The Minolta X-7A is an SLR camera. The 35mm camera was built by Minolta in Japan. The model was sold in North America (USA and Canada). In terms of functionality, this model is identical to the Minolta X-300.
The lens of the 35mm photo camera is interchangeable. Mostly you can find this model with a 50mm lens. But of course there are many other possibilities for the camera. The Minolta SR bayonet is used. You have to focus the lens manually on the desired subject. There is no autofocus system on the SLR yet.
Instead, the camera has a built-in light meter. It can be used with films with a sensitivity of ISO 12 to ISO 3200. This covers most films. The exposure is measured through the lens. The read out values can be used for automatic exposure. In this case, the photographer selects the aperture and the camera technology automatically selects the shutter speed. Of course, it is also possible to set both values yourself.
The possible aperture values depend on the lens, of course. For the shutter speed, values from 1/1000 second to 1 second are available. In automatic mode, the camera can also select 4 seconds as the slowest shutter speed.
A Bulb mode is available for long exposures. In this mode, you should place the camera on a tripod or solid surface to get sharp blur-free pictures. The camera can then also be released via cable release.
A flash can be connected via the hot shoe on the top of the camera. The sync speed is 1/60 second. There is no option to connect a flash via cable.
The camera comes with a self-timer. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds.
The dimensions of the 35mm camera are 13.7 x 9 x 5.15 cm according to the manual. It weighs 470 grams without the lens. The housing is black. Power is supplied by two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). These batteries are easy to find and also very inexpensive.
Films for the Minolta X-7A
Nothing works for the Minolta X-7A without photographic film. More precisely, the camera needs 35mm films. This kind of films are still produced.
Possible films for the Minolta X-7A are the Fujifilm Superia 400* for beautiful color images and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white images. Films from other manufacturers can of course be used with the camera.
The film transport is mechanical. After each frame, the frame counter jumps one number further. A motor thread for the film transport was sold as an additional accessory.
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, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| 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 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 76,00 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 102,00 Euro (110.40 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 91,00 Euro (98.50 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta X-7A
What type of camera is the Minolta X-7A, and what is its focusing mechanism?
The Minolta X-7A is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It uses a manual focus system; autofocus is not available.
Does this Minolta model have an integrated light meter, and what ISO range does it support?
Yes, it features a built-in light meter. This allows for automatic exposure with films ranging from ISO 12 to ISO 3200.
What is the camera's shutter speed range, and does it offer a bulb mode for long exposures?
The shutter speed ranges from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, with a 4-second option in automatic mode. A bulb mode is also included for extended exposures.
What kind of lens mount does the Minolta X-7A use, and what are its dimensions and weight?
The camera utilizes a Minolta SR bayonet mount for interchangeable lenses. It measures 13.7 x 9 x 5.15 cm and weighs 470 grams without a lens.
How does the film advance in this particular 35mm camera and what type of film does it use?
Film advance is mechanical; the film counter increments after each shot. It uses standard 35mm film cartridges.