The Minolta X-370 is an SLR camera. It was built by Minolta in Japan from 1984 to 1990. Photographers in the USA and Canada could buy the camera under this name. In the rest of the world, the camera was offered as the Minolta X-300.
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. Most of the time you will find the X-370 together with a 50mm lens. You have to focus the lens manually. There is no autofocus system.
Shooting is made easier by the built-in light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 12 to ISO 3200. Exposure metering is done through the lens. Both the desired aperture and exposure time can be set by the user. However, there is also an automatic mode. In this mode, you only need to select the aperture. The shutter speed is automatically selected by the camera.
The shutter offers times from 1/1000 second to 1 second to choose from. In automatic exposure mode, the slowest shutter speed is 4 seconds. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposures.
Fans of flash photography can easily connect their external lights. There is a hot shoe on top of the camera. 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-370 are 13.7 x 9 x 5.15 cm. It weighs 470 grams. This weight refers to the body only, without the lens. The camera requires two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). This type of battery is still easy to get today.
Films for the Minolta X-370
What kind of films does the Minolta X-370 need? It requires 35mm film. Films of this format are still easy to get today and are still developed by professional photo labs. Possible films for the Japanese SLR are the Kodak Gold 200* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 400* for B&W images. Both photo films are good for everyday or vacation shots and can convince in test reports. Of course, you can also buy films from other manufacturers.
The film transport is mechanical on this model. A frame counter provides information about the photos taken. As a rule, 36 pictures fit on one roll of film.
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 | Asia: Minolta X-300, Europe: Minolta X-300 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| End of production | 1990 |
| Production duration | 6 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 80,21 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 40 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 94,86 Euro (101.75 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 90,60 Euro (97.42 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 114,56 Euro (123.39 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta X-370
What type of film does this Minolta SLR use?
It uses 35mm film, which is readily available and developed by professional labs even today. Both color and black and white films are compatible.
Does the camera have an autofocus system?
No, the Minolta X-370 uses manual focus. You'll need to adjust the focus ring on the lens yourself.
What is the range of shutter speeds offered by the camera?
The shutter speeds range from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second. In automatic mode, the longest is 4 seconds, and there's also a bulb mode for long exposures.
How does the light meter in this camera work?
The built-in light meter is through-the-lens and works with films from ISO 12 to ISO 3200. It can be used in automatic or manual mode for exposure settings.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Minolta X-370 body?
The camera measures 13.7 x 9 x 5.15 cm and weighs 470 grams without the lens. It requires two LR44 batteries.