Canon EF vs Minolta XE-7

I'm thinking of adding a Canon EF (1973) to my collection.

How does this camera compare to the later Minolta XE-7?

Both have a similar look and heft. The major difference I can see is shutter priority automation for the EF, and aperture priority for the XE-7. There's also a difference in battery power.

The EF is referred to as a baby F-1, and the XE-7 is said to be a Minolta Leicaflex. High quality cameras indeed.

I had an EF for a while. It was a nice sturdy backup for my New F-1.

One thing to look for is which focusing screen it has. Earlier ones like mine had a microprism spot, and later ones have I think a split image with a microprism ring. Google around and you should be able to find the serial number range where the change occurs.

It used mercury cells, but has a voltage regulator, so some people report success with 1.5V alkaline cells. I found that very fresh 1.5V batteries sometimes were over voltage and out of range of the voltage regulator, or for whatever reason they didn't work, but if I stuck them in a drawer for a few months, they might be fine. I usually used the Wein Zinc-Air cells.

I own a XE-7. Batteries are the S76 type and readily available. The XE-7 shares design and parts with the Leica R-3.

The XE-7 was built with a Copal Square shutter developed with Leica. The shutter is smooth and quiet. The ball bearing film advance is the smoother than any Minolta and Nikon. The R3 combined a spot meter with an average meter. The XE-7 has an bottom weighted average system. The top and bottom plate is brass and has character with light rub marks. The XE-7 is well built and reliable.

The best reason to buy a Minolta is the great glass available at little cost. Best optics are the Rokkor X line.

I've owned several 35mm SLR's including Minolta SRT-201; XE-7, and XK Motor. Also, several Nikon F's. The XE-7 was my favorite. Metering was excellent, and the camera had all the features I ever needed except one-interchangeable focus screens. Considering the size, weight (relative to the F's and the XK), I would gladly sacrifice the interchangeable screens for the all around useability of this camera. As Richard says, the glass is excellent, there's lots of variety in focal lengths available used, and they are relatively cheap. Extremely reliable camera. I even loaned it to my sister who used it for several months in Africa with zero problems. Also, I have never much cared for shutter priority-doesn't suit my style,

I own two XE-7's and consider them among my finest SLR's.

I'm also familiar with XK. I run a Yahoo group:
Dead Link Removed
Conversations have died down over the years but there is still a wealth of XK information in the files section.

Regarding the Canon EF, it looks like a nice collectable "serious" SLR from the mid-70's. I think I'd enjoy shooting with it. Those Canon FD lenses are no slouch, either.

I got into Canon EFs a few years ago and I do love them. I have 2. I recently discovered the world of
old Minoltas and have and SRT, XM and XE-7. Of all my cameras I think the XE-7 is my favorite. It is so
beautiful in it's operation. The ball bearing smoothness can't be beat. Batteries are easy to find.

The EF is also a beautiful camera and also has a Copal shutter - rare for Canon. Very simple to operate.
The ergonomics are not as crude as they look. It feels like the XE-7 is an EF taken to the next level.

That being said, I am spoiled for choice - I have both!

They are both classic beauties.

Using a Canon EF, with DEAD Batteries.

I owned a Canon EF, which by the way CANNOT take EF lenses. That used to get asked a lot.

The Canon EF, had a 1/125 sec flash synch speed. If your batteries fail, ALL upper shutter speeds, ( stopping at the white - orange color change ) will still work.
I just wish they had made a motor for it. I used a " Right Grip ", on it, to hold it like my motor driven A1, F1n, F1N & T90.