The Minolta XM Motor is an SLR camera. It was built in a factory in Japan in the 1970s and sold to photographers in Europe. The model was sold as the Minolta X-1 Motor in Japan. In the USA it could be bought as Minolta XK Motor. In terms of features, it is very similar to the Minolta XM. As the name suggests, this model comes with a motor for the transport of the film.
The lenses of the camera can be changed. For this purpose, a Minolta SR bayonet was installed. There are a lot of suitable lenses to choose from for this mount. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus. Therefore, you have to focus by hand.
The Minolta XM Motor is equipped with a built-in light meter. It can be used with films with a sensitivity of ISO 12 to ISO 6400. The correct exposure is metered through the lens. The exposure time can be set manually. The aperture is also freely selectable. However, there is also an aperture priority mode. In this mode, the aperture is selected and the camera technology selects the correct shutter speed.
There is a choice of shutter speeds from 1/2000 second to 16 seconds. The camera comes with a bulb mode. For clear shots at long exposure times, the 35mm photo camera has a tripod thread. There is also a connection for a cable release. The self-timer of the XM is missing, though. A flash can be used via the hot shoe or the PC flash port. A multiple exposure function is available on this model.
Measuring 17.1 x 14.7 x 8.3 cm, the body weighs 1450 grams. The power source of the Minolta XM Motor is two S76 batteries (eBay / Amazon*). The camera’s motor requires an additional ten AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Minolta XM Motor
The camera comes with a motor for transporting the film. Per second, you can take about 3.5 pictures with the camera. However, there are also modes with a lower speed. On the top of the body is the indicator for the number of photos taken.
What kind of film does the Minolta XM Motor use? Films of the 35mm format are used. These films are still manufactured and can be specified at almost any developing vendor. Nice 35mm films for color or black and white images are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford XP2 Super*. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday life. Films from other manufacturers can of course also be used with the camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Pictures per second | 3,5 |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Minolta SR mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 16 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 6400 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV |
| 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 | 1/100 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x S76 batteries |
| Size | 17,1 x 14,7 x 8,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 6.73 x 5.79 x 3.27 inches |
| Weight | 1450 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Japan: Minolta X-1 Motor, USA: Minolta XK Motor |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 149,91 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 11 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 153,44 Euro (165.61 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 152,13 Euro (164.52 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 152,31 Euro (164.52 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta XM Motor
What type of camera is the Minolta XM Motor, and what is its focusing mechanism?
It's a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It uses a manual focus system; there's no autofocus.
Does this Japanese-made SLR have a built-in light meter, and what is its ISO range?
Yes, it has a built-in light meter. It supports film speeds from ISO 12 to ISO 6400.
What kind of lens mount does the Minolta XM Motor utilize, and what are its shutter speeds?
It uses a Minolta SR bayonet mount. Shutter speeds range from 1/2000th of a second to 16 seconds, plus a bulb mode.
How many pictures per second can the motorized Minolta XM Motor shoot, and what power source does it require?
It can shoot approximately 3.5 frames per second. The camera needs two S76 batteries and ten AA batteries to power its motor.
What film format does this camera use, and are there any special features?
It uses standard 35mm film. Special features include multiple exposure capability and a self-timer, although the latter is missing.