Minolta X500

The Minolta X500, X570 in the USA
The X500 was introduced in 1983 a couple of years after the very popular big brother the X700. It was a less expensive, simplified and in some respects better alternative. The X500 does not have the very popular with new photographers “program mode” this made the X700 a point and shoot SLR something only commonly found on today’s DSLR’s with “auto mode”. The X500 was introduced for those enthusiasts who wanted more control.

The Camera follows much the same external shape and design of other Minolta bodies, this particular one is Chrome and Black. All black bodies like the X700 were also produced. The X500 has a different top plate layout, on the left is the film rewind handle, in its base is the ISO dial not very visible and alongside this is the on/off switch which uses a slide motion. On the right is the shutter speed dial film crank handle and frame counter, the dial on the right has the shutter speed shutter release button.

The only options that this camera offers is full Manual and Aperture Priority there is no option for exposure compensation, something that the X700 does have but not found on the X500. There is manual set lens aperture which can be seen through the view finder. Changes made to X500 were largely electronic, on the X500 the photographer can over ride the flash sync speed something that the X700 does not allow. Correct light metering still works even when field preview is used something that the X700 cannot do.

Using this camera was simple provided you have some experience with manual SLR cameras. Two or three of the photos I took were taken using the Aperture Priority the rest were taken in manual mode. The lens I used was the MD ROKKOR series II 85mm f2 prime lens and the film was Ilford HP5 400. Because the X500 does not have the Minolta Program System “MPS” you do not need specific lenses, the whole of the Minolta SR mount range in both the MC series and the MD series lenses can be used. This gives large range to choose from at often bargain prices, also during the period third party lens manufactures were also producing lenses with the Minolta SR mount.

If you are already into film photography have built up some experience using film cameras then the Minolta X500 is good choice for you and the system can be expanded using the same accessories as X700, all of which are still to be found at reasonable prices.

If you have little or no experience with cameras and want to join in then the X700 is for you as its great camera to learn on however you will need to ensure you have MD series III lenses with the green aperture ring lock, don’t be put off with this as once you have gained experience and no longer need to rely on program mode these lenses will still function in other modes. And as these cameras and lenses hold their value quite well provided in good condition you can always trade in for an X500 or XD7 for something more advanced.