Minolta X-700

The Minolta X-700 is an SLR camera from the 80s. It was the last high-end manual focus SLR from Minolta before autofocus was introduced with the Minolta Maxxum 7000. The X-700 was produced until the 90s.

The Minolta X 700 comes with program automatic and shutter speed automatic, selecting either aperture and shutter speed automatically or the photographer sets the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed. The body of the SLR has a Minolta SR bayonet. A lot of interchangeable lenses were produced for this bayonet. You can often find them with the standard 50mm MD 1.7, but also with the 35-70mm zoom. If you want to use program automatic, you should look for the “MD” designation on the lenses.

In addition to the wide range of lenses, there are also a variety of accessories, such as the Multi-Function Back, which enables time-lapse photography, the Quartz Data Back, which exposes the current date on the image, the Motor Drive Autowinder, which automatically advances the film and enables an FPS of 2 or 3.5, and various flashes.

Of course, flashes from other manufacturers can also be used on the Hot Shoe or the PC Flash socket. The maximum flash sync speed is 1/60 second. In addition, the 35mm camera has a self-timer and a connection for a tripod.

Films for the Minolta X-700

The SLR camera is designed for the 35mm format. It is the most common film format and there is still a very large selection of films. Developing these films is also still very easy, for example in the local drugstore or a corresponding specialized laboratory.

A good color film for beginners and to test the camera is the Kodak Gold 200*.

Price of the Minolta X-700

What did an X 700 cost today? For a Minolta X-700 you pay today on the well-known auction platforms, such as Ebay, usually between 40 and 80 euros. Of course, the price depends on the condition and accessories (lenses, bag…).

Batteries for the Minolta X-700

What kind of batteries does the Minolta X-700 need? The 35mm camera uses two 1.5v batteries as its power source. The LR44 (eBay / Amazon*) or the SR44 (eBay / Amazon*) can be used. To test whether the batteries still have enough juice and are inserted correctly, you only have to press the shutter release. If the LEDs in the viewfinder light up, then the batteries are functional.