The Minolta X-1 Motor is an SLR camera. It was built in the 1970s in a factory in Japan and sold in the Asian country. The model was sold in Europe as the Minolta XM Motor. In the US, you could buy it as the Minolta XK Motor. In terms of features, it is very similar to the Minolta X-1. As the name implies, this model has a motor for the transport of the film.
The lenses of the camera can be changed. For this purpose, a Minolta SR bayonet has been installed. There are many 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 X-1 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 chooses the correct shutter speed.
Shutter speeds from 1/2000 second to 16 seconds are available for selection. The camera has a Bulb mode. For clear shots at long exposure times, the 35mm camera has a tripod socket. 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.
The body measures 17.1 x 14.7 x 8.3 cm and weighs 1450 grams. The Minolta XM motor is powered by two S76 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). The camera’s motor requires an additional ten AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Minolta X-1 Motor
The camera is equipped with a motor for film transport. 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.
The Minolta X-1 Motor is a 35mm camera and requires 35mm film. These films are still manufactured and can be specified at almost any developing vendor. Possible films for the Japanese SLR that can still be purchased today are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for beautiful color photos and the Ilford Delta 400* for B&W photos. Both films deliver convincing results and do well in test reports. Of course, there are a variety of other 35mm films for this camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 3,5 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta SR mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 16 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 6400 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| 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 | 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 |
| Names in other markets | Europe: Minolta XM Motor, USA: Minolta XK Motor |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Minolta X-1 Motor
What type of camera is the Minolta X-1 Motor, and what are its key features?
It's a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera featuring interchangeable lenses via a Minolta SR bayonet mount. Key features include a built-in motor for film advance, manual and aperture-priority modes, and a multiple exposure function.
How does the focusing mechanism work on this Japanese-made SLR?
The Minolta X-1 Motor uses manual focus; there's no autofocus. You'll need to manually adjust the focus ring on your lens to achieve sharp images.
What is the camera's shutter speed range, and does it offer any special shooting modes?
The shutter speed ranges from 1/2000th of a second to 16 seconds, plus a bulb mode for long exposures. It also has an aperture-priority mode, simplifying exposure settings.
What kind of film does the Minolta XM Motor use, and what are its power requirements?
It takes standard 35mm film. Power comes from two S76 batteries for the meter and ten AA batteries for the motor.
Does the camera have any built-in light metering capabilities?
Yes, the Minolta X-1 Motor has a built-in light meter that measures light through the lens. It's compatible with film speeds ranging from ISO 12 to ISO 6400.