The Minolta X-1 is an SLR camera. It was Minolta's first model with an electronic shutter. It was introduced at the Photokina in 1972. A year later, it was produced under this name in Japan and sold to photographers. From 1974, it was available as the XM in Europe and the XK in North America.
The lenses of the photo camera are interchangeable. It comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. Mostly you meet the camera with the Minolta MC Rokkor 50mm f/1.7. You have to focus the lens manually.
The viewfinder attachment can also be changed on the Minolta X-1. The AE viewfinder has the ability to meter exposure. It is designed for films from ISO 12 to ISO 6400. On the one hand, you can take the readings manually. On the other hand, there is an automatic. Here you set the aperture and the camera automatically selects the shutter speed.
The shortest exposure time of the electronic shutter is 1/1000 second. Mechanically, 1/100 second and Bulb mode are usable. In Bulb mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter button is held down. The 1/100 second is also the flash sync speed. An external flash can be connected to the PC flash socket. The 35mm camera can be triggered by self-timer or with an additional cable release. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom.
The camera body weighs 670 grams. The dimensions are 14.75 x 8.4 x 4.8 cm. Power is supplied by two 1.5 V silver oxide batteries, for example Mallory MS-76 or Eveready S-76.
Films for the Minolta X-1
According to the instruction manual, the Minolta X-1 is designed for 35mm film. These films are still being made and can be bought online. The film must be wound manually after each photo. There is a quick release lever for this purpose. The crank is used to wind the film back into the cartridge at the end.
The Kodak Gold 200* is a possible color film for the Minolta X-1, while black and white images are possible with the Kodak T-Max 400*. According to reviews, both films deliver solid results and are suitable for a wide range of applications. Of course, you can also reach for films from other manufacturers.
