The Minolta XE-5 is an SLR camera. It was introduced in the 1970s. The model was produced in a factory in Japan. However, the camera could only be bought outside of the Asian country.
The lens of the photo camera is interchangeable. This is made possible by the Minolta SR bayonet. You have to focus the lens manually. There is no autofocus system on this camera. There are a variety of lenses for this mount.
The 35mm camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for film from ISO 12 to ISO 3200, and as with most SLR cameras, the exposure is metered through the lens. There is an automatic exposure system on this model. You set the aperture and the camera technology automatically selects the correct shutter speed. Exposure can be influenced by exposure compensation. However, both shutter speed and aperture can also be set completely manually.
The Minolta XE-5 has a mechanical metal shutter. Shutter speeds from 1/1000 second to 4 seconds are available for selection. A Bulb setting is also available.
A flash can be used via the hot shoe or PC flash port. The X-sync speed is 1/90 second. The 35mm camera has a thread for a tripod and cable release. It also has a self-timer with a ten second lead time.
According to the manual, the camera weighs 730 grams. The housing measures 14.8 x 9.7 x 5.8 cm. Power is supplied by two S76 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). These 1.5 V batteries can still be bought today.
Films for the Minolta XE-5
The Minolta XE-5 is loaded with 35mm film. The film transport is manual / mechanical. On the top is the counter for the photos taken.
35mm films are still manufactured today and can be ordered online quite easily. One possible film for beautiful color shots is the Kodak Portra 400*. One option for stylish B&W images is the Kodak T-Max 100*. Of course, there are a variety of other films for the camera. In theory, you can use any film, as the exposure meter supports a wide range of sensitivities.
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 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| 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, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 2x S76 batteries |
| Size | 14,8 x 9,7 x 5,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.82 x 2.28 inches |
| Weight | 730 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 116,05 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 32 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 121,81 Euro (130.97 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 125,21 Euro (135.30 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 125,81 Euro (135.30 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta XE-5
What type of focusing system does the Minolta XE-5 utilize?
The Minolta XE-5 uses a manual focus system; it lacks an autofocus feature. Sharpness is adjusted manually on the lens.
Does this 35mm camera offer automatic exposure settings?
Yes, the camera features automatic exposure. You set the aperture, and the camera automatically selects the appropriate shutter speed. Manual settings are also available.
What is the range of shutter speeds available on the mechanical shutter of this SLR camera?
The Minolta XE-5 offers shutter speeds ranging from 1/1000th of a second to 4 seconds, plus a bulb setting for long exposures.
How is the Minolta XE-5 powered, and are the batteries readily available?
It runs on two 1.5V S76 batteries, which are still easily obtainable today. This ensures continued use for this classic camera.
What kind of film does the Minolta XE-5 use, and how is the film advanced?
The Minolta XE-5 uses standard 35mm film. Film transport is manual, requiring you to wind the film after each shot.