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Minolta XM Motor

The Minolta XM Motor is an SLR camera. It was built in a factory in Japan in the 1970s and sold to photographers in Europe. The model was sold as the Minolta X-1 Motor in Japan. In the USA it could be bought as Minolta XK Motor. In terms of features, it is very similar to the Minolta XM. As the name suggests, this model comes with a motor for the transport of the film.

The lenses of the camera can be changed. For this purpose, a Minolta SR bayonet was installed. There are a lot of suitable lenses to choose from for this mount. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus. Therefore, you have to focus by hand.

The Minolta XM Motor is equipped with a built-in light meter. It can be used with films with a sensitivity of ISO 12 to ISO 6400. The correct exposure is metered through the lens. The exposure time can be set manually. The aperture is also freely selectable. However, there is also an aperture priority mode. In this mode, the aperture is selected and the camera technology selects the correct shutter speed.

There is a choice of shutter speeds from 1/2000 second to 16 seconds. The camera comes with a bulb mode. For clear shots at long exposure times, the 35mm photo camera has a tripod thread. There is also a connection for a cable release. The self-timer of the XM is missing, though. A flash can be used via the hot shoe or the PC flash port. A multiple exposure function is available on this model.

Measuring 17.1 x 14.7 x 8.3 cm, the body weighs 1450 grams. The power source of the Minolta XM Motor is two S76 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). The camera's motor requires an additional ten AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

Films for the Minolta XM Motor

The camera comes with a motor for transporting the film. Per second, you can take about 3.5 pictures with the camera. However, there are also modes with a lower speed. On the top of the body is the indicator for the number of photos taken.

What kind of film does the Minolta XM Motor use? Films of the 35mm format are used. These films are still manufactured and can be specified at almost any developing vendor. Nice 35mm films for color or black and white images are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford XP2 Super*. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday life. Films from other manufacturers can of course also be used with the camera.

Technical Specifications

camera_spec
Property Specification
Film format 35mm
Frames per Second 3.5
Picture Format 36 mm x 24 mm
Lens type Interchangeable lens
Shutter Speeds 1/2000 to 16 seconds
Bulb Mode Yes
Adjustable aperture Yes
Adjustable shutter speed Yes
Auto exposure No
Light Meter Yes
Supported Film Speeds ISO 12 to ISO 6400
Exposure Modes Shutter Priority, Manual Mode
Exposure Compensation ± 2 LW
Flash Connector Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
Flash Sync Speed 1/100 second
Tripod Mount Yes
Cable Release Thread Yes
Self-timer No
Power Supply 2x S76 batteries
Size 17.1 x 14.7 x 8.3 cm
Dimensions in Inches 6.73 x 5.79 x 3.27 inches
Weight 1450 grams
Release Date 1976
Age Up to 50 years
Production start 1976
Manufacturer Minolta

Used Prices

The current average price for this camera is 149,91 € based on 11 offers, as of 6.7.2026.

Average Price per Year

  • 2026: 153,90 €
  • 2025: 152,89 €
  • 2024: 153,20 €
  • 2023: 155,37 €

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ about the Minolta XM Motor

What type of camera is the Minolta XM Motor, and what is its focusing mechanism?

Does this Japanese-made SLR have a built-in light meter, and what is its ISO range?

What kind of lens mount does the Minolta XM Motor utilize, and what are its shutter speeds?

How many pictures per second can the motorized Minolta XM Motor shoot, and what power source does it require?

What film format does this camera use, and are there any special features?

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