The Minolta XEb is an SLR camera from the 1970s. It was presented to the public in 1976. The model was built in a factory in Japan and was also only sold in Minolta’s home country. In terms of features, it is almost identical to the Minolta XE-5. This model was only produced for the export market. One feature that the XE-5 lacks is a switch for multiple exposures.
The lenses of the 35mm camera are interchangeable. Lenses with a Minolta SR bayonet can be used. The 35mm camera has no autofocus system. The focus has to be adjusted manually on the lens. The SLR was mostly sold with a lens in the 50mm range. However, there are a variety of other lenses available for the mount.
The Minolta XEb has a built-in light meter. It is designed for film with an ISO range of 12 to 3200. The metering of the correct exposure is done through the lens of the SLR camera. The desired exposure time can be determined manually. The aperture is also freely selectable. However, there is also an automatic exposure mode. In this mode, the aperture is selected and the camera automatically selects the shutter speed.
There is a Bulb setting on the photo camera. With regular shutter speeds, you have a choice of times from 1/1000 second to 4 seconds.
An external flash can be used via the hot shoe or PC flash port. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom. Additionally, there is a port for a cable release and a self-timer. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds.
The camera requires two S76 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). These batteries are still easy to get today. The batteries are needed for the light meter in the camera.
Films for the Minolta XEb
The Minolta XEb according to the manual is designed for 35mm films. 35mm film is still produced today and can be developed in most professional labs. The film transport is manual. There is a counter on the top for the number of photos taken.
For black and white photos in 35mm format, the Ilford HP5* is a good choice. For color images, you can reach for the Fujifilm Superia 400*. But of course there are many more films for the Japanese SLR.
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, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 2x S76 batteries |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 135,17 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 148,67 Euro (160.20 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta XEb
What type of camera is the Minolta XEb, and when was it released?
The Minolta XEb is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera from the 1970s, first introduced to the public in 1976. It was manufactured in Japan and primarily sold domestically.
How is the focus managed on this Japanese SLR camera?
The Minolta XEb features manual focus; you adjust the focus directly on the lens. It doesn't have an autofocus system.
Does the Minolta XEb offer any automatic exposure settings?
Yes, while allowing for fully manual control of aperture and shutter speed, it also includes an aperture-priority automatic mode where the camera selects the shutter speed.
What kind of film and lenses does the Minolta XEb use?
This 35mm camera uses interchangeable lenses with a Minolta SR bayonet mount. It's designed for 35mm film, easily available even today.
What accessories or features does the camera have beyond basic photography functions?
The Minolta XEb includes a hot shoe and PC flash connection for external flash units, a tripod mount, a self-timer (10-second delay), and a cable release connection.