Minolta X 370s Lens Suggestions

[Roundabout]

I've just picked up a very cheap Minolta X 370s, which seems to work. No idea if it's a good camera in general, but it was cheap.

It has come with some kind of 35-70mm zoom lens. But I generally prefer prime lenses. I know nothing about Minolta cameras, can anyone suggest any good (but also cheap) 50mm, 40mm or 35 mm lenses for this?

Thanks

 

[RayDrueke]

Hi,

I think you'll like the Minolta - I bought that model new way back then and still have it. I have a 28mm f/2.8 by Sigma, a Minolta MC 50mm f/1.4, a Minolta MC Rokkor 135mm f/2.8 and a Minolta MD celtic 200mm f/4. The 50mm stays on the camera most of the time.

A 50mm f/1.7 was the kit lens and they are available on the 'Bay for not much $$ - maybe $10-$20. I recently bought 3 more bodies and lenses for a film project our photo group is undertaking and they ran about $30 for the X370 body and kit 50mm lens and a bag. Not too bad.

Minolta glass was always good, especially Rokkor.

Ray.

 

[snapguy]

agree

I agree that Minoltas are fine cameras. I believe they are underrated. You can buy film bodies and lenses for them for a song if you look around. You won't be disappointed in Minolta lenses if you find some in good condition. Careful, you might get addicted to them.

 

[Les Sarile]

Minolta lenses are very undervalued but equal to any.

 

[McFortner]

I have two X-370 cameras and they are great. Get a couple of Minolta primes and you'll be set.

 

[pbromaghin]

I have a x-370, x-570 and 2 x-700s. They are wonderful cameras. The x-370 is the entry to the series, but it is just missing a few features you don't really need and won't miss. Get the Minolta brand lenses, they are so cheap and so good that there is no reason to get 3rd party lenses. And don't bother with Celtic, the Minolta "value" brand of lenses. Although you prefer the primes, the zooms are also very good.

 

[cmacd123]

I have recently started playing with the Minolta X series. the 370 just needs a minolta MC series lens The X700 would perfer the MD series. Seagull in China also made the 370 under licence as a DF-300.

only known common problem is the electronically controlled shutter can have a bad capacitor, but if the shutter will fire you are good to go.

 

[Roundabout]

Thanks everyone. The 50mm f/1.7 seems to be all over eBay for very little. I may play with the 35-70mm zoom lens it came with and see how it works out, and then have a look at some primes.

(It's weird having aperture priority in the viewfinder. This is the most 'modern' film camera I have. I generally stick with my OM1n.)

Actually, are there any recommendations for Minolta tele lenses? I never use them and perhaps this is an opportunity to get a decent cheap one.

 

[RayDrueke]

Hi,

My 135 2.8 Rokkor is marked tele and the 200 4.0 certainly is tele.

Ray.

 

[Paul Howell]

I have a X700 with the standard 50.17 which I later added a 50 1.4, both are excellent lens, Minolta made great glass. Minolta made a full range off teles, 85, 100, 200, 300, 400, 800 1000 and I think a 2000 along with a couple of reflexes. The 135 2.8 is a common lens and inexpensive.

 

[Roundabout]

Thanks folks.

 

[McFortner]

Here's a good site to check out for a basic overview of Minolta cameras and lenses: Dead Link Removed

 

[billdele]

Two lenses which I don't think have been mentioned: I find both of them to be excellent and they should be found easily-- 35mm F/2.8 MD; 135mm F/3.5 MD.

 

[Alan Gales]

Years ago my boss was going to zero out (throw away) a display Minolta slr because he thought it was broken. I thought it just needed a fresh battery (which it did) and convinced him to let me buy it for $25.00. I ran a roll of color film through it and had 4x6 prints made. A friend of mine was looking for a 35mm camera so I offered it to him at a bit of a profit to myself. The Minolta had the standard 50mm MD lens on it. He couldn't believe my photos and was convinced I had shot them with my Contax and 50mm Zeiss lens. I offered him a money back guarantee so he bought the Minolta and was thrilled with it.

There is nothing wrong with Minolta lenses.

 

[Malinku]

I'd recommend a Rokkor-X 50mm F1.7 (takes 55mm filters). It is currently my favorite 50mm and my go to for indoor events. it is has nice sharpness and good bokeh. It is one of the cheapest MD lenses you can get.

I was able to get very nice 8x10 prints out of the lens when using delta 3200. But I might be a bit biased as it is currently the only lens I made money off of.
Sample pic with my copy. looks a lot better as a print.

 

[Alan Gales]

Sample pic with my copy. looks a lot better as a print.

Don't they all?

Nice shot!