The Minolta XG-M is a camera from the traditional company Minolta. It was built in a factory in Japan. The SLR camera was sold worldwide. Photographers in Japan could buy the camera as Minolta X-70.
The photo camera comes with the possibility to change the lenses. Lenses with the Minolta SR bayonet can be used. There are a variety of lenses to choose from for this mount. An autofocus system is not yet available for this model. The focus has to be set manually for each shot.
The exposure settings are partially automated. The camera comes with aperture priority. The aperture is set manually and the camera technology selects the appropriate shutter speed. However, there is also a manual mode. Here, the shutter speed and aperture can be freely selected. The Minolta XG-M is the only model in the XG series that also displays the exposure metering result in manual mode.
The shutter supports speeds from 1/1000 second to 1 second. In addition, there is a Bulb mode for long exposures. For blur-free shots, you can attach the camera to a tripod through the thread on the bottom. A self-timer and a connection for a cable release are available.
A flash can be connected via cable. A flash with a hot shoe can also be used. The fastest shutter speed when using a flash is 1/60 second.
The camera needs two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) for the light meter. This type of battery is also easy to get today.
The dimensions of the Minolta XG-M are 13.8 x 8.9 x 5.2 cm according to the manual. Thereby it brings 515 grams on the balance.
Films for the Minolta XG-M
What film do you use with the Minolta XG-M? The camera exposes 35mm film. These films are still easy to get today. You can theoretically use almost all available films. The exposure meter supports film speeds from ISO 25 to ISO 1600.
Possible films for the Minolta XG-M are the Kodak Gold 200* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*. Especially for the 35mm format, there are other manufacturers of film stock. Of course, there are many more films with which you can take your pictures.
Usually 36 pictures fit on one roll of film. The film transport is mechanical. As an accessory, however, there is a motor that automatically transports the film. A frame counter on the top provides information about the photos that have already been taken.
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 | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 1600 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x SR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,8 x 8,9 x 5,2 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.43 x 3.50 x 2.05 inches |
| Weight | 515 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Japan: Minolta X-70 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 108,32 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 98 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 107,58 Euro (115.82 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 131,35 Euro (141.79 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 121,42 Euro (130.97 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta XG-M
What type of lens mount does this Minolta SLR camera use?
It uses the Minolta SR bayonet mount, offering a wide selection of compatible lenses from various manufacturers.
Does the XG-M have autofocus?
No, the Minolta XG-M is a manual focus camera. You need to manually adjust the focus ring for each shot.
What are the camera's metering modes?
It features both aperture-priority automatic and fully manual modes. The manual mode uniquely displays the metering result.
What kind of film does this Japanese-made camera use?
The Minolta XG-M uses standard 35mm film. It supports film speeds from ISO 25 to ISO 1600.
What are the physical dimensions and weight of the camera?
The dimensions are 13.8 x 8.9 x 5.2 cm, and it weighs 515 grams.