The Minolta XE-1 is a SLR 35mm camera. It was introduced in the 1970s and sold to photographers in Europe. The model was produced in Japan. There, it could be purchased as the Minolta XE. In North America, the model was available as the XE-7.
The lenses of the 35mm camera can be interchanged. It comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. Most often, the 35mm photo camera it comes with the Minolta MC Rokkor-X 50mm f/1.7. Of course, there is a wide range of other lenses for this mount. You have to manually focus the lens on the desired subject.
The Minolta XE-1 has a light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 12 to ISO 3200, and the correct exposure is measured through the lens of the SLR camera. The shutter speed and aperture can be selected by the photographer. However, there is also an automatic exposure mode. In this case, one selects the aperture and the shutter speed is set automatically.
The shutter supports speeds from 1/1000 second to 4 seconds. There is also a bulb mode for long exposures. It is advisable to use a cable release and to mount the camera on a tripod.
An external flash can be connected to the Hot Shoe. There is also a PC flash socket. The photo camera has a built-in self-timer. Depending on how far you move the lever, the longer the lead time before the picture is taken. The camera also has a mode for multiple exposures.
Measuring 14.8 x 9.7 x 6.1 cm, the camera body weighs 775 grams without film and lens. The camera requires two 1.5 V silver oxide batteries.
Films for the Minolta XE-1
The Minolta XE-1 is designed for 35mm film. 35mm film is still made by a variety of producers. A good film choice is the Kodak Portra 400* for color images and the Ilford HP5* for black and white images. Of course, there are a variety of other films available for the Japanese camera.
The negatives of the Minolta XE-1 have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. Thus, 36 images usually fit on one roll of film. The film transport is mechanical. The return transport of the film material into the cartridge is also done by hand.
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 | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 3200 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (1EV to) |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/90 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x 1.5 V silver oxide batteries |
| Size | 14,8 x 9,7 x 6,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.82 x 2.40 inches |
| Weight | 775 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Minolta XE-7, Japan: Minolta XE |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 130,95 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 53 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 125,23 Euro (135.30 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 127,63 Euro (137.46 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 137,08 Euro (148.29 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta XE-1
What type of film does the Minolta XE-1 use, and how many exposures are typically on a roll?
The Minolta XE-1 uses 35mm film. A standard roll of 35mm film generally contains 36 exposures.
Does this 35mm camera have automatic exposure settings, or is it purely manual?
The Minolta XE-1 offers both manual and automatic exposure modes. You can choose the aperture and let the camera set the shutter speed, or manually control both.
What kind of lens mount does the Minolta XE-1 employ, and what lens typically comes with it?
It uses a Minolta SR bayonet mount. It often comes with a Minolta MC Rokkor-X 50mm f/1.7 lens.
What is the range of shutter speeds offered by the Minolta XE-1's mechanical shutter?
The shutter speed range extends from 1/1000th of a second to 4 seconds, plus a bulb mode for long exposures.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Minolta XE-1 body (excluding lens and film)?
The camera measures 14.8 x 9.7 x 6.1 cm and weighs 775 grams without film or lens.