The Minolta X-300 is an SLR camera. It was built by Minolta from 1984 to 1990. Photographers and photographers in the USA could buy the camera as Minolta X-370.
The lenses of the 35mm photo camera are interchangeable. This is made possible by the Minolta SR bayonet. There is a wide range of lenses for the lens mount. Mostly you can find the X-300 together with a 50mm lens. You have to focus the lens manually. There is no autofocus system.
Taking pictures is made easier by the built-in light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 12 to ISO 3200. The exposure metering is done through the lens. Both the desired aperture and the exposure time can be set by the user. However, there is also an automatic mode. In this mode, you only have to select the aperture. The shutter speed is automatically selected by the camera.
The shutter offers times from 1/1000 second to 1 second for selection. In the automatic exposure mode, the slowest shutter speed is 4 seconds. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposures.
Fans of flash photography can connect their external lights without any problems. There is a hot shoe connection on top of the body. The sync speed is 1/60 second. A connection for a tripod and a cable release is also available. A self-timer facilitates self-portraits.
The dimensions of the Minolta X-300 are 13.7 x 9 x 5.15 cm. It weighs in at 470 grams. This weight refers only to the body without lens. The camera requires two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still easy to get today.
Films for the Minolta X-300
35mm films are exposed in the Minolta X-300. 35mm film is still produced today and can be developed in most labs. One option for color images is Kodak Ultramax 400* and Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white. Both films give good results. Of course, there are several other films available for the camera.
The film transport is mechanical on this model. A frame counter provides information about the photos 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 |
| 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 |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,7 x 9 x 5,15 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.39 x 3.54 x 2.03 inches |
| Weight | 470 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta X-370 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| End of production | 1990 |
| Production duration | 6 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 74,46 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 94 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 102,47 Euro (110.40 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 106,48 Euro (114.73 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 92,19 Euro (99.58 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta X-300
What type of camera is the Minolta X-300, and what are its focusing capabilities?
The Minolta X-300 is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It features manual focusing; autofocus is not available.
What is the range of shutter speeds offered by this manual film camera?
The Minolta X-300 offers shutter speeds ranging from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, with a 4-second maximum in automatic mode and a bulb setting for long exposures.
Does the Minolta X-300 have a built-in light meter, and if so, what is its ISO range?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter that works with films from ISO 12 to ISO 3200. The meter is through-the-lens.
What kind of film does this SLR camera use, and are they still readily available?
The Minolta X-300 uses 35mm film. 35mm film is still produced and widely available for development.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Minolta X-300 body?
The Minolta X-300 measures 13.7 x 9 x 5.15 cm and weighs 470 grams without the lens.