Minolta X700 MPS

The Minolta X700 was introduced in 1981. It was the last of the high end manual focus cameras targeted at the enthusiast photographer before the intro of the revolutionary A7000 autofocus bodies and AF mount lenses. Not only was the X700 'European Camera of the Year 1981', it was the most popular camera by Minolta since the SRT range (I reviewed the SRT 101 not long ago). It was released under the same name in all areas however in Japan it was chrome not black and did not have the aperture lock system.

The Camera has three function modes fully manual, Aperture Priority and Program mode (Auto on modern Digitals). This is what made this camera so popular, Program Mode turned the X700 into an interchangeable lens point and shoot camera for those who knew nothing about photography. The Program Mode was all new and not found on other cameras. The introduction of the Program Mode required full range of new lenses, the MD series III range. To identify these lenses first spot the Aperture Lock on the side of the lens and the name “Rokkor” is no longer shown on front of the lens. The other Minolta lenses can still be used but only in Manual or Aperture Priority Modes (the program mode won’t work).

To use Program Mode fit a MD series III lens once fitted turn the aperture ring to the minimum setting on most Minolta Lenses this will be f22 and marked on ring in green and slid the lock in place. Then set the dial at top right to the green P. Now ready to point and shoot, the camera does everything for you. If you’re a more experienced photographer you can use Fully Manual or Aperture Priority by not using the P mode you can now use the full range of Minolta MC Series and MD series lenses as well as host of third party manufactures. The Camera requires batteries to operate there is no Battery Check built in but if the diodes in view finder don’t light up when shutter button is touched and shutter release not working new batteries are needed.

The camera top plate is laid out in much the same as most of this period. On the left is the film rewind built in to it are your ISO numbers and exposure compensation +- 2 flash mount in centre on the right main dial with modes and shutter speeds below it is the off position and two on choices one has sound function when shutter is released. You then have film crank and frame counter. On the underside is battery compartment tripod mounting point locking point for a motor drive, on the front of the body you have the self timer, sync port for flash, shutter release cable, preview button. You will also notice the MPS logo on front right of body, There are X700’s out there that do not have this logo these are third party cameras made by Samsung for Minolta at the tail end of the Manual Focus Camera period.

Its fun easy to use no matter which mode you chose I tend to stick with Aperture Priority. The pictures for this review were taken using Minolta MD series III 35-70mm zoom with built in Macro function. The lens has smooth zoom and focus movement there is button on side to switch lens from standard zoom to a 70mm macro lens. I find best way to use the macro function is to set the focus to infinity and just move forward or back until view is in focus. Wide open this lens does exhibit some darkening in the corners this disappears by f 5.6 – f8 its sharp and produces nice colour saturation (famous with Minolta lenses) it has a good solid build quality despite the use of plastics. This lens more than competes with any modern kit lens found with DSLR’s. The film used was Fujifilm 200 colour.

For more photos by Ken, check out www.flickr.com/photos/ken_cork /