The Minolta X-700 is definately one of my favourite Minolta cameras. One of the first professional manual focus single lens reflex cameras with reliable aperture priority. It is one of my goto cameras for easy fast SLR shooting and fits a wide range of my Minolta MC and MD lenses.
Minolta was way ahead with their lens coatings, enhancing the colours of the negatives by a great deal. It also features an exceptionally bright viewfinder, along with a range of features to make it easy to use.
Sample Photos:
First manufactured in 1983, there are several versions of the camera, but have not found a bad version yet. MPS stood for Multi-Program-System, of which I ever only use the aperture priority “A” setting.
If you’re into flash photography, the X-700 could synchronize the actual shutter to the live measurement of light, and adjust while exposing the image at 1/125th of a second.
It was during this line-up of cameras, that Minolta consciously chose to make the best 35mm film cameras and maintain innovation and manufacturing market leadership until their grand finale in 1998.
Minolta X-700 Specifications
| Type | 35mm SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) camera with TTL metering system |
| Negative Size | 35mm |
| ISO | Manual ISO 25-1600 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/1000th – 4 seconds; Bulb setting available |
| Film Rewind | Manual |
| Lens Mount | Minolta MD and backward compatible with MC. |
| Autofocus | No |
| Exposure Modes | Program AE, Aperture Priority, Manual, TTL Flash |
| Exposure Metering | Center Weighted Averaging |
| Power Source | 2X LR44, or equivalent 1.5v alkaline batteries |
| Multi-exposure | Push and hold film release at the bottom of the camera |
| Self Timer | Yes; 10 second delay |
| Depth of Field Preview | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 2″ x 3-1/2″ x 5-3/8″ |
| Weight | 17.8 oz (505g) |