Minolta XG-1N

The Minolta XG-1N is an SLR camera for beginners. It was introduced in 1982 as the successor of the Minolta XG 1. In the manual, the new version was called XG-1(n), on the body you can find the embossing XG 1, like on the predecessor. In terms of functionality, it has remained relatively identical. However, the design of the case has been changed somewhat. Thus, there is a plastic front grip on the front and a holder for film info on the back.

The lenses of the 35mm camera are interchangeable. It comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. There are a variety of lenses to choose from for this mount. This model doesn’t have an autofocus system yet.

But there is a built-in exposure meter. In the automatic exposure mode, the camera can automatically set the shutter speed. The aperture must be selected by the photographer. However, both the desired exposure time and the aperture can also be set by the photographer. In this mode, however, the exposure is not measured.

In manual mode, you have the choice of exposure times from 1/1000 second to 1 second. In addition, there is a Bulb mode. In this, the shutter can be opened for a variable time and light can fall on the film. To avoid camera shake, the camera should be mounted on a tripod when using this mode.

A cable release can be attached to the camera to release the shutter. A flash can also be attached. Either by cable or the hot shoe on the top of the housing. The sync time is 1/60 second.

A self-timer is also available on the Japanese camera. It has a lead time of up to ten seconds. According to the user manual, the camera weighs 500 grams. The dimensions of the housing are 13.8 x 8.9 x 5.2 cm.

Most of the SLR camera’s functions are mechanical. For the light meter, for example, batteries are still needed. For this you can use the S76 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Two 1.55 V batteries are needed. The batteries for the camera are still easy to get online today.

Films for the Minolta XG-1N

It is also still easy to get the appropriate films for the camera. 35mm films are needed for the Minolta XG-1N. These are still produced by several manufacturers and are also easy to buy.

Theoretically, you can use any 35mm film with the Japanese camera. However, to use the light meter, the film should have a film speed between ISO 25 and ISO 1600.

Possible films for the Minolta XG-1N that can still be purchased today are the Kodak Portra 400* for nice color photos and the Ilford XP2 Super* for B&W images. Both films produce solid results and can be used in many situations.

Film advance is mechanical on the SLR. After each frame, the film must be rewound. During this step, the frame counter also jumps forward. As a rule, 36 photos fit on one roll of film.