartment doesn’t open it’s stuck. What can I do?

[@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 looveee your videos! :)

[@christianloseni3777]

Minorutaaaaa❤❤❤

[@weisserth]

I have a small collection of Minolta SLRs. Over the years, I have bought some and got rid of some. What I have now is five different XD bodies of which four are XD7 and one is an XDS, plus one X700. One of my XD7 stopped working recently. I will bet you that your issue with your X700 is the capacitor that holds the electric charge to work the mirror and shutter. The X700 and XD cameras are not mechanical cameras, they are electronic cameras. If the electronics fail, the camera will not fire the shutter anymore. It is worth mentioning, that the X700 in spite of being newer than the XD series, got an inferior quality capacitor part. X series cameras failing is VERY common. THE XD series is more reliable and was considered more high end by Minolta itself. The XD series also has better build quality with more metal and less plastic. And it looks MUCH better too. Don't worry about the P mode missing on the XD (Japan), XD7 (Europe) or XD11 (US version). The XD has a hidden P mode. When you use the XD in shutter priority mode and you set a shutter speed that is too fast to result in a correct exposure with the fastest automatically chosen aperture, the XD will adjust the shutter speed down automatically to the fastest shutter speed resulting in a correct exposure, essentially it's a Ps mode. A capacitor can be replaced with a little bit of skill in electronics. Here is a video explaining the process for the X700: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIa7g4poq9mLqNk If you have a friend who is handy like that, you can get your other X700 fixed. Please don't junk it.

[@itscapturedbysam]

Wow!! That is a lot information!! I will definitely look into the video, I'm not much of a handy person, but I guess it won't hurt to try it~ Thank you for the help!!

[@afa1356]

Can you please show the photo between A mode and P mode? Thanks a lot if you have the chance between those mode 🙏🏻 Btw nice video, hopefully will own x-700 soon!

[@itscapturedbysam]

My x-700 is broken right now sadly, but if I can fix I’ll definitely try to play with it more. Thank you for watching☺️

[@anaqisuandi9586]

what lens were you using?

[@Espakho]

I recently bought a XD11 for myself and a X700 for my brother, and both of us like the XD11 more.

[@Rossie123able]

I inherited my grandfather’s Minolta X-700 which was in bad shape, covered in fungus and dust. Fixed it and now shoot with it more than my Sony mirrorless camera

[@itscapturedbysam]

High-five from one x700 lover to another~ I'm glad you enjoy it!! 🤩

[@jerryrichards8172]

If you remove the lense from the broke x-700 you can lift the camera mirror al the way up and let fall back with a click and it should work. I did that with my X-700 and its still going. Dont touch the mirror with your skin it can ruin the mirror and if you have film in that camera it wil over expose a few frames. Thanks for sharing.

[@itscapturedbysam]

I did try lift the mirror, but it still dose not work. I think it's electronic problem.. but thank for you for helping!!

[@vhfgamer]

@@itscapturedbysam Capacitors perhaps? That should be an easy fix. I'm sure you could dig up an electronics technician near you who could get them swapped out.

[@kovarikma]

Fix your description lens on minolta is actually Minolta MD Zoom 28-70 mm f3.5-4.8. I spent long time searching for non existing lens :D

[@itscapturedbysam]

Sorry about that~ 🥲

[@deadpool6072]

I think X700 is based on XG-M? It is a high-end XG Minolta hehe I have the budget 1980s XG-1 and I love it

[@itscapturedbysam]

This is the only Minolta camera ever used and I love it!! Some suggested Minolta point and shot, I haven't look into it yet~

[@Trishlicious]

It does not cost that much to repair the camera; after the repair it should last longer than another one with the same unrepaired issue. Because of that issue I purchased a Minolta srt101 and srt202; love the 202 for all the features and no battery required.

[@itscapturedbysam]

Now since I have another one, I’m not in any hurry to repair it coz all my money went into buying films🤯… Kodak Portra 400 is almost got to $20 per roll~ it is absolutely crazy.

[@swannmannbaggywaggy]

I love these pictures. Sadly my own X-700 is dead

[@itscapturedbysam]

Time to get another one?~ 😂

[@swannmannbaggywaggy]

@@itscapturedbysam I am kind of looking on ebay... :)

[@janeud1013]

How did you transfer your film to digital?

[@itscapturedbysam]

I have a scanner that can scan the negative, I have a video here in my channel explaining my process, you can check it out if you are interested~

[@noahrodriguez]

what mic stand are you using?

[@itscapturedbysam]

I bought the most sold one on Amazon LoL~

[@NCSTalkid]

This is why i own so many fil cam dspt all of them working properly. If it broke scrap it lol. Repair cost same with buy another. I choose buy another all the time

[@itscapturedbysam]

And I find even looking at the broken ones on the shelf make me happy too~ LOL

[@Preset1]

I just bought a X-700, this was a great tutorial video for a beginner. One tip I may give you is the battery hatch wouldn't open because it was being turned clockwise or to the right, a rhyme to help; righty tighty, lefty loosy

[@itscapturedbysam]

Ohhhhh… got it. Thank you for the tip. And hope you enjoy this camera ☺️

[@NCSTalkid]

Good camera and good design. Too bad it has capacitor problem

[@itscapturedbysam]

For many years I had this camera it never failed on me, but when it dose fail, make me scared it will fail anytime now~

[@frankcameratalk]

mirror stuck is easy to fix

[@itscapturedbysam]

Now I have the 2nd one, maybe I should look into how to fix it and try to fix it myself?? I'm good at break things not fix things though~ LOL

[@ohjajohh]

I got this cam today too. It's probably me, but it feels too plastic for my taste :( especially when I compare it to my old Asahi Pentax and Zenith camera's

[@itscapturedbysam]

I totally get what you mean, compare to my canon A1 and Nikon FM2, this camera dose feel a little plastic... maybe that why I already broke 2 of them!!! 🥲

[@39exposures]

I thought X700 is an advanced level camera, not entry level. For the entry level the had XG series for example.

[@gilsonpsvita8446]

Thanks and You are so cute.

[@itscapturedbysam]

thank you for watching!!

[@stuartgraham5045]

Why is there subtitles? The presenter is perfectly easy to understand.

[@itscapturedbysam]

I guess I just always worry that my speaking is not clear enough 😅

[@Broken_Orbital]

Imagine deliberately building a house to stand out and then getting upset when people want to photograph your house because it stands out...

[@itscapturedbysam]

The whole neighborhood is very pretty, the pink door is not the most pretty one in my opinion… but it got too popular on the internet, it became a landmark almost 😅some people say if you hate other people come take so much photos, why don’t you change your door, but it’s not the owner’s fault to have a pink doors.. anyway, I guess NO PHOTOGRAPHY is easier for them instead of saying “please respect our privacy” LOL

[@stanbirchall5889]

Get your facts right this was not an entry level camera but quite high end

[@franciscolizano8389]

Te vendo la mía ?? Te la vendo barata.

[@CocoKoi321]

get the minolta xd its the better version of the x700

[@Man_Cave]

Blah. The lenses sucked about as much as the Yashika lenses did.