i got given 3 film cameras

[cyberspider]

hi all im new found this forum after watching a youtube vid
well as i say i was given 3 film slr cameras
pentax p30T
canon ESO 1000f
minolta x700

iv always thought about using film but the speed of "other" camera tech was always the draw

but after my "other" gave up the job i turnd to my film cameras
and plus i found the cost of a equivalent to a film camera WAY to pricey even used

so i have started to use my old film cameras and i must say the tones and detail is amazing

im a beginner really still mucking up alot
the two photos was taken freehand with the pentax i have a tripod now
a cullmann 2921 also given to me
always looking for advice
oh and i live in the uk wales "but im not welsh"

 

[Denis R]

welcome

if you want fast results, POLAROID, the impossible project

use the minolta, it will grow on you

this page will get you started http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/minoltax700/

this one has more http://www.kenrockwell.com/minolta/700.htm

and even more, the rokkor files Dead Link Removed

the manual http://ca.konicaminolta.com/support/manuals/film-cameras/film_mf_slr/x_700/X-700Manual-Part1.pdf

I recently acquired a complete xg-9 kit

 

[Ralph Javins]

Good morning, CyberSpider;

First, welcome to APUG. You will find an interesting collection of knowledgeable people here who share a common passion for film and the cameras that use it. And, APUG is one of the fastest growing special interest groups on the Internet. We are now rapidly approaching 40,000 participants, and it was just early last year that APUG hit 30,000. 10,000 people in one year!

Second, from me and my particular point of view, congratulations on being the owner of a Minolta X-700. While I do have many Minolta cameras, the X-700 with the MD-1 Motor Drive is a camera that just seems to fit my hand. I like that camera. And, the Minolta X-700 System is a camera system that will allow you do do virtually anything you want do do photographically with film, from microphotography to astrophotography.

 

[Rick A]

Howdy, and welcome to APUG. Stick to the manual cameras, and do not rely on the auto functions of any camera. This is a great place to learn, so ask many questions, and reap many answers.

Rick

 

[cyberspider]

thank you for the links i cant seem to get the last one to load though

and Ralph Javins i have been looking for a motordrive but as yet no luck not so easy to find the bits here in the uk
i have put two rolls of film through the x700 and i must say it dose feel good in the hand

i need to get other stuff too like a flash im mostly interested in wildlife and landscape photography

 

[Denis R]

more

the last link is for a PDF, for part 2, change 1 for 2 in the link, may need to do a save file as...

the main page link is http://ca.konicaminolta.com/support/manuals/film-cameras/film_mf_slr/

since the minolta works fine in A mode, it is a great companion for architecture, landscape, and wildlife, lets you control the DOF

I suggest you sell the canon and pentax to afford the 200x or 280x flash, or some other MINOLTA flash and film....

ROKKOR lenses are hard to beat, both MC and MD

The motor winder is not necessary, but is a nice option

the leader may need to be cut down in height to load properly

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Hello CyberSpider, I hope you enjoy APUG. A motordrive is nice, but you could live without though.

Jeff

 

[cyberspider]

im guessing from all the posts that the minolta is a good camera i have not had the film i took developed yet

 

[Denis R]

minolta good

the x700 was the LAST MANUAL focus minolta

just got back from art show, had the minolta with 45mm f2, power winder, and flash hanging on the neckstrap for a while, mostly because someone else had their d!g!tal nikon with 18 - 55mm f4.5-5.6 and flash popped up hanging from her neck, the flash didn't go off ever

I actually used the flash for 2 pictures, then took it off, and proceded to take more pictures, also used the 28mm f2.8

also used nikon N75 and D60 to take similar images with 50mm f1.8

 

[jamesgignac]

Hey there CS, welcome to APUG - I joined this place about a year and a half ago and feel very much the wiser for it - it's a pretty clever(/rowdy) group and you'll find that reading through countless threads and picking up on particular commentators and opinions is as much enjoyable as it is intellectually fulfilling.

Firstly I recommend working with what you have - you'll probably be tempted to start picking up seemingly 'essential' pieces to your camera (toy) collection but be warned that you just end up dividing your time and attention from looking through lenses. Anyhow you'll have enough to think about when you start processing film & printing (assuming you don't do so already.)

Best of luck!!

 

[cyberspider]

i have to send off my film to be developed i dont do it my self would not know where to start plus cost

 

[jamesgignac]

CS, well if you're ever interested it's a great step to take - at least developing your own film - you could then buy a film scanner if you didn't want to get into printing (excuse the hybrid-process/grey area mention?) - scanners for 35mm film can be picked pretty inexpensively.

Keep playing around with it as long as it holds your attention - the pictures and techniques only improve with time & practice - I, for one, have a long way to go

 

[Denis R]

development

one option is to use a b&w c41 film such as xp2 super so the local minilab can handle the film, and you can make prints in the dark

b&w is easier to do at home than color
read this (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

this is also interesting regarding the cost of d-76 (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[cyberspider]

i like the detail that film gives me to kinda get the same with the "other" format it would cost £5000. give or take

i would like to try and develop my own film

 

[fotch]

Hello CyberSpider,
Developing and printing is at least half the fun of photography. Try it, you will like it. Lots of help from APUG members.

 

[cyberspider]

well i have looking at the prices of enlargers and so on
hmm i may have to keep sending my stuff off there not cheap

 

[GeoffHill]

Processing B&W is really easy. I know this because I can do it It's also really good fun.

http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/introduction-to-film-processing-kit-1128-p.asp

 

[cyberspider]

thanks for the link very interesting im looking for an enlarger now lol

 

[Ralph Javins]

Good morning, CyberSpider;

Several others have mentioned that the Minolta MD-1 Motor Drive "is not necessary." They are correct; it is not truly necessary for the normal operation of the Minolta X-700. My preference for using the MD-1 with the X-700 is because it makes it so much easier to carry in my right hand, it gives it a little more weight for greater stability, and the MD-1 shutter release button is right there where my finger expects to find it. That is why I say that "it just fits my hand." I have large hands and the combination has perfect ergonomics for me. The convenience of the MD-1 advancing the film for me is a very nice extra feature, and it allows me to keep the camera up to my face for the next shot.

Denis spoke of the X-700 being the last manual focusing Minolta camera. While production of the X-700 did begin in Japan in about 1981, it was next moved to Southeast Asia (Indonesia or Vietnam?), and then on to China where it was still in production until 2001. That is a remarkable 20 year run for a film camera; a rarity in recent modern photographic time for a 35mm camera. That must say something about how the X-700 was accepted and used by photographers. Then again, the argus C3 was in production for 25 years from 1939 to 1964 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. What comparison can we make with the modern digital cameras where there seems to be a continuous stream of "new models" with "more features" that we never knew that we needed?

 

[dynachrome]

I now have five X-700s. When an X-700 is working properly it's a very pleasant camera to use. It's not too light or too heavy. The finder is very bright, it has interchangeable focusing screens, it has TTL flash capability with the Minolta PX flash units, the Sunpak 555 and possible some Nissin units, the meter is sensitive and accurate. The X-700 has two weak points. There is a diode or capacitor of some kind which has a limited lifespan. The part is inexpensive but having it installed has a cost. I have been told that the strings which pull the shutter curtains are made of cotton. One of my X-700s has a problem with about a third of the frame being dark when shooting with flash. The curtains are durable but the strings pulling them probably need to be replaced.

 

[cyberspider]

i would like to get a minolta 700si

 

[Wade D]

I now have five X-700s. When an X-700 is working properly it's a very pleasant camera to use. It's not too light or too heavy. The finder is very bright, it has interchangeable focusing screens, it has TTL flash capability with the Minolta PX flash units, the Sunpak 555 and possible some Nissin units, the meter is sensitive and accurate. The X-700 has two weak points. There is a diode or capacitor of some kind which has a limited lifespan. The part is inexpensive but having it installed has a cost. I have been told that the strings which pull the shutter curtains are made of cotton. One of my X-700s has a problem with about a third of the frame being dark when shooting with flash. The curtains are durable but the strings pulling them probably need to be replaced.

I have 2 X-700's. Both needed the capacitor replaced which I did myself. Now they work like new. The capacitors are cheap (Micro-Tools has them) and you just remove the bottom plate and solder the new one in. Very simple. You'll know when the capacitor goes bad when the shutter won't fire but the meter still lights up. Film wind also locks up. I've used the X-700's since the early 80's and still love them.

 

[unclemack]

well i have looking at the prices of enlargers and so on
hmm i may have to keep sending my stuff off there not cheap

Medium & large format enlarger prices haven't fallen as much as 35mm.
There are probably half a dozen 35mm. enlargers and everything else you would need in the lofts of houses in just your street!
Maybe try a "wanted - cheap!" ad. in your local newsagent?
Tell charity shops and those people who clear houses for a living what you're looking for and maybe you'll get lucky again?
Never heard of the Welsh giving stuff away to the Notails before...

 

[Cliffy13]

I think that using film having got used to digital is similar as using medium or large format as opposed to an autofocus 35mm SLR in that you slow down,I have found since returning to using film alongside digital that I take more time checking composition and metering that I do with the DSLR.As a result I rarely have any cropping to do when I scan my films in because I have taken time at the shooting stage

 

[zeta3]

What are the lenses like for the Minolta? How do they compare for contrast/acuity/resolution against say Olympus OM or Canon FD ... or the holy grail Leica M? I ask because I have acquired an XG9 (maybe a 7?) with the 55/1.7 and a 28/2.8. I love the field of view of the 55 and much prefer it to a standard 50. I have a roll in it at the moment but it will be a few weeks before I finish that. So far in handling, I like it. It feels comfortable in my hand and isnt complicated.

Sorry to hijack the thread but it seemed more "friendly" than starting a new one on a similar topic.