This was also the first real camera I ever used. My mom bought it in the 80's and gave it to me when I started getting interested in photography. It taught me everything.
Minolta was the company Leica came to for help in a ton of things. Modern cameras are all descendants of the firsts Minolta trail-blazed. My first ever camera was a SRT-201, and still love it.
Nice to see the XG-M getting the review it deserves. My XG-M with 50mm 1.7 was my first real SLR. Took it everywhere too. It sounded like we were doing similar things about 10years ago!
I have the XG-M with a Vivitar 35-70mm zoom with macro. Used it for many years as a hobby along with the Olympus XA2. Feel the same way as you, Matt. It was a simple competent SLR film camera that served me well. I may throw a roll of Gold 200 in it just to see how it looks today. Everything comes back... vinyl records and analog film! Thanks for sharing your stories with us! Oh it all started for me with a Pentax Spotmatic SLR that my grandfather found a long time ago (talking 1968!) I learned photography on that camera! Lots of good memories.
I related to this so much! My first film camera was a Minolta XG-M and I have been using it for years and it has taught me everything I know about photography. I was lucky enough to get several different lenses and accessories along side it for free as it was my grandfathers old camera. Crazy that you shared a similar experience Matt
Excellent nostalgia trip Matt. My first 35mm was a Canon F-1 with a 50mm f/1.8. Very simply to use and still takes great images. For a change I am shooting consumer grade file, Kodak and Fuji. Love your show my man. Thanks for calling out KJ.
I borrowed XG-M with 50mm 1:1.4 from a friend 35 years ago and I still keep it:) It was my first SLR camera that made me fell in love with photography again.
I started wilth a Minolta slr back in my teen years in the 70s. I just recently returned to film and my 1st camera was also an XG-M. Great little camera. I've since started collecting and have several Minoltas now including an a7 which maybe wouldn't be considered that vintage but it's an incredible camera. Just wanted to share that with you. Love your vids. Keep em coming!
I got a Minolta XG-9 as a birthday present from a family friend. Apparently they had asked my mother about some stuff about my interest. One thing she said was I always had a liking for photography. The friend looked around their house and found their old film camera which came with 3 lenses and a 2x-Teleconverter lens attachment. It was all set for a personal photographer. He showed me how to work it, then gave me a roll of film. He helped me learn how to load it up, then I went and shot a couple photos. And with in my friend groups one of the first photo I took from that roll is my most famous. Everyone I show it to love the image. How to describe the image...it’s of a couple of sun flowers, it’s not 100% in focus but for the most is. It’s has a bit of grain to it. The background is completely blurry, the the colors are bright but yet dim. After taking that photo and having everyone like it so much. I feel in love with the camera. When I going somewhere where photos are something going to be needed. I always take my XG-9, I took it to the beach for a trip with my family. Unfortunately the film got damaged due to sitting for a year and half. But the photos still came out great. My family is happy on how they came out and I took two more flower photos that are just as beautiful.
Hey there! not sure if you would still see this but I am planning on picking up a Minolta XG-9. I cant seem to find much information on it and I am unsure of how it compares to the likes of Minolta XG-M, XG-1, X-700, X-570 etc. Any advice?
The camera I learned on ~25 years ago was a Minolta XD-11. That little camera taught me the ins and outs of photography. Unfortunately, it met its demise along a I-80 in the middle of Nebraska in July, 2001, when I forgot to cinch down the tank bag on my motorcycle. Ooops.
Matt, oh boy you hit is ...my first camera was the Minolta X570. Had a crash course with one of my cousins, and from that point on i was off. I still have it with a 50mm 2.0 Minolta, 28mm2.8 Vivitar and a 75-200mm 4.5f zoom. Ever since i switched to digital to the Sony A350 and then the Sony SLT A77, i have never had it as simple as i did with the X570. Loved the fact that fully manual focus shutter speed and F stops. Nothing these days is made simple. too many gadgets i say. Any camera i pick up i alway sseen to compare to my first experience with the Minolta X570. You just gave me the itch to take it back out.
I'm 15 and getting ready to buy my first camera. I was looking on amazon for cheap cameras and stumbled across a Minolta and decided that i was gonna get it. i obviously dont want anything to expensive as im just beginning my journey into the photography world. You reasured me on my the choice i made so thanks.
my first camera was a minolta... late 90's. The Maxxum something or other! I remember my friend who was into photography making fun of it. Next camera in the early 2000's was a contax G1... so TAKE THAT "FRIEND". Now just shooting with an Olympus OM2n. Will probably always own that one. Wouldn't mind getting the Contax G2... still pretty pricy on ebay. The G1's though are nothing.
this video really made my day ❤️ i feels so amazing when my idol owned film camera just like me 😍 im so happy and my SLR minolta have been my first ever film camera till now . it has really a very sentimental value to me ,
I started with the Minolta XD5 and recently updated to a Minolta X-700. That camera is a tank and I love it! I'd love to see a real-world review of a X-700 because it's supposed to be the top of the line manual focus Minolta SLR. Or a review of any other Minolta for that matter. Like you said, Minoltas are great but they're kind of slept on. A review by you could really change that. Love your content!
I learned on this camera, I shoot a cropped sensor dslr now (first a d90 then a d7100). I ran across this camera again and looked through the viewfinder and wow it’s so nice with its full frame. I shot that camera for 6 years. There are still things I like better about that camera over digital. My dslr often finds itself in manual mode probably because I shot with that camera so much and it’s often just faster. I had to put a split focusing screen in the viewfinder of my dales just like that minolta camera, I do use autofocus. I just like the instant check, and I do have a few manual focus lenses for specialty purposes.
I have 3 of these camera bodies - and just ordered another kit. I stumbled upon one at a thrift store 20 years ago, went on a search for more lenses and kept finding entire camera bag kits for under $50. I just ordered another kit today - It’s my FAVORITE camera because of the simplicity - and I like to have different film in every camera - it’s an ADHD outlet for me. I did buy adapters to put my lenses on my DSLR - and that’s pretty much how we used the DSLR body to teach my kids the basics of photography (the Canon 7D is also built like a tank, beaten and dropped many times, and in all these years, I’ve only had one kid break one lens - a lens so old it was actually full of sand from beach trips over 15 years ago).
I still use mine…bought new in 1981, when I was a teenager. In fact, I had it out shooting Extar 100 this morning! While my ageing eyes prefer to shoot film on my Nikon F80, F100 SLRs now, there is still a deep sense of nostalgia when I hear the click of the shutter. I will never ever sell it!
My mother's Brownie Hawkeye started it all, but I have an SRT101, 200, 201, X370, X570, X700, a Mi olta 16 and on the other end, a Minolta Autocord. Bunches of lenses! And I am a Nikon guy!
My first camera was a minolta x-700 that my grandfather gave to me a few months before he died. Over a year later I've switched to a fed 3 (got it litteraly this week) but I still love my minolta x-700.
I know this is 3 years ago. Over the last 3-4 years, I have been shooting film again. I have a collection of film cameras. Some I bought some gifted to me. Have recently taken a close look at my XG-M. Seems to work fine. Wanted to clear up something. When in the A auto mode, the camera will select the needed shutter speed and indicate it via the Led's in the view finder. Your video seemed to indicate they just tell you what you need to set the speed to. Making it an all manual camera. This is one of 2 cameras which I have that are working with auto shutter speed.The other is a Yashica Electro 35. I Love that Camera!
@@TheGameCalledReality Yeah, I really like it! I come from the SRT 303b, which was the first SLR I bought with my own money back in the day. But since my SRT had issues with the shutter and since the XD7 takes 1.5V batteries I opted for a change. I was pleasantly surprised how small and light the XD7 is, that it has a shutter priority and a aperture priority mode and that the light meter is way better than the one in the SRT. I'd be happy if the shutter would go up to 1/2000s and if the shutter was a little less noisy but overall the XD7 is the real deal...
This was the best video to see when I first got on TH-cam this morning. I've been shooting on an SrT-202 for the past 3 years, however what makes it special for me is that my Dad bought it new in 1976. Never worked on or anything, and has documented my parent's and my life since then. I was out the other night with it and my Dad came along and just looked at me and the camera for a minute and just reminisced about how many times he had used it, and how now I'm using it. I just picked up an XE-7 which was a Leica co-op camera, so I'll probably start using that here and there but the 202 is always the best for me.
I have a Centon DF-300 which I learnt photography with that I think is a Chinese copy of Minolta x-300 as the lenses are MD mount. It doesn't have an EV compensation dial but it does blink the auto and self-chosen shutter speed in the viewfinder that you mention is missing from the XG-M. No matter what camera I've bought since I always go back to the simplicity of this camera because it's a more instinctive type of photography for me, no looking at screens or menus, just the sheer simplicity of shutter/aperture/iso/focus.
The XG-M was my first camera for serious use which I bought new when I was about 18 years old. Before I used simple point and shoot compact cameras to take pictures while wandering or biking around. Recently I rediscovered it and some other analog Olympus cameras I still have. I'm planning to take them on a hike with some film of course and enjoy some old school photographing
I rock the Minolta XD11 (XD7/XD). The Minolta Rokkor 50mm F1.4 almost never leaves my camera body. Absolutely beautiful lens, even by today’s standards.
I've owned the XG-M for a few years and never shot with it because I have zero film experience but I think you've inspired me to give it a go. What's the worst that can happen! Great stuff, man.
I’ve always been a Minolta person as that is what dad had and I got his hand me downs. Currently have a SRT- Super(Japanese version of the SRT-101) I have a Rokkor -X MD 28mm f2 that is sharper than my Zeiss/Sony 24mm f2 on a Sony A7R3 and I only payed $60 for the Rokkor!
Where did you hear it was the Japanese version of the 101? The Super was sold in North America. It was an improved version of the 101. It had a hot shoe instead of the cold shoe and instead of separate electronic flash and flash bulb ports it had a single port with a selector switch. I think Minolta made too many models that were so similar.
Happy to stumble on your video! I've been a photographer for a while and have the Canon EOS R. My grandpa saw my camera for the first time last year and saw my photos, he happily showed me all of his prints from when he took photos, then yesterday he found his old camera, this Minolta, and gave it to me. I literally cried and cannot wait to shoot with it and show him the prints. Your video helped me get to know this camera just a tiny bit better. Thanks!
My first SLR, in the mid-1980s, was a Canon AE-1 Program. It was my father's camera but I commandeered it and never gave it back. I carried that camera everywhere throughout high school and beyond. It stopped working in the early 1990s, but I still have it. It sits on my shelf with my many working cameras. I can't give it up. We went through a lot, that camera and I.
It is a very competent camera despite or thanks to the simplicity. I have a few minoltas from the 70s and 80s but the one I use the most when shooting with film is the X-500, very similar to the XG-M but the viewfinder does show the chosen shutter speed. Thank you very much for the story.
About 1979 I bought my first SLR. The store recommended a Nikon fm. It had three L.E.D. lights to show the exposure. The L.E.D. technology was still kind of new. I had not looked much at other cameras until when the Minolta XD11 came out. I asked to look at one, and was amazed to see a long row of vertical L.E.D. Lights moving up and down as I pointed the camera towards different lights. The desire to look again at one and own one lasted until recently when a got myself a mint Minolta XG-M. I think it may look like what I remember the XD-11.
X-570 solved all the XG-M short comings; 1. AE lock. 2. Metered manual exposure 3. Both shutter speeds ( metered and set) in the viewfinder . But like you I worked around the XG-M's short comings and created hundreds of great images with it. Purchased in 1983 and still shooting with it.
I bought my XG-M new in 1985 ... best camera ever. Used it as my main work camera it untill i bought a 650si panorama before going to the Sony a100 as my main camera. then replacing it with a a6300 I'm still learning the capabilities of the a6300 but its already out of date , just like me now😅 ( I still run a roll of Fuji Reala through my x700 from time to time.)
The first analog camera I ever used was my dad's old Minolta XG-9, with the same MD 50mm 1.4, which I found lying around the house one day. It may have a scratched focusing screen and no aperture or shutter speed readout in the viewfinder but I don't think I could ever get rid of it.
I am still learning (and probably forever will), and I'm glad it's on my X-700. Bought it for a vacation in Iceland, and instantly fell in love. #minoltagang
My first camera I still have after 45 years and that's a Voigtlander VITORET LR. It has only 5 shutter speeds B,30,60,125 and 300 and it's a leaf shutter. The lens aperture is F2.8 to 22 It's a rangefinder but the focusing doesn't work in the viewfinder. I can still take pictures with it, I just have to determine how far my subject is.
I picked one of these up from a flea market for pennies basically and love it. The light meter is busted now but whatever. Learned on an srt 101 so love the xg-m
My first was a Minolta rangefinder but my first slr was the XD11. Still have it but haven’t shot film since early 90s. You are causing me to think about it again. Really spoiled by digital though. Shoot hundreds of shots instead of 24 or 36 😮, lol. There IS still a difference and it’s one that I do miss.
My first SLR was an XG-1 and 50mm f/2. Now using an X-700 and alternate between a 35mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.2 - both late model MD lenses. In fact I just took the X-700 to Mexico with my X100F. Good combo.
My first was a Canon AE-1 and I was given a Fujica ax-3 the canon had a great light meter with needle and it was easy to move the shutter dial to get it set. the fujica has those led's that I find more difficult to use. I gave the AE-1 away wishing I had one still. I gave it away when I bought a canon elan 7e bought it new and still have it along with an elan II. maybe one day i'll have another AE-1.
I've got 2 XG models, the A and the 9. I paid $10 for one and $5 for the other. I need to replace light seals on the 9 so I can use it, but I use the A model all the time. It's a simple to use camera, doesn't have very many impressive functions but takes great pictures. I've got the Rokkor 45mm f2 that I just love as my go to Minolta lens. I don't get why so many people will go and spend so much on a Canon AE-1 when they can get a comparable Minolta usually for less than half the price!
The Minolta X-700 with Rokkor-PF 50mm f/1.7 was my first analogue camera and I had way more fun with it than with my 5D Mark II which I owned prior to that. Now, 8 years later my Minolta has turned into a Leica M6 and I shoot film exclusively!
Dude I literally got one at a good will. Then I got a free telescope from 1981 that came with a Minolta adapter!!! I had the camera months before I ever got the scope. It came with that 50mm too!!!
Just picked this camera up and searched for videos about it and ending up learning more from this video than I did from specific "how to operate" videos lol thank you! Subscribed!
I didn’t know that many photographers that started out with Minolta and those who did they probably lied saying that their first camera was a Nikon just to be cool. My first camera was my mother. Guess what! It was a Minolta x-300 (x370 is market) it was 1987 and I’m still using it! Love the camera!!
I own a XG-M, a Pentax k1000, I used to have Canon Ae 1, and I have used an Olympus om 1 , and let me tell y’all that the Minolta XG-M is my favorite camera that I have used and it is incredibly underrated compared to the Minolta x700 which seems to be the more popular Minolta buts isn’t all too different. If y’all ever have a chance to get yourself your own Xg-M you should get one and you will not be disappointed
I still use my Minolta X-700 & Minolta Maxxum 9... and all my MD and MD glass gets adapted on to my Sony mirrorless bodies (my fave being the Rokkor 40mm f2)... thanks for doing this vid and for sharing your images, Matt
About two months ago I got an XG-A at a local thrift store for $30 with a 50mm 1.8 lens. It's been an amazing way to learn 35mm. I've shot about 6 rolls with it and I'm loving the results so far. It really is a solid camera, and so light weight!
I bought mounth ago a Minolta XG1 as my frist film camera with Hoya 35mm f2.8 lense and i love it. It bring me back to photografy. I was used to Canon DSLRs but photografy became boring to me, I was burned out. Thx for that little XG1 so much, that with old slr made over 40 years ago i'm back on track with photografy full of new ideas and projects. P. S. Also thanks for your content i learn so much from you and other guys like Willem, Sean Tucker, etc.
My dad also has a Minolta XG-M. Though its not in use for years now but the body looks like its in good shape. The lenses (Minolta MD ROKKOR 50mm 1:17 and another Minolta Lens) both have fungus inside them, and that's probably due to being humid all year round where we live. I might make it a display piece at some point since getting film for it and getting it developed would be really hard where I am and I think I shouldn't get rid of it seeing how nice it looks.
Minolta XG7 was my first. Was a Minolta fanboy for a while after it. Ended up getting an XD11 then as I started to shoot skate I upgraded to a Nikon F4. Haven’t gone back to Minolta since tho.
I have been a fan of this camera ever since it was introduced. I couldn't afford one at the time and bought a used X-700 later. I really liked that camera and used it a lot until it broke down. Recently I got an XD-5 as a present, bought an XD-7 (love the shutter sound of that one!) and finally an XG-M. Now I have to start hunting for that nice 50mm 1.4 you showed in your video.
Nice job Matt. I still have my first as well, I bought my XG1 new in the late 70s, I actually saved up paper route money to buy it. I still have it and dusted it off as I returned to 35mm film in 2015.
It was a Canon AE-1P for me that I bought at a garage sale, had no plans on actually using it but I did, and I ended up really liking it. So I learned everything on film. I now like to use the Mamiya 645 Pro TL a lot
I just realized that I almost enjoy your presence in comment sections on every photography channel out there just as much as your videos... I mean if you look through the comments on this video alone you have to scroll reaaaally far down to find the first one without a heart :p You're a great contributor to the photography community, thank you!
My first was a Nikon FG-20 I picked up from a thrift shop for $15. It started it all. I too did the same and would buy all my film at Walgreens and develop it there. It was a good feeling. Great video man!
I've got an X-700 myself. Some of my favorite underrated lenses for it are the 45mm f2 (pancakes, anyone?) and the 55mm 1.7. I think I paid all of $12 for that 45mm, shipped, and it was in like-new condition on eBay. They normally cost a little more than that, but not much.
They kind of are, sort of - they became the all conquering Sony alpha ("alpha" was starting to be used by Konica-Minolta when they were taken over by Sony)
Hey Matt -- the shutter speed is set automatically by the camera in A mode -- you don't have to turn the shutter-speed dial manually to match what is shown in the viewfinder -- at least that is what the manual seems to say. Now I need to an an XG-M to my vintage camera collection! Go Hocking Hills!!! (daughter, son-in-law and grandson live in Georgesville, OH)
Very good. When people talk from their heart, things are serious. I have to Minolta cameras a X-700 and XD 9 for the Japanese market. Great cameras. I don't care about expensive Sonys or Nikons or in general expensive gear in general . I am the pour - happy owner of many dozen honest and simple camera. Great videos. Watched almost all of them.
Man you’ve been taking great pictures from the get go! This tiny sample of your youth made me think that it belongs to a larger collection none different than the Family of Man. Politicians and military men should see them and ask themselves for whom are they making policy! Cheers from Costa Rica!
Great video! The M in XG-M stood for motor drive. This camera accepts the MD-1 motor drive. Also thought you would mention the the soft touch shutter button that senses your finger on the shutter. This is why the cable release was moved to another location.
![[กูเพิ่งซื้อมึงปิดหนี] 20 นาที ผมรีวิวเกมที่แย่ที่สุดในโลก CONCORD](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XhC-3q3Ii7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm giving my age away, but I started with a Minolta SRT-101 and Rokkor 58mm f/1.4 lens. God, I loved that camera.
Great camera! Owned one briefly, wish I still had it.
Love that camera. Got the same combo myself as well as a 28f2.8 for an everyday carry 4 years ago.
I still use my Minolta 58mm f1.4 on my Sony mirrorless camera!
@@StreetsOfVancouverChannel That was indeed a fine lens, and is even today. I wish I still had mine.
I bought one of these last week! Found a local listing, paid a little under $50. Seems like a lovely machine so far.
This was also the first real camera I ever used. My mom bought it in the 80's and gave it to me when I started getting interested in photography. It taught me everything.
Minolta was the company Leica came to for help in a ton of things. Modern cameras are all descendants of the firsts Minolta trail-blazed. My first ever camera was a SRT-201, and still love it.
Nice to see the XG-M getting the review it deserves. My XG-M with 50mm 1.7 was my first real SLR. Took it everywhere too. It sounded like we were doing similar things about 10years ago!
I have the XG-M with a Vivitar 35-70mm zoom with macro. Used it for many years as a hobby along with the Olympus XA2. Feel the same way as you, Matt. It was a simple competent SLR film camera that served me well. I may throw a roll of Gold 200 in it just to see how it looks today. Everything comes back... vinyl records and analog film! Thanks for sharing your stories with us! Oh it all started for me with a Pentax Spotmatic SLR that my grandfather found a long time ago (talking 1968!) I learned photography on that camera! Lots of good memories.
I related to this so much! My first film camera was a Minolta XG-M and I have been using it for years and it has taught me everything I know about photography. I was lucky enough to get several different lenses and accessories along side it for free as it was my grandfathers old camera. Crazy that you shared a similar experience Matt
Excellent nostalgia trip Matt. My first 35mm was a Canon F-1 with a 50mm f/1.8. Very simply to use and still takes great images. For a change I am shooting consumer grade file, Kodak and Fuji. Love your show my man. Thanks for calling out KJ.
I bought my XG-M off of Facebook and it came with the original manual and warranty slip from 83. It’s my favorite camera because I also learned on it!
I borrowed XG-M with 50mm 1:1.4 from a friend 35 years ago and I still keep it:) It was my first SLR camera that made me fell in love with photography again.
That’s stealing
Dude, i really love your storytelling. Keep it up, dude. Cheers from Argentina
Thanks so much!
I started wilth a Minolta slr back in my teen years in the 70s. I just recently returned to film and my 1st camera was also an XG-M. Great little camera. I've since started collecting and have several Minoltas now including an a7 which maybe wouldn't be considered that vintage but it's an incredible camera. Just wanted to share that with you. Love your vids. Keep em coming!
I just bought one for $21. It has the lense, the flash, and a range finder. I cannot wait to get into 35mm photography!
I got a Minolta XG-9 as a birthday present from a family friend. Apparently they had asked my mother about some stuff about my interest. One thing she said was I always had a liking for photography. The friend looked around their house and found their old film camera which came with 3 lenses and a 2x-Teleconverter lens attachment. It was all set for a personal photographer. He showed me how to work it, then gave me a roll of film. He helped me learn how to load it up, then I went and shot a couple photos. And with in my friend groups one of the first photo I took from that roll is my most famous. Everyone I show it to love the image. How to describe the image...it’s of a couple of sun flowers, it’s not 100% in focus but for the most is. It’s has a bit of grain to it. The background is completely blurry, the the colors are bright but yet dim.
After taking that photo and having everyone like it so much. I feel in love with the camera. When I going somewhere where photos are something going to be needed. I always take my XG-9, I took it to the beach for a trip with my family. Unfortunately the film got damaged due to sitting for a year and half. But the photos still came out great. My family is happy on how they came out and I took two more flower photos that are just as beautiful.
Hey there! not sure if you would still see this but I am planning on picking up a Minolta XG-9.
I cant seem to find much information on it and I am unsure of how it compares to the likes of Minolta XG-M, XG-1, X-700, X-570 etc. Any advice?
The camera I learned on ~25 years ago was a Minolta XD-11. That little camera taught me the ins and outs of photography. Unfortunately, it met its demise along a I-80 in the middle of Nebraska in July, 2001, when I forgot to cinch down the tank bag on my motorcycle. Ooops.
Matt, oh boy you hit is ...my first camera was the Minolta X570. Had a crash course with one of my cousins, and from that point on i was off. I still have it with a 50mm 2.0 Minolta, 28mm2.8 Vivitar and a 75-200mm 4.5f zoom. Ever since i switched to digital to the Sony A350 and then the Sony SLT A77, i have never had it as simple as i did with the X570. Loved the fact that fully manual focus shutter speed and F stops. Nothing these days is made simple. too many gadgets i say. Any camera i pick up i alway sseen to compare to my first experience with the Minolta X570. You just gave me the itch to take it back out.
I'm 15 and getting ready to buy my first camera. I was looking on amazon for cheap cameras and stumbled across a Minolta and decided that i was gonna get it. i obviously dont want anything to expensive as im just beginning my journey into the photography world. You reasured me on my the choice i made so thanks.
my first camera was a minolta... late 90's. The Maxxum something or other! I remember my friend who was into photography making fun of it. Next camera in the early 2000's was a contax G1... so TAKE THAT "FRIEND". Now just shooting with an Olympus OM2n. Will probably always own that one. Wouldn't mind getting the Contax G2... still pretty pricy on ebay. The G1's though are nothing.
my first is a Minolta srt-201, bought in 1975, still works perfectly!
this video really made my day ❤️ i feels so amazing when my idol owned film camera just like me 😍 im so happy and my SLR minolta have been my first ever film camera till now . it has really a very sentimental value to me ,
I’m happy to hear that. 😊
I started with the Minolta XD5 and recently updated to a Minolta X-700. That camera is a tank and I love it! I'd love to see a real-world review of a X-700 because it's supposed to be the top of the line manual focus Minolta SLR. Or a review of any other Minolta for that matter. Like you said, Minoltas are great but they're kind of slept on. A review by you could really change that. Love your content!
I learned on this camera, I shoot a cropped sensor dslr now (first a d90 then a d7100). I ran across this camera again and looked through the viewfinder and wow it’s so nice with its full frame. I shot that camera for 6 years. There are still things I like better about that camera over digital. My dslr often finds itself in manual mode probably because I shot with that camera so much and it’s often just faster. I had to put a split focusing screen in the viewfinder of my dales just like that minolta camera, I do use autofocus. I just like the instant check, and I do have a few manual focus lenses for specialty purposes.
I have 3 of these camera bodies - and just ordered another kit. I stumbled upon one at a thrift store 20 years ago, went on a search for more lenses and kept finding entire camera bag kits for under $50. I just ordered another kit today - It’s my FAVORITE camera because of the simplicity - and I like to have different film in every camera - it’s an ADHD outlet for me. I did buy adapters to put my lenses on my DSLR - and that’s pretty much how we used the DSLR body to teach my kids the basics of photography (the Canon 7D is also built like a tank, beaten and dropped many times, and in all these years, I’ve only had one kid break one lens - a lens so old it was actually full of sand from beach trips over 15 years ago).
I still use mine…bought new in 1981, when I was a teenager. In fact, I had it out shooting Extar 100 this morning! While my ageing eyes prefer to shoot film on my Nikon F80, F100 SLRs now, there is still a deep sense of nostalgia when I hear the click of the shutter. I will never ever sell it!
My mother's Brownie Hawkeye started it all, but I have an SRT101, 200, 201, X370, X570, X700, a Mi olta 16 and on the other end, a Minolta Autocord. Bunches of lenses! And I am a Nikon guy!
i just got an XGM for $40 from goodwill auction website. came with a 50mm and 135mm. its VERY clean and can't wait to shoot it.
My first camera was a minolta x-700 that my grandfather gave to me a few months before he died. Over a year later I've switched to a fed 3 (got it litteraly this week) but I still love my minolta x-700.
I know this is 3 years ago. Over the last 3-4 years, I have been shooting film again. I have a collection of film cameras. Some I bought some gifted to me. Have recently taken a close look at my XG-M. Seems to work fine. Wanted to clear up something. When in the A auto mode, the camera will select the needed shutter speed and indicate it via the Led's in the view finder. Your video seemed to indicate they just tell you what you need to set the speed to. Making it an all manual camera. This is one of 2 cameras which I have that are working with auto shutter speed.The other is a Yashica Electro 35. I Love that Camera!
I and my Minolta XD7 approve!
minolta xd is the way to go!
@@TheGameCalledReality Yeah, I really like it! I come from the SRT 303b, which was the first SLR I bought with my own money back in the day. But since my SRT had issues with the shutter and since the XD7 takes 1.5V batteries I opted for a change. I was pleasantly surprised how small and light the XD7 is, that it has a shutter priority and a aperture priority mode and that the light meter is way better than the one in the SRT. I'd be happy if the shutter would go up to 1/2000s and if the shutter was a little less noisy but overall the XD7 is the real deal...
Minolta XD series is the greatest manual focus SLR ever made
Just got mine in the mail today! This video inspired me a lot to get the XG-M. Thank you brother.
Awesome! Enjoy it!
This was the best video to see when I first got on TH-cam this morning. I've been shooting on an SrT-202 for the past 3 years, however what makes it special for me is that my Dad bought it new in 1976. Never worked on or anything, and has documented my parent's and my life since then. I was out the other night with it and my Dad came along and just looked at me and the camera for a minute and just reminisced about how many times he had used it, and how now I'm using it. I just picked up an XE-7 which was a Leica co-op camera, so I'll probably start using that here and there but the 202 is always the best for me.
That’s so awesome! My kids will inherit all of my cameras I use to document their childhood.
Just bought a Minolta XG1 with a Rokkor 45mm lens a couple days ago. Cant wait to use it! 🎞️🙌
I have a Centon DF-300 which I learnt photography with that I think is a Chinese copy of Minolta x-300 as the lenses are MD mount. It doesn't have an EV compensation dial but it does blink the auto and self-chosen shutter speed in the viewfinder that you mention is missing from the XG-M. No matter what camera I've bought since I always go back to the simplicity of this camera because it's a more instinctive type of photography for me, no looking at screens or menus, just the sheer simplicity of shutter/aperture/iso/focus.
The XG-M was my first camera for serious use which I bought new when I was about 18 years old. Before I used simple point and shoot compact cameras to take pictures while wandering or biking around. Recently I rediscovered it and some other analog Olympus cameras I still have. I'm planning to take them on a hike with some film of course and enjoy some old school photographing
I rock the Minolta XD11 (XD7/XD). The Minolta Rokkor 50mm F1.4 almost never leaves my camera body. Absolutely beautiful lens, even by today’s standards.
I've owned the XG-M for a few years and never shot with it because I have zero film experience but I think you've inspired me to give it a go. What's the worst that can happen! Great stuff, man.
I’ve always been a Minolta person as that is what dad had and I got his hand me downs. Currently have a SRT- Super(Japanese version of the SRT-101)
I have a Rokkor -X MD 28mm f2 that is sharper than my Zeiss/Sony 24mm f2 on a Sony A7R3 and I only payed $60 for the Rokkor!
Where did you hear it was the Japanese version of the 101? The Super was sold in North America. It was an improved version of the 101. It had a hot shoe instead of the cold shoe and instead of separate electronic flash and flash bulb ports it had a single port with a selector switch. I think Minolta made too many models that were so similar.
Happy to stumble on your video! I've been a photographer for a while and have the Canon EOS R. My grandpa saw my camera for the first time last year and saw my photos, he happily showed me all of his prints from when he took photos, then yesterday he found his old camera, this Minolta, and gave it to me. I literally cried and cannot wait to shoot with it and show him the prints. Your video helped me get to know this camera just a tiny bit better. Thanks!
just found my dad's old xg-m from the 80s and i have ZERO idea about shooting film, but I'm ready to start. thanks for this!
My first SLR, in the mid-1980s, was a Canon AE-1 Program. It was my father's camera but I commandeered it and never gave it back. I carried that camera everywhere throughout high school and beyond. It stopped working in the early 1990s, but I still have it. It sits on my shelf with my many working cameras. I can't give it up. We went through a lot, that camera and I.
Mine was the XD11 followed by the X700. Loved them both. And still have them.
It is a very competent camera despite or thanks to the simplicity. I have a few minoltas from the 70s and 80s but the one I use the most when shooting with film is the X-500, very similar to the XG-M but the viewfinder does show the chosen shutter speed. Thank you very much for the story.
About 1979 I bought my first SLR. The store recommended a Nikon fm. It had three L.E.D. lights to show the exposure. The L.E.D. technology was still kind of new. I had not looked much at other cameras until when the Minolta XD11 came out. I asked to look at one, and was amazed to see a long row of vertical L.E.D. Lights moving up and down as I pointed the camera towards different lights. The desire to look again at one and own one lasted until recently when a got myself a mint Minolta XG-M. I think it may look like what I remember the XD-11.
I really like my XG-M too. Especially the shutter ... what a sound and what a feeling it has !
X-570 solved all the XG-M short comings;
1. AE lock. 2. Metered manual exposure 3. Both shutter speeds ( metered and set) in the viewfinder . But like you I worked around the XG-M's short comings and created hundreds of great images with it. Purchased in 1983 and still shooting with it.
My first film camera was Minolta srt 101, and it was the most pristine things in my bag. Love to use it
I bought my XG-M new in 1985 ... best camera ever. Used it as my main work camera it untill i bought a 650si panorama before going to the Sony a100 as my main camera. then replacing it with a a6300
I'm still learning the capabilities of the a6300 but its already out of date , just like me now😅
( I still run a roll of Fuji Reala through my x700 from time to time.)
the rokkors are the thing of legends! I use the 50/1.4 on my XD too and it's my favourite set-up
I have 3 Minoltas myself. My very first camera was a XD11. I love the build quality in them. #minoltagang
The XG-M was my first camera as well! It’s still a camera I go back to from time to time. It will forever be a legend in my collection.
The first analog camera I ever used was my dad's old Minolta XG-9, with the same MD 50mm 1.4, which I found lying around the house one day. It may have a scratched focusing screen and no aperture or shutter speed readout in the viewfinder but I don't think I could ever get rid of it.
Rokkor lenses render so beautifully. I cut my teeth on an SRT-201 and I still love shooting it.
The first camera I bought was the Minolta x-370 and I still have it as well. I'll never get rid of it either. Too many memories.
I went out 3 weeks ago and bought a Minolta X-300s, its my first film camera and its great
Awesome to hear!
I am still learning (and probably forever will), and I'm glad it's on my X-700. Bought it for a vacation in Iceland, and instantly fell in love. #minoltagang
I've got a Minolta X-700. I absolutely love it. the 50mm f1.7 lens on it takes some amazing portraits too.
My first camera I still have after 45 years and that's a Voigtlander VITORET LR. It has only 5 shutter speeds
B,30,60,125 and 300 and it's a leaf shutter. The lens aperture is F2.8 to 22 It's a rangefinder but the focusing
doesn't work in the viewfinder. I can still take pictures with it, I just have to determine how far my subject is.
I picked one of these up from a flea market for pennies basically and love it. The light meter is busted now but whatever. Learned on an srt 101 so love the xg-m
My first was a Minolta rangefinder but my first slr was the XD11. Still have it but haven’t shot film since early 90s. You are causing me to think about it again. Really spoiled by digital though. Shoot hundreds of shots instead of 24 or 36 😮, lol. There IS still a difference and it’s one that I do miss.
My first SLR was an XG-1 and 50mm f/2. Now using an X-700 and alternate between a 35mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.2 - both late model MD lenses.
In fact I just took the X-700 to Mexico with my X100F. Good combo.
I found mine at an antique store for 16$ cus they thought I was broken but just need some new batteries!
My first was a Canon AE-1 and I was given a Fujica ax-3 the canon had a great light meter with needle and it was easy to move the shutter dial to get it set. the fujica has those led's that I find more difficult to use. I gave the AE-1 away wishing I had one still. I gave it away when I bought a canon elan 7e bought it new and still have it along with an elan II. maybe one day i'll have another AE-1.
I love minolta's cameras, they're great and i love them. My first one was the minolta XG 9 and i love it
Minolta is my first camera experience 40 years ago.since then i love it.
I've got 2 XG models, the A and the 9. I paid $10 for one and $5 for the other. I need to replace light seals on the 9 so I can use it, but I use the A model all the time. It's a simple to use camera, doesn't have very many impressive functions but takes great pictures. I've got the Rokkor 45mm f2 that I just love as my go to Minolta lens. I don't get why so many people will go and spend so much on a Canon AE-1 when they can get a comparable Minolta usually for less than half the price!
Minolta cameras are great! Had several of them including two x-700s! Made the mistake of selling them and now there is a hole in my soul ☹️
Love my Minolta cameras. Man I miss those photo huts.
I have a Minolta XD-5, a Nikon F100, and a Nikon FM3A but my favourite shutter sound is from the Minolta, I love using it... Thumbs Up Bro.
The Minolta X-700 with Rokkor-PF 50mm f/1.7 was my first analogue camera and I had way more fun with it than with my 5D Mark II which I owned prior to that. Now, 8 years later my Minolta has turned into a Leica M6 and I shoot film exclusively!
Dude I literally got one at a good will. Then I got a free telescope from 1981 that came with a Minolta adapter!!! I had the camera months before I ever got the scope. It came with that 50mm too!!!
Just picked this camera up and searched for videos about it and ending up learning more from this video than I did from specific "how to operate" videos lol thank you! Subscribed!
Bro that nostalgic story just earned you a sub
I was just given this camera by my fiancé's father who shot with it in the 80's this vid was helpful thank you!
I didn’t know that many photographers that started out with Minolta and those who did they probably lied saying that their first camera was a Nikon just to be cool. My first camera was my mother. Guess what! It was a Minolta x-300 (x370 is market) it was 1987 and I’m still using it! Love the camera!!
I own a XG-M, a Pentax k1000, I used to have Canon Ae 1, and I have used an Olympus om 1 , and let me tell y’all that the Minolta XG-M is my favorite camera that I have used and it is incredibly underrated compared to the Minolta x700 which seems to be the more popular Minolta buts isn’t all too different. If y’all ever have a chance to get yourself your own Xg-M you should get one and you will not be disappointed
I still use my Minolta X-700 & Minolta Maxxum 9... and all my MD and MD glass gets adapted on to my Sony mirrorless bodies (my fave being the Rokkor 40mm f2)... thanks for doing this vid and for sharing your images, Matt
I have an XG-A and I really dig it.
About two months ago I got an XG-A at a local thrift store for $30 with a 50mm 1.8 lens. It's been an amazing way to learn 35mm. I've shot about 6 rolls with it and I'm loving the results so far. It really is a solid camera, and so light weight!
#MinoltaGang my first film camera is a Minolta X-700 I got from my grandfather and KingJvpes was the first film photography channel I watched.
I bought mounth ago a Minolta XG1 as my frist film camera with Hoya 35mm f2.8 lense and i love it. It bring me back to photografy. I was used to Canon DSLRs but photografy became boring to me, I was burned out. Thx for that little XG1 so much, that with old slr made over 40 years ago i'm back on track with photografy full of new ideas and projects.
P. S. Also thanks for your content i learn so much from you and other guys like Willem, Sean Tucker, etc.
Thanks so much! Willem and Sean are both amazing.
It's pleasure, keep up your wonderful work
Minolta shooter over here, CLE and the XE-7. Love them both. #MinoltaGang
Recently picked up photography and went with film bc it’s a cheaper initial cost. Went with an SRT 201 and I’m loving it!
My dad also has a Minolta XG-M. Though its not in use for years now but the body looks like its in good shape. The lenses (Minolta MD ROKKOR 50mm 1:17 and another Minolta Lens) both have fungus inside them, and that's probably due to being humid all year round where we live.
I might make it a display piece at some point since getting film for it and getting it developed would be really hard where I am and I think I shouldn't get rid of it seeing how nice it looks.
Minolta XG7 was my first. Was a Minolta fanboy for a while after it. Ended up getting an XD11 then as I started to shoot skate I upgraded to a Nikon F4. Haven’t gone back to Minolta since tho.
Thanks for sharing man! Something special about those first cams. Mine was a Nikon FM. These SLR’s are good ways to learn photography.
Awesome,. My fist camera was the Minolta X-570. I still use it!
Carrie Ann Kouri I bought a X-570 a couple of years back, I shoot it with my 45mm f2 😎
Just bought mine, waiting for it to arrive. Super excited to have a decent a slr to follow me through the years
Mine was the srt-101! This video makes me want to make a video about that.
Keith same here, that was my first camera as well. Still kick myself in the ass for ever having gotten rid of it.
I have been a fan of this camera ever since it was introduced. I couldn't afford one at the time and bought a used X-700 later. I really liked that camera and used it a lot until it broke down.
Recently I got an XD-5 as a present, bought an XD-7 (love the shutter sound of that one!) and finally an XG-M.
Now I have to start hunting for that nice 50mm 1.4 you showed in your video.
Nice job Matt. I still have my first as well, I bought my XG1 new in the late 70s, I actually saved up paper route money to buy it. I still have it and dusted it off as I returned to 35mm film in 2015.
It was a Canon AE-1P for me that I bought at a garage sale, had no plans on actually using it but I did, and I ended up really liking it. So I learned everything on film. I now like to use the Mamiya 645 Pro TL a lot
My first SLR is the Soviet era Praktica LTL3, and I have that with the Prinzflex Auto Reflex 28mm Lens. It’s pretty barebones and quite the workhorse.
I just realized that I almost enjoy your presence in comment sections on every photography channel out there just as much as your videos... I mean if you look through the comments on this video alone you have to scroll reaaaally far down to find the first one without a heart :p You're a great contributor to the photography community, thank you!
My first was a Nikon FG-20 I picked up from a thrift shop for $15. It started it all. I too did the same and would buy all my film at Walgreens and develop it there. It was a good feeling. Great video man!
Those early days were special!
I've got an X-700 myself. Some of my favorite underrated lenses for it are the 45mm f2 (pancakes, anyone?) and the 55mm 1.7. I think I paid all of $12 for that 45mm, shipped, and it was in like-new condition on eBay. They normally cost a little more than that, but not much.
I've got the 45mm on my XG-9, it's my favorite lens out of all the ones I've ever used
To bad Minolta didn't hang on to their camera division they could have been a contender
They kind of are, sort of - they became the all conquering Sony alpha ("alpha" was starting to be used by Konica-Minolta when they were taken over by Sony)
@@timrpbrown I know, I know but it's not the same basically they dropped the ball
@@pablogonzalez8304 I agree
@@timrpbrown But they do have great photocopiers
they never really recovered from the honeywell patent thing
Hey Matt -- the shutter speed is set automatically by the camera in A mode -- you don't have to turn the shutter-speed dial manually to match what is shown in the viewfinder -- at least that is what the manual seems to say. Now I need to an an XG-M to my vintage camera collection! Go Hocking Hills!!! (daughter, son-in-law and grandson live in Georgesville, OH)
You should try a Minolta CLE. Might be the best of both worlds for you.
Very good. When people talk from their heart, things are serious. I have to Minolta cameras a X-700 and XD 9 for the Japanese market. Great cameras. I don't care about expensive Sonys or Nikons or in general expensive gear in general . I am the pour - happy owner of many dozen honest and simple camera. Great videos. Watched almost all of them.
Man you’ve been taking great pictures from the get go! This tiny sample of your youth made me think that it belongs to a larger collection none different than the Family of Man. Politicians and military men should see them and ask themselves for whom are they making policy! Cheers from Costa Rica!
Great video! The M in XG-M stood for motor drive. This camera accepts the MD-1 motor drive. Also thought you would mention the the soft touch shutter button that senses your finger on the shutter. This is why the cable release was moved to another location.