The Minolta X-570 is an SLR camera. It was sold to photographers in North America starting in 1983. Production took place in a factory in Japan. In the rest of the world, a functionally identical model was sold as the Minolta X-500.
The camera comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. There are a large number of lenses available for this mount. As mentioned earlier, the focus is set manually. There are both zoom lenses and fixed focal lengths for the bayonet. The adjustable apertures depend on the lens.
The Minolta X-570 has an automatic exposure control. This allows the shutter speed to be automatically selected by the camera, based on a set aperture. The exposure meter is designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 12 to ISO 3200.
In addition, the SLR camera has a manual mode. Here you can freely select shutter speed and aperture. Values from 1/1000 second to 1 second are available for the shutter. In automatic exposure mode, the longest shutter speed is only four seconds. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposures.
You can mount the camera on a tripod for long exposures. It is also advisable to use a cable release for this. A self-timer is also built in.
A flash can also be used via a socket or the hot shoe. The shutter speed for flash shots is given as 1/60 second in the manual.
The dimensions of the Minolta X-570 are 13.7 x 8.9 x 5.1 cm, according to the manual. At the same time, it weighs 480 grams. The camera requires two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). However, LR44 button cells (eBay / Amazon*) can also be used. These batteries are easy to find and are priced within reason.
Films for the Minolta X-570
The Minolta X-570 is designed for 35mm format. 35mm films are still manufactured today. They can be developed in most laboratories. The film transport is mechanical. However, there is also a connectable motor for the model. A frame counter on the top provides information about the number of photos taken. Usually, 36 images fit on a roll of film.
Available photo films for the Minolta X-570 that are easy to get are the Kodak T-Max 100* for black and white images and the Kodak ColorPlus 200* for color images. Both films deliver reliable results and can also convince in professional test reports. Of course, there are other potential films for the SLR from Japan.
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 4 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 3200 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| 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 | 13,7 x 8,9 x 5,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.39 x 3.50 x 2.01 inches |
| Weight | 480 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 121,41 Euro 212189115977102196121313134 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of April 7, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 144,67 Euro (155.87 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 149,00 Euro (161.28 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 131,50 Euro (141.79 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta X-570
What type of camera is the Minolta X-570, and what is its focusing mechanism?
The Minolta X-570 is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It features manual focus, allowing for precise control over image sharpness.
What is the range of shutter speeds available on this SLR camera?
Shutter speeds range from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second in manual mode, with a maximum of 4 seconds in automatic mode. A bulb mode allows for even longer exposures.
Does the Minolta X-570 offer any automatic exposure options?
Yes, it has an automatic exposure mode where the camera selects the appropriate shutter speed based on the chosen aperture. A built-in light meter works with ISO 12-3200 film.
What kind of lens mount does this Japanese-made camera use, and what are its dimensions and weight?
The Minolta X-570 uses a Minolta SR bayonet mount. It measures 13.7 x 8.9 x 5.1 cm and weighs 480 grams.
What film format does the camera use and how is the film advanced?
The Minolta X-570 uses standard 35mm film. Film transport is primarily mechanical, though a motor drive can be attached.