The Minolta XM is an SLR camera. It was Minolta’s first model with an electronic shutter. It was introduced in 1972 as the Minolta X-1 at Photokina. One year later it was sold under this name in Japan. In 1974, it was available as XM in Europe and XK in North America.
The lenses of the photo camera are interchangeable. It comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. Mostly you meet the camera with the Minolta MC Rokkor 50mm f/1.7. You have to focus the lens manually.
The viewfinder attachment can also be changed on the Minolta XM. The AE finder comes with the option of metering. It is designed for films from ISO 12 to ISO 6400. On the one hand, you can take the metered values manually. On the other hand, there is an automatic. Here you set the aperture and the camera chooses the shutter speed automatically.
The fastest exposure time of the electronic shutter is 1/1000 second. Mechanically, 1/100 second and the Bulb mode are usable. Bulb mode opens the shutter as long as the shutter button is held down. The 1/100 second is also the flash sync speed. An external flash can be connected to the PC flash socket. The 35mm camera can be triggered by self-timer or with an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available on the bottom.
The camera body weighs 670 grams. The dimensions are 14.75 x 8.4 x 4.8 cm. Power is supplied by two 1.5 V silver oxide batteries, such as Mallory MS-76 or Eveready S-76.
Films for the Minolta XM
According to the instruction manual, the Minolta XM is designed for 35mm film. These films are still being manufactured and can be specified by almost any developing vendor. The film must be manually wound after each photo. There is a quick release lever for this purpose. The crank is used to wind the film back into the cartridge at the end.
Available photo films for the Japanese SLR that are easy to get are the Kodak T-Max 100* for B&W shots and the Kodak Portra 160* for color photos. Both films can convince in test reports and are well suited for everyday use. Of course, there is a wide range of other films for the camera.
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 | 1/2000 to 16 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 6400 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | -0,5 EV - +3,5 EV |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/100 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x 1.5 V silver oxide batteries |
| Size | 14,75 x 8,4 x 4,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.81 x 3.31 x 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 670 Grams |
| Names in other markets | Japan: Minolta X-1, USA: Minolta XK |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 149,95 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 19 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 220,81 Euro (238.13 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 207,44 Euro (224.06 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 178,85 Euro (192.67 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta XM
What type of camera is the Minolta XM, and what is its key distinguishing feature?
The Minolta XM is a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Its most notable feature is its electronic shutter, a first for Minolta at the time of its release.
What kind of lens mount does this camera use, and how is the focusing mechanism?
The Minolta XM utilizes a Minolta SR bayonet mount for interchangeable lenses. Focusing on the lenses is done manually.
Can the viewfinder be changed and what functionality does it offer?
Yes, the viewfinder is interchangeable. The AE-Finder provides exposure metering, offering both manual override and automatic settings (setting the aperture, the camera selects the shutter speed).
What is the fastest shutter speed available, and does it support external flash?
The electronic shutter's fastest speed is 1/1000th of a second. Yes, it supports external flash via a PC flash sync terminal.
What kind of film does this 35mm camera use and how is the film advanced?
The Minolta XM uses standard 35mm film. Film is advanced manually after each shot using a rapid wind lever, and rewinding is done with a crank.