“It doesn’t look super great”?! It’s not screaming different or flamboyant (very few cameras are really) but it is beautiful and a great example of how superior 80’s industrial design aesthetic is to 90’s, or any decade after.

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

It definitely looks better than anything in the 90s, that's for sure. I do get the attraction to 80s industrial design, for sure.

This ENTIRE time i thought i messed up my camera because it’d take forever for the shutter to go off.... turns out i had my self timer on. Would not have known that if I didn’t watch this video. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@kirstieroseredpath4771

5 жыл бұрын

Cool

@bryanotero123

5 жыл бұрын

Funny situation

@Wangan_W

4 жыл бұрын

I thought the dials for the shutter and exposure were broken until I saw in this video that you need to unlock it.

What a super camera. Wonderful video, thanks for making it. All of your videos are great.

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I love how thorough your videos are!

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! My hope is always that someone can come into one of these videos with a camera they've never seen and leave the series knowing exactly how to use all the functions. I want to keep the learning curve short. :D

@iambeetle

4 жыл бұрын

David Hancock thanks a lot! I just got the x-700 today and now I feel like I know every detail about it!

I learned photography in the very early 90's on a Minolta X-700 my parents bought me for Christmas. I'm pleased to say that I still have it, though it only gets loaded and shot every once in a while. It's inspired in me a lifetime of photography, and I will always love it. I learned all sorts of stuff about it that I had no idea about through your video. Now I know it was made in Japan. Thanks for posting this, and I'm headed over to video 2 of 2.

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

Thank you and it's great to still have it and use it after so long.

Thanks for this tutorial, i got one of these from my dad, and now its running after 2 decades in a store. Bought film/ battery and are going to try nostalgia photo, it works 😊

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic!

I stumbled across a x700, your videos (I watched 1&2) were extremely informative, thorough, and easy to follow along. I completely learned not just the basic functions, but also a mass amount of extra information about this camera. You know your stuff. And your voice is pleasant, no muting this KZreadr lol. I appreciate it brother, thank you!

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

LOL, thank you!

@MastaOfTrouble

5 жыл бұрын

I’m just about to watch this! Thanks for telling us it’s worth the time :):)

I had not used the x700 in more than 8 years. Found it in the closet in perfect condition put batteries in it and it fired right up. Thank you for having your tutorials to help me remember exactly how to use it.

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

this helped me a lot. thank you

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

God bless this video, was looking for hours on how to get out of program mode

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Program mode is great for learning the camera's interface, but not great for learning how to take photos, or for taking the best photos.

my uncle passed and i inherited his minolta. i am really excited to learn more about it so thank you for these great videos!

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! This is a great camera to have inherited, too, and a great way to help keep a connection.

Excellent video David, thank you! Absolutely love mine. Bought it from a elderly lady recently who said she bought it new in the mid 80's, couldn't figure out the settings/dials and used it once. It was in as new condition with box, Minolta 50mm 1.7 lens, both body and lens made in Japan, and original sales receipt..drum roll: $475. which was somewhat expensive back then. Build quality and finish is just stellar..the word precision comes to mind. I much prefer this one over my Canon AE-1 and Pentax ME Super.

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I would agree that this is better to both the AE-1 and ME Super.

@LyubomirStoychev

4 жыл бұрын

If you haven't, try any of the Minolt XD bodies... not saying x700 isn't good, I own one x700 and one x500, however the XD series for me are one of the most beautiful piece of engineering. The x700 is a lot more plasticky... I've opened both XD and x700 ... I can only tell you the x700 didn't impress me after I had taken apart an XD :)

this is very helpful

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I've got one from Malaysia, and it's doing fine!

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Nice!

I have just been given one, and the owner NEVER used it. It is a Japanese one and still has the protective plastic under it. Was wondering why i couldn't test the shutter, didn't know it needed batteries(a bit frustrating). Now i know, thanks to your video. Can't wait to test this baby!

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you and enjoy! These are nice cameras.

I got my X570 about 40 years ago. I was not a heavy user (well I am a user that is heavy but I didn't use it heavily) but it hasn't let me down yet and there is some really nice glass out there for it .

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

Nice! And yes, the Minolta SR-mount lenses had some really incredible options.

They are really really afordable compared to Nikons and Canons of the same era. I just found my dad's old 1983 Made in Japan X-700 in April, it had not been used for over 20 years, all it needed was new batteries, new light seals, a good cleaning and that's it... also i found his old camera bag and it had 3 MD lenses a 50mm f/2.0 , a 35-70mm f/3.5 and a Tamron 103A 80-210mm f/3.8~4. So far i love it, and i'm condiering getting another Minolta, mabe a Maxxum 9000.

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Nice! Yeah, these are about 33% cheaper than comparable Canon and Nikon cameras, but about 100% more than a comparable Pentax. So they're a great value for their capabilities.

@StoueDBadmon

5 жыл бұрын

True but if it's damaged in any sort of way and it needs to be fixed it can be insanely expensive and hard to find someone that can fix it. It has it's pros and cons but yeah its awesome

Thank you for the turtorial. I have the old paper manual but i love seeing it being operated. Have the Sony A7iii but this was my first cam. Been my dads since the 80s i believe. Still works fine except i cant get the iso dial to move. Maybe in video 2 or i gotta find out what the issue is. My wife, and myself can't wait to get back to experiencing film again. Thank you for sharing the love of the classics.

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! If the dial is in "P", there's a lock release you'll need to hold to move it out of "P".

Thanks!!!

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Excellent description of the Minolta X-700 camera, video 1 and 2. I just going to add that the X-700 and X-570 has (TTL) Through The Lens metering for TTL flash (the 2 extra contacts on your hotshoes) when attaching a Minolta 360PX Flash (which I own)or similar dedicate Minolta TTL Flashes, a really nice feature for your exposure with a flash. Your A on the shutter speed dial is actually Aperture Priority auto mode, a feature I use frequently on X-370, X-570, and my X--700. And Program mode (P), X-700 as a program mode which was referred as "MPS" logo in front of the camera which is “Minolta Program System”, which means that basically the X-700 set your aperture needed with the shutter speed automatically base on the light condition in Program mode. X-700 Program mode will tried to get the fastest shutter speed and adjust the F stop automatically to minimum F stop possible from your lens, the only fix setting is your ISO, however your exposure can be change with the exposure control dial. The result of a good exposure is all done in camera computer system calculating the EV (Exposure Value) base on the ambient light or camera flash. The X-700 will tell you if you are under or over expose in the viewfinder light metering including audio sound in Program mode if set. The Minolta Flash 360PX can be set as well in TTL for Program mode. I bought These 3 X-series cameras in 1985-86 and still got their manuals. Note I am impress that you have the viewfinder cover for Bulb setting. I still got mine for all my 3 cameras, most people loose them.

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I may well have bought that AEM on eBay. I lost those things all the time. I bought something like 30 of them at one point to fit onto the cameras that I use most often. I have five now. Those things and quick release plates for my tripods disappear like I'm some kind of camera gear magician.

I'm bidding on an x700 so this is very helpful to me, other info on what to look for in used camera vids I have seen as I'm a total cherry on camera knowledge.

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! These are great first film cameras.

Finally my video request became solidified for the X-700!

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

I had a big filming day earlier this week. The second part is rendering right now and will be uploaded later today. I'm planning to do the Alpha 9 series next, and started editing them today.

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

That was a very helpful video! I have put my batteries in and loaded my film, but I haven’t snapped the first picture yet. I bought it from KEH. It does have China on the base plate, but I hope that KEH went over it thoroughly. I’m new to the film camera world. I had a few disposable cameras in the early 80’s, but that’s it. I’m excited, but nervous.

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I would be comfortable that KEH inspected it well. They have the highest standards in the industry.

I love my x700 - I just got it almost unused with 50mm and 28mm lenses. Worked for free doing interiors in exchange for it and I was not let down. The minolta rokkor 50mm 1.7 is a lovely lens - not technically the sharpest but it has a lovely OOF rendering

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Nice! And I dig the heck out of the 50mm 1.7. I do like the 1.4 a good deal more, but the 1.7 is a good all-around general lens. I like the 1.7 for portraits a lot, too.

@jakemongey8318

7 жыл бұрын

Havent had the chance to pick up a 1.4 - I rarely need it and when I do my grandfathers canon 0.95 comes out to play! Shot the 28mm today and realised when all the shots were soft that the previous owner left a soft focus filter on!

Have one made in China I bought as a back up and haven't got an issue since mid 90's.

@DavidHancock

2 жыл бұрын

Nice! Just because it was made in China doesn't mean it's guaranteed to fail, just means it's part of a group with more reported issues.

Great video! Just bought me one if these. Nothing at bottom to indicate it was made in China or elsewhere.

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Nice and thank you!

one of the best film SLRs made....

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

There's a whole lot of great stuff to be said about these.

@rmrw3153

6 жыл бұрын

I have 3 of this, great cameras.

I just bought one this week and it shipped already before learning about it being made in China, anyone not had too many issues with a china built X-700? The one I bought was fully tested and working from the description.

@DavidHancock

Ай бұрын

If it's from a trustworthy seller, I would not worry.

I just picked up a minolta x-700, olympus om-2, and minolta srt-101 today all for 37.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woot Woot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Nice find!

Great info I never would have got from the manual. Problem: camera was dropped and now shutter does not work. All the lights work, the timer counts down, but the shutter does not open (diode was replaced). Any idea?

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

Ouch, yeah, the shutter release mechanism was likely knocked out of alignment or something in that mechanism broke. If you're in the U.S., I'd suggest Vermont Camera Works as a good source for a repair. It probably needs to be disassembled a bit.

Hey thank you so much for this video, it’s helped a ton. Just have a few questions .. when I look in the viewfinder I see some small black dots and one large one on the left side .. I took off the lens and I see that the mirror inside the camera is a tad dusty/dirty .. is it safe to clean it with a cloth really gently or would you recommend just leaving it .. as you mentioned to not touch the mirror ? Another question is can you take off the batteries while still having film inside, and put them back in when you want to resume taking photos or by doing that does it ruin the film in some degree(just to reduce risk of batteries leaking )? Final one .. how do you actuate the shutter ?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I can help with those questions. We'll start easy. For the shutter, just push the shutter button (after advancing the film lever, if needed) to actuate the shutter. For the batteries, yes. The film compartment is sealed unto itself so the only part of the camera you can't open with film inside is the film back. The lens can batteries can be removed safely. For cleaning the mirror and prism, that's a bit tricky if done incorrectly. The materials you'll need are a rocket blaster (about $10), some cotton swabs (free if you have them), some lens tissue and some lens cleaning fluid. With the rocket blaster, try to clean the dirt off the mirror and focusing screen that way first as the stuff may just be lightly stuck on. If that works, you're set. If the dirt is stickier or clingy, use the cotton swabs -- DRY -- to gently pick up (touch the swabs to the dirt, don't wipe it) dirt from the focusing screen. Focusing screens should never be touched with any cleaning solvent as that will dissolve the fine ridges in the screen and ruin your camera's ability to focus (and then you'll need to have it repaired.) If there are smudges or problem dirt on the screen, you can use distilled water (only) on a cotton swab to clean the focusing screen, but I've only had to do that once or twice so it's rare that that's needed. For the mirror, fold up a lens cleaning tissue so it's a bit wider than your finger and wet it with lens cleaning solvent. Then rub the folded lens tissue over the mirror being careful to keep your finder and the wetted tissue away from the focusing screen. After you clean the mirror with a wetted tissue, use a bunched up (not nicely folded) dry tissue and gently run it over the mirror to remove the cleaning fluid residue. With the dry step, don't put pressure on the mirror and just let the tissue wick the cleaning fluid away.

I liked a lot the X500. Same camera (almost). Great ergonomics, sits great in my hand but not perfect. A perfect Minolta would have been a X500/X700 like camera with the build quality and the guts of the XD11/XD7 😉

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

That would have been a great offering.

I have a Minolta 20 Megapixel,35 X Zoom. Do you know the best settings for filming videos. I can,hardly find any videos about this camera and I juat bought it everytime u film a video well not all of them but at times there blurry. Some have beem really good. The manual really doesn't tell me much when it comes to the settings. Its new I just bought it. Thank you and please let me know.

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

I don't know anything about the Minolta digital cameras, unfortunately.

Thank You for this video. i took my x700 out again after maybe 15 years. i put Lr44 battery and its dead (in "ON") position. :(

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Hmm. Could be a bad capacitor or a bad switch, or bad batteries. There are some fix videos online for the capacitor.

@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904

6 жыл бұрын

The camera has a small capacitor or condenser that activates the shutter, it's a cheap fix.

Hey man, have you ever happened to run into the problem where your ISO selector wasn't working? Just picked up this camera and everything's in great shape - apart from the ISO selector, apparently, it's stuck on 100 and won't allow me to change it (I'm aware you have to first lift the ring). How do you think I should go about fixing this?

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Sounds like it probably has some dirt in it. I'd start by using rubbing alcohol on saturated q-tips to wet the ISO ring over and over and let it sit a few minutes. Then try again. You may need to repeat a few times and then try gentle but additional pressure. The rubbing alcohol should help the dirt start to get loose and then some added pressure may be needed to free the ring. Wet the whole ring since there's no way to know where the dirt is.

Recently got an X700 and when I took the lens of I gently cleaned the cameras mirror with a microfibre cloth. Would that in any way damage the camera mirror?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Nope.

It's always a good day that starts with a David Hancock camera review to listen to while I flick my eyes over dozens of cancer-packed glass slides. We have moved on from the Pentax preoccupation, I see, and entered the zone of Minolta mania (not a criticism; I have a soft spot for them, as a Minolta was my first SLR.) You have previously been a Nikon nut and an Olympus obsessive... What's next? Fujica freak, perhaps? :p (You could group your reviews into playlists by type like this - rabid for rangefinders, Canon cheerleader, topsy-turvy for TLR etc. etc. etc.)

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

These things come in groups, I know. It does make it easier to write the scripts when there's some overlap between the writing and research. Let's see; the day I recorded this I also recorded video manuals for the Nikon F4, FM2, and FE2; Minolta Alpha 9; and Hasselblad 501CM. I still have to write reviews and get enough photos to make reviews for some of those. I do have some pretty exciting cameras to make videos on yet this year. :D After I finish getting photos for the Nikon reviews, it's on to the Olympus M-1, OM-4ti, Leica iiib, Graflex Super D, and Zenza Brominca S2. I'd certainly LIKE to get all of those done this year.

I’ve been having trouble loading the camera. Numerous rolls have turned out blank. What can I do to make sure I’m loading it correctly? I’ve seen it engage and spin and still gotten blank rolls. What can I do to make sure this doesn’t happen?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Hmm. That's curious. If you have a dummy or dead roll you can sacrifice, you could leave the back open and advance through the roll. Alternately, if you don't want to waste a whole roll, load it up as normal, put a black mark on the film somewhere easily recognized (like an inch to the right of the cassette,) take three frames, re-open the camera and see if it advanced. Also check that the shutter is functional without film in the camera. If the shutter works and the film is advancing, something else is going on. Let me know how those tests turn out and we'll take it from there.

great video!!!! I've got an old one from my dad and it's taking such great pictures! I just bought a auto 280px flash to use it also in the evenings etc, but a bit unsure how to use it properly! If I connect and use it with the P-Mode, do I need to adjust things on the flash or do I just need to switch it on and that's it?? :-)

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I don't know how the 280PX flash works and if it can communicate with the X-700. Check butkus.org to see if he has a 280PX manual. That's the best answer I have for the flash.

Hi David, I am looking for an explanation but can’t find it nowhere. But first let me thank you for this video. It was very helpful to understand my new old camera. And I am new to analogue photography. You are explaining the exposure compensation dial. Below that, there is this little indicator for “film speed” (it’s called like that in the original manual on page 23). How do you configure this value? Or it is done automatically (or by magic)? I put in a film with iso 200 and the indicator shows me not exactly 200. It’s one dot to the right of the displayed 200. - Would be kind of you if you could tell me how it works. - BIG THANKS

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Hi, Christoph, Thank you and for film speed you'll need to set it yourself. I think on the V-700 you lift the ring (or push a button, whichever you don't do for EV) and then adjust the dial until you hit the speed you want. At first, shoot box speed. So your 200 ISO film has a box speed of 200 -- the number on the box. Make sure not to change the ISO dial during the roll. Each roll can only be developed once so if you change the film speed then some of your shots will be developed correctly and others won't. If you're using color film, your lab will assume you exposed the film at box speed for correct development.

What do you mean by actuate the shutter when it comes to long term storage. Does that mean making sure the shutter is not active for another shot?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Correct. Just trigger it so that when you grab it next time you can advance it without first firing the shutter.

Hi David! just got my "new" x700 - What do you mean with the actuation of the shutter and it's spring? Thanks

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

Hi, Gianni, So shutter actuatin is just the activating of the shutter (pressing the shutter release and having the shutter action occur.) As for the spring, all shutters, even electromagnetic and electro-mechanical ones, have mechanical components and springs. And when any spring is held in a stretched position for too long it loses its ability to return to its fully compressed state, altering its functionality. So leaving a shutter armed can cause the shutter, if its left that way long enough, to lose shutter tension. The only cameras I know of where that isn't the case are the 1990s and 2000s cameras where the shutter automatically returns to a neutral position after every exposure, but this is not one of those cameras. So if you store your camera for a few months, actuate the shutter and then take the batteries out.

@gfm8421

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks David! Everything clear now, makes sense to me.

Hi Dave, I need an advice! I bough an x-700, but I've got a problem with the shutter - it doesn't always open all the way, producing half-exposed frames. Any idea what could be the issue? Is it electronics such as battery (lithium duracell 1.5v) and capacitors, or would that be more of a mechanical flaw with the curtain's gears?

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

Hmm. That could be a couple of possibilities. Does it happen at all speeds? If so, then I would guess it's electromechanical in nature and probably not economically viable to fix. (That would include a bad capacitor or the like.) If not, and you can test this by shooting at a long exposure like B or 1 second and seeing if it opens all the way, then there are two possibilities that are likely: It could be slow gears due to thick oils or it could be an issue with the mirror and not with the shutter. If the mirror does not get out of the way in time or if it flips back down too soon, that can cause the issue it sounds like you're having, too. Either way, I doubt this is a simple fix and probably requires a repair.

@iakusz

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir. Fortunately, I was able to return it and got another x700 in exchange. I'm yet to really test it, but it seems to be working fine.

I'm not understanding the part about what to do with the shutter when not in use?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Just trigger it and don't advance it. The idea is to remove the tension from the springs so they don't sit (over time) and develop a memory that reduces their springiness.

Hi! I just got my X700 :) i have a question. The iso wheel, it only works when there is no film loaded yet?

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

It should work at any time but if you change that during use you'll need to the film.

0:46 Originally, a change of focusing screen had to be done by an authorised repair centre. It can be done by the user, but since the special tools are not available, it requires both dexterity and some courage. P.S.: Always trust the Chinese to replace parts with something cheaper in order to maximise profits. Mine was bought in 1985, so definitely Japanese. I haven't used it for twenty years, but I'm confident, if I put batteries in it, it would work with no problems.

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

I don't think I've ever seen one with a replaced focusing screen. And as for cost reductions, it's not just that lower-cost parts were put in by the producers, the corporations and brands selling these have always been 100% supportive of reducing materials costs to increase their profits without benefitting the consumer in any meaningful way. Minolta had control over the materials and the quality output.

@KlipsenTube

Жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock I bought two - diagonal split-field and grid. The former works well for both horizontal and vertical, but Minolta’s “acute matte” focusing screens are so superb that the latter has stayed put for some thirty years - no need for additional focusing aid. The grid is more useful. I use it on my A6600 and A900.

Thanks for the video! What kind of battery could I expect from this if I bought one?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

This uses two LR44 (A76, 357, etc., all the same thing) batteries (video 2 shows how to install them.) They should last about six months to a year under normal to heavy use.

I have several that I repaired, replaced the capacitor that fails, great camera

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Nice! How hard was the repair? Was the part available over the shelf or special-order?

@carbidejones5076

7 жыл бұрын

was from digikey, had to order a hundred, but was less than twenty bucks

@carbidejones5076

7 жыл бұрын

very simple repair, desolder old one and solder in new one

Hi there,I just received a X-700 and would like to know how to open the back of the camera for access to load un-load film.

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Check out the second video for that. There's a link in the description.

What if my the advance lever is loose and the thing inside not rolling as I crank the advance lever all the way

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

That's going to need a professional repair. There's either something disconnected inside or the advance clutch is stripped.

Well oh shit mine has been wound for around 1 year at the shop. Timing doesn’t really seem to be messed up when I recorded on Slo mo though.

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

It's good that it's fine. I might not make a habit of leaving it. With cameras like this, it is less of a risk as much of the actual shutter timing is electromagnetically controlled.

Hi David, looking at the camera back (Light seal)- is that how far the light seal go? Mine are peeling off and not sure how far i have to go to replace them. Thank you.

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Which part, the channel seals or the felt on the back door? I over-felt the back door because I'm too lazy to cut a properly-sized piece and then two small, thin pieces to go into the channels by the hinge. So I just slap a big piece of felt on the back and call it a day. It works the same and saves me about 2 minutes per camera.

@sfv6

7 жыл бұрын

David Hancock thank you. It's the Channel seal.

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Got it. Yes, those have to go that far. The channel seals have to run the full length of the channels to prevent light leaks. I use yarn for those as it fills well and I can cut it easily to length.

Great video’ s and thanks for that. I like to buy a 70 210 lens (beercan) for my x-700, witch lens will you recommend?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm not a huge fan of anything in the 70-210 range, honestly. That's not just Minolta, that's a general rule. The Minolta 70-210 has a good reputation and will probably do everything you need. There's also a Minolta 70-300 with a good reputation as well, but it's reported to handle a bit worse than the 70-210. In general, 70-210 is a range with decent lenses in it. My dislike for them is solely personal preference not a reflection on the available lenses.

@djanciano

5 жыл бұрын

David Hancock Thanks a lot!

Hi David, I recently bought an x700 and the iso dial seems to be stuck when I lift the ring up and try to turn it. Is there any way to fix this? Right now it is on ISO 200. Thank you

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Hmm. There are a couple reasons that could be the case, the most likely is dirt. Try some 91% rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs around the ring and see if that helps free up the dirt. It may take multiple applications.

My shutter release trigger is stuck. How do I fix it?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Do you have fresh batteries in the camera?

Hi , I have a Minolta x700 without the lens. I got it wrong and bought a 35-70mm AF lens for it. Can I get an adaptor mount or should I just buy another MD 50mm lens?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not. If you're looking for an affordable lens for this camera, the Minolta MD 50mm f2 is usually around $20 and is a very good lens.

Hello maybe you could help me... i was taking a few pictures and my shutter got stuck with no apparent reasons, the batteries and film are brand new... do you have any idea what the problem could be?

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

There are a couple possibilities. Let's rule out the easy ones first. 1- Had you taken any photos with the camera (were you partially through a roll) without issue? 2- Is the roll out of film? (If it's out of film, then it would behave like the shutter is stuck.)

@VaalentineLc

6 жыл бұрын

David Hancock yes and no...

Hey, what if my film advance lever is stuck and not able to move? It was working fine for a while, I changed the batteries as well and I can’t seem to figure out why I cant take photos now. Would love to see if you know what’s happening? Thank you !

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

The film advance won't move if either the film is at the end of the roll or the shutter didn't fire. First thing I'd check is that the batteries are both good and installed correctly. If they are installed correctly, then try two different ones. Let me know if that helps.

@minajovanic6592

Жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock thank you so much for such a fast response. I will double check on the batteries and let you know. Thanks

Hi David , Thank you for this video, very helpful. I own this camera and the exposure dial wont lock and moves freely. Know anything about this or how to fix it? Thank you

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Gerald. When you exposure dial moves, does it engage different shutter speeds, or does it spin freely without affecting how the camera operates?

@geraldsaved

5 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock Works great when I move it. When I look into the view finder and move it, the shutter speed adjust itself just fine.

Aee you able to put a date stamp when taking pictures with this camera?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

You would need a data back, but yes, with the data back you can. Check to make sure that the data back can do dates into the 20-teens as not all camera makers in the 80s were making data backs that would last beyond 2000.

You didn't mention how to set the ASA/ISO or the B shutter setting. I used mine for several years until upgrading to the Maxxum 9000. Both were great cameras and exposed thousands of frames for me.

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Video 2 (there's a link in the description) would cover that.

Thanks! the video is very informative, but you skiped ISO.

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I believe that's covered in detail in video 2.

Do you know what battery I can use for the Minolta x-700?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

It needs two A76. Video 2 shows how to install them.

Great video - I might have missed it, but you recommend not leaving the tension on the shutter. How do you release the tension?

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! To release the shutter tension, simply actuate the shutter and then don't advance the film.

@HudaFO

6 жыл бұрын

David Hancock can u explain more?

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

It's a good idea to leave camera with the shutter having been fired but the film not advanced if it isn't going to be used for a while. That helps prolong the lifespan of the springs that help operate the mechanical components.

I recently purchased a Minolta x700, no origin stamped on bottom, everything works. It seems daunting to operate. You have various dials in the lenses and unless you know how to set them your in trouble. I have 2 lenses and can't find any information on how to use the various dials, could you direct me to such information?

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

I think that Video 2's segment on how to take a photo with this camera should address much of that.

How do you open the where the battery goes

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Video 2 will show that. There's a link in this video's description.

Hi David, does this operate similar to the Minolta XD11 ? Thank you. I couldn’t find a how to use video for the above model.

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

I honestly don't know. I haven't ever handled any XD series cameras. I think they are more like the SRT bodies, but I could be wrong.

@baladino

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock thank you for your kind reply David. I have become quite proficient with the technical aspects of this camera after watching your other Minolta camera reviews especially the 537. My XD11 shutter advance lever advances so very smoothly. And the shutter trigger sound is amazing. Politely silent but having a whisper of a sound just to indicate the frame has been taken. The body is all metal and it is reassuringly heavy. It has both shutter and aperture priority and a manual mode as well as a viewfinder which is larger and brighter than the OM-1. I’m going to use this for a while. Hopefully for a long while. I don’t see how I can do better. It’s Leica like without the baggage of owning or carrying a Leica around.

@baladino

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock my version is black. I’m attempting to source a silver/chrome version. But early efforts have been unsuccessful. There don’t seem to be many around.

@baladino

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock I couldn’t find a video on this model comparable to any of your videos is what I meant to say early on.

Taken with X-700: instagram.com/p/BMALXaLAb6e/?taken-by=pimeruum

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Very nice! Great mood and composition. What film did you use?

@MadisMcLembrus

7 жыл бұрын

Foma Retropan 320

Great video! One question maybe you have the answer, my camera has started to get stuck and the film does not advance. It has happened 3 times now, once y get stuck somehow it advance again but is different, when I reload it for next pictures the film advance move slower and is harder to reload which turn into unwanted multiple exposures, last time i was using a 36pictures film and 10 of them turn into 1 multiple exposure picture:/ not sure what it could be, I thought maybe the battery but the lights in the view finder and the beeps work just fine 😭

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

That just happened to my X-500 and I do not have good news for you. A plastic part of the film advance mechanism has failed and that requires professional repair work.

@wojiaoariel

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock nooooo:( this is sad, I’ll try to find a place where I can repair it

Can someone explain what exactly "actuate the shutter" means? 8:33. Also, are you saying that anytime the camera is off, you should remove the batteries?

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

Just means to fire or trigger the shutter. And no, in this camera you don't need to remove the batteries unless you're storing it.

@orngpeelr9017

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock I see. Just got my first one and am new to film cameras so thank you

Hi David, very informative video! I bought a x-700 and it is in super good condition. As i unpacked, it i noticed that the film lever was under tension. So i put in some batteries and it seems like the mirror is moving too slow. with my x-300 (which also is really good imo) the shutter and mirror goes *CHUCK* and the X-700 ist more like a *chuckooooch* you know what i mean :D. i will test shoot an old kodak gold 200 but do you think that is repairable for an reasonable price? Thank you!

@DavidHancock

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and the mirror on the 700 should sound like the mirror on the 300. That should be repairable but I couldn't tell you if it's just a quick drop of oil or if there's some shutter mechanism disassembly involved.

The last time I took pictures I used a full roll of film, once I took the last picture my camera view finder went black and I couldn’t see anything (not sure if that’s supposed to happen). Anyways I rewind the film and once I took the film out, the view finder was still black and the shutter curtain was closed. I tried to turn the film advance lever again but it wouldn’t turn. Also, I tried replacing the batteries with new ones and I still can’t turn the lever. Please help! I’m really hoping to take pictures for the holidays.

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

When you use the shutter does it respond at all? You can't advance the film advance, but does the shutter trip when you push the shutter release?

@ambersmith4391

4 жыл бұрын

David Hancock no the shutter release doesn’t respond at all :(

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

@@ambersmith4391 Oh dear. Most likely, the capacitor that powers the shutter has died. If you're comfortable with a soldering iron the repair is fairly straightforward and there are videos on KZread showing how to do it. If you're not comfortable with a soldering iron, then you'll need to have it repaired professionally.

@ambersmith4391

4 жыл бұрын

David Hancock dang, okay well thank you so much for your help!

Thanks for this! Can you please recommend an affordable standard lens? I stupidly bought this camera w/ body only

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

And of the Minolta MD lenses (these have a green number for the smallest aperture opened, typically f/22, and some have a lock on the aperture ring) will work. The 50mm f/2 is the least expensive and is great. The 50mm f/1.7 is somewhat better. The 50mm f/1.4 is decidedly the best of the three. But any of those would be a good starting point.

@michelleballetgrl

6 жыл бұрын

David Hancock great! Thank you :)

What do you think is a better camera the Minolta X-7000 or the Olympus OM-4? I shoot a lot in Aperture Priority and was wondering if the Minolta was superior to the OM.

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

The OM-4 is a substantially better camera in terms of function and interface. The multi-spot metering on the OM-4 is a spectacular feature that the X-700 can't come close to matching, for one example. The OM-4 is also around three or four times the cost of the X-700, though.

@dannytran173

4 жыл бұрын

David Hancock ok great I have an OM but everyone just tells me how great Minolta is and their glass so I just thought I was missing out on something. Thanks David! You’ve been very helpful appreciate the responses!

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

@@dannytran173 You're very welcome and I would rate Olympus glass as much better than Minolta, taken as a whole.

Im torn btween a Minolta X-700 and a Pentax K 1000. They both look great which would you take?

@DavidHancock

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! For those two, hard call because they fit different needs. The K1000 is simpler, more reliable in the long-term, and has more basic functionality. The X-700 will "do" more but honestly the only things it can do that the K1000 can't are DoF preview and self-timer use (the KM has both those features, however.)

@mkshffr4936

Жыл бұрын

Also IIRC Minolta had a mechanical camera that used the MC and MD lenses (SRT ?). If I am right that might make a nice backup body.

Any experience with the motor drive?

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

Not much. I tested a few of them when I was reselling used camera gear. Never used one as part of a shoot.

What if I open the back and then rewind the film? Do I expose the film and mess up all my pictures?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Yes. That would ruin most of your images. Some that were taken early in the roll might be protected by the film spooled up around them if you closed the film back right away.

Hello I have a question for you my operating button came off and I have no idea how to put t back on?!

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

Hmm. That might not be good. Which button? The on-off?

@neivagrijalva4518

6 жыл бұрын

David Hancock no the one you press to take the picture

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

OH! The shutter button popped out. So that's beyond my skills. Here's a video showing how to remove the top cover and that should help with showing the button removal and installation process. kzread.info/dash/bejne/YqSJta6tlJutmbg.html

Great video! but after watching im stuck on the fact that you said the versions made in China vs, Japan have a big difference, I was saddened to see China at the bottom of my cameras base. Does this mean mine will not last long and/or stop properly functioning in the long run?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Maybe or maybe not. If the capacitor fails on yours, it turns out to be really easy to replace (I didn't know how easy it was when I made this video.) It's basically a $1 (or less) part and about ten minutes of taking the camera base plate off, undoing some soldering, and soldering in the new capacitor. I've done it a few times in X-370 cameras and it's basically a piece of cake.

@TotesCray658

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Tanya! a year later comment so I hope you see this but how is your Minolta X700 holding up? I got one off craigslist and it is made in China but it looked practically new so I was just wonder what your experience has been?

How can I test the light meter without batteries or film before I buy one?

@DavidHancock

2 жыл бұрын

You can't. At minimum you need batteries.

@lukehobbs3177

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the quick reply

does the camera need batteries or is it fine without?

@DavidHancock

2 жыл бұрын

Video 2 covers the batteries. It requires them to operate.

Can you use a AF lens with this camera?

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

No. Only the manual focus SR (sometimes called MC and MD) lenses.

@mkshffr4936

Жыл бұрын

I have a vague memory of some lenses available back in the day that had their own auto focus systems build into the lens.

If anyone can comment & help me, my minolta x700 advanced lever is stuck, it cannot go all the way so shutter wont fire. Camera turns on & everything seems fine. Been looking through online & said it can be fix but have to replace the capacitor. Any help?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a shot capacitor. It's possible to repair but if you've never fixed a camera before, I would not recommend this as your first repair.

do you have a video on the XD7?

@DavidHancock

2 жыл бұрын

Nope. I haven't gotten into the XD and XE series at all yet.

@1RJ2

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock then I'll be looking forward to it in the future. I'll love a seris about these cameras

Great video David, I've really enjoyed watching! I recently bought a Minolta x700, but i'm having a problem with the shutter. When i advance the film, and return the lever all the way back and press the shutter, sometimes the camera won't fire, the led's stop flashing, the meter goes out. If i pull out the advance lever about 30 degrees, like you did in the video a couple of times, and press the shutter, it fires. Is it time for the caps replacement? Thanks!

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Sounds like the batteries might be dying. Are the batteries new or old?

@vladislavstanimirovic9650

7 жыл бұрын

David Hancock Hey David, thanks for the reply! Well the batteries are relatively new, because they work in my other cameras. I don't have an indication that the batteries are low, because the leds light up, and everything seems to work just fine. Until i press the shutter, that is...

@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904

6 жыл бұрын

100% a dead shutter capacitor, it's a cheap fix, just look up Minolta X-700 Capacitor on Google.

@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904

6 жыл бұрын

My X-700 had this and that was the problem, the repair was less than 20 Euros.

@vladislavstanimirovic9650

6 жыл бұрын

Yes l've replaced the cap with a tantalum one, but it didn't work because the old cap has leaked its guts and had damaged the circuit board. Too bad, it was in great shape.

What type of film does it use ?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Any 35mm film will work.

Hi, i am facing a difficulty here with my minolta x700. After i remove the used film and proceed to load a new film, the advance lever is loose and the sprocket cannot be turn. then, my film cannot be loaded bcos I cant move the lever. I thought it was battery problem but even with new batteries, it is still stuck. Please help!! Thank you!

@DavidHancock

2 жыл бұрын

That's a stripped advance gear. The bad news is that it requires a professional repair because there's a lot of disassembly involved. It won't work until it's repaired.

@jingyee2696

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock oh my, does this happen bcos of my handling? Bcos it is my first time facing such issue.

@DavidHancock

2 жыл бұрын

@@jingyee2696 Possibly. It could be that you advanced the lever at the end of the roll, which would strip the gear, or it could be something got jammed some other way and that advancing the lever stripped the gear then. The best advice I could give you for that, either way, is just to be mindful of the force you use to advance the film, to always be gentle with these as they are getting older, and to be sure at the end of the roll to only advance until the lever stops (then finish the advance motion after you rewind the film.)

What did you mean by "data back" ? What is it for? And where do i buy film for the X-700?

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

There was an optional accessory called a data back that would imprint the date and time onto the bottom right of photos. They're not in any way necessary. For film, any 35mm will work. Freestyle in California an d B&H in New York are the best sources in the U.S. If you're outside the U.S. there are other good stores but I don't know them.

@hasdrubalsosamarquez5430

4 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock Thank you! Forgive me for being a late bloomer Lol ...

@DavidHancock

4 жыл бұрын

Don't sweat it. If you're new to film from digital imagery, it's a whole new world. I wouldn't expect a house painter who has only ever used a spray gun to know how to apply wallpaper. They're different disciplines with some overlap. It's something that's a lot of fun to learn and film photography will inform and improve all your photography.

I have 3 Japanese made x-700 cameras and they have 3 different problem, so what do you say?

@DavidHancock

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not certain I understand your question. It sounds like what you're trying to indicate is that you don't agree with the statement that the made in Japan cameras have a higher reliability compared to the later ones made in other countries. If that's the case, I sell this model camera and it's one of my highest-volume cameras. Right now I'm very low on inventory and only have around 20. Two do need repair, neither made in Japan. Let me know if that correctly interprets your question. As for issues with cameras, yes, they will all at some point based on use, manufacturing variances and quality, and general owner treatment and care have problems. Statistically speaking, on all cameras across all makers that were made in multiple countries starting in Japan, the Japanese-made cameras have the longest and most well established track record of quality and reliability.

I'm shooting with the Panasonic FZ80 camera. I want to move to full frame digital. The Sony A7 ii, will accommodate my desire. I still have a perfectly working Minolta X700 camera, with Minolta lenses. I under that I should be able to use them on the Sony A7 ii. What do I need to do that?

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

You'd need a Minolta MD to Sony E adapter for that.

@TheLifetraveler1

6 жыл бұрын

David Hancock thank you for the quick response. Based on what you have told me I researched it and I was able to find one at B&H photo and video. I should be able to get it within the next couple of days. Thank you again!

Where did the X-370 fall in line with this? I thought it came after?

@DavidHancock

7 жыл бұрын

The X-370 was in the generation after the X-700, but the X-700 was made for about two decades.

@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904

6 жыл бұрын

The X-370 is the same camera as the X-300, it's just that in the US it was sold as the 370, just like what in Europe is a X-500 in the US is a X-570, it came 2 or 3 years later than the X-700 and was the more affordable version of the X-700, lacking program mode and some other features.

@gerarda9827

4 жыл бұрын

I own the Minolta X-700, X-570 and X-370 bought in 1985-86, and the X-700 came out 1st 1981 full features, X-570 in 1983 with less feature then X-700, and the X-370 in 1984 with lesser feature than X-570. However Minolta improved the light meter reading in the viewfinder with X-570 and X-370. To me, all those X-series camera are excellent.

I have that camera but the advance is not working and there's no beep, even after new batteries?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Make sure that the batteries are in correctly, that the on switch is set to on, and that the battery chamber and cap are clean. If those are all true and the camera is still not working, let me know if the lights are on in the viewfinder or not.

@d.b.2812

5 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock will do , thanks had to stop tornado warning is going off,

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Stay safe, hopefully in your basement.

@d.b.2812

5 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock it's past and we don't have basements here in Texas, but thanks.

@d.b.2812

5 жыл бұрын

Seems all the new batteries I just got are no good, so I'm back to square one,

Mine was made in China. Looks o be in close to mint condition. What issues could I expect, if any?

@DavidHancock

5 ай бұрын

Most likely, the shutter capacitor will eventually fail. That will look like the mirror just getting stuck in the mid- or up-position and the camera locking. New batteries won't fix it. The good news is that there are some very good tutorials on the subject on KZread and it's an easy fix (I've done a number of them) that takes around 20 minutes if you're comfortable with a soldering iron.

@jeremyharris8796

5 ай бұрын

@@DavidHancock thanks. I just bought it from a local shop the other day, and can most likely return it. Maybe they have a Japanese made model? Most likely I’ll just keep this one.

Is the battery still available today?

@DavidHancock

5 жыл бұрын

Yup. A76, S76, 357, and LR44 are all basically the same. Any grocery or pharmacy will sell them as they're also used in medical devices, laser pointers, etc.

@cstrcstr8841

5 жыл бұрын

@@DavidHancock Wow. Hahaha. Thank you so much! Hoping this will be my very first camera to buy and later upgrade to A1 or F2/Fm2. Thank you for providing us this kind of video. God bless! 😊😇

I want to sell my Minolta X-700 camera and accessories. The only thing I haven't followed in your video is I left my battery in. My camera has always had a leather cover and is kept in my bag. I didn't use it that much, so everything looks nearly brand-new. My question is that I have a wide-angled and a zoom lens, but the plastic on the lens attachment has gotten dry and cracked and needs to be replaced. I need to buy another lens attachment piece before I can sell the entire set. The one that has the plastic cracked says Vivitar VMC SKYLIGHT 1A 49MM. I have yet to find one with these exact specifications. Where can I buy a lens attachment ring, and what types will work on my X-700 Minolta Camera. My lenses are OSAWA. I've looked on e-Bay, but I need to know exactly what will work or what it's technically called.

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

I think the best bet that I have is to check with a local camera shop. Sounds like you're asking about the UV filter, but a camera shop can verify.

Omg hat a sav at 4:50

@DavidHancock

6 жыл бұрын

You lost me after OMG.

I'm looking at a Minolta X700 and a Pentax MX. Which one would be better recommended?

@DavidHancock

Жыл бұрын

That depends on you. Do you have lenses in one of the two systems already? Go with that camera. Do you need Program mode and aperture-priority modes? Only the X-700 has that. Do you want something a bit smaller? That's the MX. So which one you pick would be based on your needs.