The Minolta XD-11 is an SLR camera from the 1970s for the North American market. It was manufactured by Minolta in Japan during a period from 1977 to 1984. The model was also sold in Europe as the Minolta XD7. In its home market of Japan, the camera was simply available for purchase as the Minolta XD.
The lenses of the 35mm camera can be interchanged at will. A Minolta SR bayonet was built into the camera for this purpose. There is a wide range of lenses for this mount. You have to focus the lens by hand. The camera does not have an autofocus function.
The 35mm camera has a light meter and corresponding automatic functions. It is Minolta’s first model with aperture priority and shutter priority. In these modes, either the aperture or the shutter speed is set automatically. The light meter is designed for films with sensitivities from ISO 12 to ISO 3200, so it supports all common films.
However, the camera also has a manual mode. Here, aperture and shutter speed can be freely selected. The settings can either be taken from the camera’s exposure metering or measured externally. For the shutter speeds, you have a choice of values from 1/1000 second to 1 second with the metal shutter.
For long exposure times, there is a Bulb mode. Here the shutter can be dropped on the film for a variable time. When using the Bulb mode, you should mount the camera on a tripod. There is a thread on the bottom for mounting. There is also a connection for a cable release.
A self-timer is not missing either. The lead time is up to ten seconds. An external flash can also be used with the Minolta SLR. This can be connected via cable or you can use the hot shoe.
The camera without batteries and lens weighs 560 grams. The dimensions are 13.6 x 8.6 x 5.1 cm. The camera requires two S76 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). However, most of the functions of the Japanese SLR camera are mechanical.
Films for the Minolta XD-11
Among the mechanical functions is the film transport. However, there is also a motor available as an accessory that advances the film after each shot. On the top of the camera is a counter for the photos taken. Typically, 36 pictures fit on a roll of film.
What film is needed for the Minolta XD-11? You will need to purchase 35mm film for the camera. Possible films for the Japanese SLR are the Kodak Portra 400* for color photos and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for B&W images. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday use. Other suitable films are also offered by Fujifilm, Foma, Rollei and Adox, among others.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta SR mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 3200 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/100 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 2x S76 batteries |
| Size | 13,6 x 8,6 x 5,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.35 x 3.39 x 2.01 inches |
| Weight | 560 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Japan: Minolta XD, Europe: Minolta XD7 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| End of production | 1984 |
| Production duration | 7 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 154,92 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 239,66 Euro (258.69 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 261,00 Euro (282.51 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 196,31 Euro (212.15 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta XD-11
What type of film does the Minolta XD-11 use?
The Minolta XD-11 uses standard 35mm film, also known as Kleinbildfilm. A wide variety of films, including color and black and white options from various manufacturers, are compatible.
Does this camera have autofocus?
No, the Minolta XD-11 is a manual focus camera. You must manually adjust the focus ring on the lens to achieve sharp images.
What is the shutter speed range on the Minolta XD-11?
The mechanical shutter offers speeds from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, plus a bulb setting for extended exposures. This range is suitable for various shooting conditions.
What kind of metering system does the camera employ?
The Minolta XD-11 features a built-in exposure meter with aperture-priority and shutter-priority automatic modes, in addition to a full manual mode, offering flexibility in controlling exposure.
Can I use external flashes with the SLR?
Yes, the Minolta XD-11 supports the use of external flashes via a PC sync cable or a hot shoe. This allows for expanded lighting options and creative photography possibilities.