The Minolta X-500 is an SLR camera. It was sold to photographers from the year 1983. Production took place in a factory in Japan. In the USA, a functionally identical model was sold as the Minolta X-570.
The camera comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. There are a large number of lenses available for this mount. As already mentioned, the focus is set manually. For the bayonet, there are zoom lenses as well as fixed focal lengths. The adjustable apertures depend on the lens.
The Minolta X-500 comes with an automatic exposure. This allows the shutter speed to be automatically selected by the camera, based on a set aperture. The exposure meter is designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 12 to ISO 3200.
In addition, there is a manual mode on the SLR camera. Here you can freely select shutter speed and aperture. Values from 1/1000 second to 1 second are available for the shutter. In the automatic exposure mode, the longest shutter speed is only four seconds. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposures.
For long exposures, you can mount the camera on a tripod. It is also advisable to use a cable release for this. A self-timer is also built in.
A flash can also be used via a socket or the hot shoe. The shutter speed for flash photography is given in the manual as 1/60 second.
The dimensions of the Minolta X-500 are 13.7 x 8.9 x 5.1 cm according to the manual. At the same time, it weighs 480 grams. The camera requires two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). However, LR44 button cells (eBay / Amazon*) can also be used.
Films for the Minolta X-500
The Minolta X-500 is designed for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still manufactured today. They can be developed in most laboratories. The film transport is mechanical. But there is also a connectable motor for the model.
A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford FP4 Plus*. Both films give solid results with the analog camera. However, there are of course other films for the camera. For example, Adox, Lomography or even Fujifilm offer suitable products.
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 |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| 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, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x SR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,7 x 8,9 x 5,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.39 x 3.50 x 2.01 inches |
| Weight | 480 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta X-570 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 150,89 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 38 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 158,53 Euro (171.02 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 138,85 Euro (149.37 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 143,50 Euro (154.78 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta X-500
What type of camera is the Minolta X-500, and what is its focusing mechanism?
The Minolta X-500 is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It uses a manual focus system, meaning you adjust the focus yourself using the lens.
What is the range of shutter speeds available on this specific model?
The Minolta X-500 offers shutter speeds ranging from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, with a maximum of 4 seconds in automatic mode. A bulb mode is also available for longer exposures.
Does the camera offer any automated exposure features, and if so, what is the ISO range supported by its light meter?
Yes, the camera includes an automatic exposure mode where the shutter speed is automatically set based on the chosen aperture. Its light meter supports film ISO speeds from 12 to 3200.
What kind of lens mount does this particular SLR use, and what are its dimensions and weight?
The Minolta X-500 utilizes a Minolta SR bayonet mount, compatible with a wide range of lenses. It measures 13.7 x 8.9 x 5.1 cm and weighs 480 grams.
Can external flash units be used with the device, and what film formats are compatible?
Yes, external flashes can be attached via the hot shoe or a PC sync socket. The camera is designed for 35mm (135) film, commonly available in color and black and white.