The Minolta XG 7 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 Europe, the model crossed the counter as the Minolta XG 2. XG 7 was the designation for North America, USA and Canada.
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 many other lenses available for the SLR. The Minolta XG 7 does not have an autofocus. Focusing is done manually by hand.
Instead, the Japanese camera is equipped with a light meter. The light meter is designed 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, the camera has a Bulb mode. 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 released 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.
According to the instruction manual, the dimensions of the Minolta XG 7 are 13.8 x 8.8 x 5.2 cm. It weighs 505 grams. Power is supplied by two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Minolta XG 7
The exposure area of the Minolta XG 7 on 35mm film is 24mm x 36mm. There is no automatic film advance built in. The film must be rewound by hand. However, there is a motor for film transport as an external accessory.
Good films for the Minolta XG 7 that are still available today are the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Ilford Delta 100*. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday life. Foma, Kodak, Adox and also Rollei are still other suppliers of 35mm films.
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 to) |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| 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, Europe: Minolta XG 2 |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 105,30 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 94 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 121,19 Euro (130.97 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 113,88 Euro (122.31 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 110,88 Euro (119.06 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta XG 7
What type of camera is the Minolta XG 7, and what is its focusing mechanism?
The Minolta XG 7 is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera from the 1970s. It uses a manual focus system, meaning you adjust the focus yourself, rather than having an autofocus feature.
Does this classic camera have an internal light meter, and if so, what is its range?
Yes, the Minolta XG 7 includes a built-in light meter. It's designed to work with films ranging from ISO 25 to ISO 1600, allowing for flexibility in shooting conditions.
What kind of lens mount does the Minolta XG-7 utilize, and what are its exposure modes?
It uses a Minolta SR bayonet mount. The camera offers manual mode for full control over aperture and shutter speed, as well as an aperture-priority mode where you select the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed.
How is film advanced and rewound in the Minolta XG 7?
Film advance is manual; you wind the film yourself. Rewinding the film is also manual, although a motorized film winder is available as an accessory.
What are the dimensions and weight of this Minolta SLR camera?
According to the manual, the Minolta XG 7 measures 13.8 x 8.8 x 5.2 cm and weighs 505 grams. It's a relatively compact and lightweight SLR.