The Minolta XG 2 is a camera from Minolta. It is an SLR camera from the 1970s. A functionally identical model was sold in Japan as the Minolta XG-E. In the US, the model went over the counter as the Minolta XG 7. XG 2 was the designation for all other markets.
The lens of the 35mm still camera is interchangeable. It comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. In many cases, the 35mm camera comes with the Minolta MD Rokkor-X 50mm f/1.4, but there are plenty of other lenses available for the SLR. The Minolta XG 2 does not have an autofocus. Focusing is done manually by hand.
Instead, the Japanese camera comes with a light meter. The light meter is built for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 1600. The exposure is measured through the lens. The shutter allows shooting at 1/1000 second to 1 second.
The exposure time and aperture can be freely selected in manual mode. In this mode, the exposure is not measured by the camera, but must either be measured externally or estimated. In addition, there is an aperture priority mode. In this mode, the aperture is selected by the user and the camera technology automatically selects the shutter speed.
For long exposures, a Bulb mode is available on the camera. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed. The camera should be mounted on a tripod for this purpose. The camera can be triggered with the self-timer or an external cable release.
An external flash can be connected via cable or hot shoe. The maximum usable shutter speed is 1/60 second.
The dimensions of the Minolta XG 2 are 13.8 x 8.8 x 5.2 cm according to the user manual. It weighs 505 grams. Power is supplied by two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Minolta XG 2
The Minolta XG 2’s exposure are on 35mm film is 24mm x 36mm. There is no built-in automatic film advance. The film must be rewound by hand. However, there is a motor for the film transport as an external accessory.
Great films for the Minolta XG 2 that are still available today are the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday life. Foma, Adox and also Rollei are still other suppliers of 35mm films.
The 35mm camera can only be bought used. The state of preservation and the functionality decide the price of a used copy.
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 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 1600 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV steps) |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x SR44 batteries |
| Size | 13,8 x 8,8 x 5,2 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.43 x 3.46 x 2.05 inches |
| Weight | 505 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Japan: Minolta XG-E, USA: Minolta XG 7 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 80,63 Euro 132,58118,1378,93626,4869,1513459,36941,2086,50 Estimate based on used prices of 97 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 29.4.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 87,95 Euro (94.17 US-Dollar) |