Minolta XE-7. Any reason to buy one?

xkaes · Jan 9, 2024

Les Sarile said:
Why don't you tell us what you really think . . .

I'm sure I did.

I have an X-700, X-570, X-370, XG-9, and several others. I use the IR remote to control three XG cameras to take pictures of birds at my feeders. Great gadget -- but it is not an X-700-only accessory.

I use the MD-1 on several cameras -- which was designed for the XG-M (hence the "M").

There are lots of reasons why someone would want an X-700. Top, of course, is the P-mode, but there are only a couple of other features and accessories that are particular to the X-700 -- and few people use these -- so it's not for everyone.

The basic features are the same between the X-700 and the XG-M, with the exception of the programmed exposure mode, OTF flash, AE lock, and a slight difference in the exposure compensation dial. In the XG-M, the dial is limited at the top and the bottom of the film speed scale. For example, at ISO 1600, the exposure compensation dial cannot be set for under-exposure. On the X-700, the film speed range is increased (ISO 12-3200) and the exposure compensation dial can use any setting -- even at the extreme ISO speeds. The X-700 retained the "touch-switch" of the XG series and can use the XG Auto Winder. It can also use the new MD-1 Motor Drive of the XG-M as well as the XG-series data backs. But new optional accessories were added with the X-700 (some of which operated with some of Minolta's later -- and older -- cameras). A new Multi-Function back was introduced ($284, list) with date and intervalometer functions, and new interchangeable focusing screens became available. In addition, a new Wireless Controller to go along with the backs and motor drives was unveiled ($167, list) with remote operation up to 200 feet. The shutter speed on the X-700, in automatic mode, was increased from the 1-1,000 of the XG and XD series to 4-1/000. This matched the range of the earlier XE cameras, but was still below the range of the older XK series (16 seconds to 1/2,000). Similarly, the X-700 used the horizontal, cloth shutter of the XG series and abandoned the vertical, metal shutter of the XD and XE series -- leaving the X-700 with a slightly slower synch speed than some would like (1/60).

There were actually three versions of the X-700, but the model is not inscribed on the camera.

Les Sarile · Jan 9, 2024

xkaes said:
I'm sure I did.

I have an X-700, X-570, X-370, XG-9, and several others. I use the IR remote to control three XG cameras to take pictures of birds at my feeders. Great gadget -- but it is not an X-700-only accessory.

I use the MD-1 on several cameras -- which was designed for the XG-M (hence the "M").

There are lots of reasons why someone would want an X-700. Top, of course, is the P-mode, but there are only a couple of other features and accessories that are particular to the X-700 -- and few people use these -- so it's not for everyone.

The basic features are the same between the X-700 and the XG-M, with the exception of the programmed exposure mode, OTF flash, AE lock, and a slight difference in the exposure compensation dial. In the XG-M, the dial is limited at the top and the bottom of the film speed scale. For example, at ISO 1600, the exposure compensation dial cannot be set for under-exposure. On the X-700, the film speed range is increased (ISO 12-3200) and the exposure compensation dial can use any setting -- even at the extreme ISO speeds. The X-700 retained the "touch-switch" of the XG series and can use the XG Auto Winder. It can also use the new MD-1 Motor Drive of the XG-M as well as the XG-series data backs. But new optional accessories were added with the X-700 (some of which operated with some of Minolta's later -- and older -- cameras). A new Multi-Function back was introduced ($284, list) with date and intervalometer functions, and new interchangeable focusing screens became available. In addition, a new Wireless Controller to go along with the backs and motor drives was unveiled ($167, list) with remote operation up to 200 feet. The shutter speed on the X-700, in automatic mode, was increased from the 1-1,000 of the XG and XD series to 4-1/000. This matched the range of the earlier XE cameras, but was still below the range of the older XK series (16 seconds to 1/2,000). Similarly, the X-700 used the horizontal, cloth shutter of the XG series and abandoned the vertical, metal shutter of the XD and XE series -- leaving the X-700 with a slightly slower synch speed than some would like (1/60).

There were actually three versions of the X-700, but the model is not inscribed on the camera.

Just to be clear, the intervalometer back is solely for the X-700?

xkaes · Jan 9, 2024

I don't really know. I don't have one so I haven't tried it out on all the models that have interchangeable backs and accept the MD-1. I don't know why it would not work on at least some other cameras. I assume it won't work with the auto-winders, but I don't know that for sure either.

Paul Howell · Jan 9, 2024

Chan Tran said:
I don't like it much either but it's about the best Maxxum I have. I have the QTsi which is ultra low end and the Maxxum 70 which is also a low end one. The 800si is a high end model but let me put battery in it and see how I like it. From the look of it, it look reasonable not so ugly like the 9xi. I think of all the Maxxum I only want the 7 and 9 but the 7 wasn't made in Japan so I don't like that either. I hope the 9 is made in Japan. But a good condition Maxxum 9 would be more expensive than my pristine F5 which doesn't make sense to me,. Back in 2002 I paid more for my F5 than the Maxxum 9.
Come to think of it. If I were to buy a Minolta now the XE-7 makes a lot of sense. Of course the SRT's are fine but both you and I have them already.

The 9 was made in relative small numbers, the high end model was the white titanium which is very collectable. If the viewfinder readout was brighter would be a winner for me. I use mine for wildlife, weather sealed, rain cape for the lens, shoots about 6 FPS, stainless steel shell reason it is so heavy, but unless factory modified will not work with SSM lens. Does have a on board flash which is useful for fill in flash. Although I have not shot at the top shutter speed of 1/12000 of a second shutter speed was the fastest of the day. Unless you need the top shutter speed of 1/12000 of a second, weather resistance, the XE7 has a lot to offer at much less cost.

KerrKid · Jan 9, 2024

Paul Howell said:
I have the 7XI, 9XI, 800si, 5. 7 and 9. The 7XI and 9Xi are easy to use, only drawback is having to use the function cards for advanced features like auto bracketing. The 9 is a solid camera, heavy, great features, but here in the low desert the viewfinder readout is hard to see in bright daylight. My goto body is the 800si with battery grip, not as many features as the 9, and menu driven, takes more time to set up. Viewfinder readout is much better, and it is lighter than the 9. Right now I have some of the Artista Pan 100 in the 9XI which I am shooting in manual mode. The 5 and 7 will work my few SSM lens, not sure why but I've not taken a shine to the 7. The A9000 is a one of a kind, the only Pro Level AF body with manual advance or choise of motor drive or auto winder. Fussy camera to use, but the Spot and highlight spot meter exposure modes work really well.

What lens are you using on the 9xi? I only have the 28-85mm but may get a 50mm for it.

I like the way the 9xi fits my hands, but it does seem to have a bewildering amount of settings which is offputing to me. Chan Tran did send the Custom card with the camera and that is supposed to be one of the few desirable cards.

I would love to be able to take the focusing screen out to clean out all the mung I see through the viewfinder, but I can't figure out how. I tried and only managed to scratch the focusing screen a bit.

xkaes · Jan 9, 2024

Paul Howell said:
Unless you need the top shutter speed of 1/12000 of a second, weather resistance, the XE7 has a lot to offer at much less cost.

Plus, they use completely different lenses. If you only use Rokkor or Maxxum lenses, the option is already made.

KerrKid · Jan 9, 2024

Chan Tran said:
I don't like it much either but it's about the best Maxxum I have. I have the QTsi which is ultra low end and the Maxxum 70 which is also a low end one. The 800si is a high end model but let me put battery in it and see how I like it. From the look of it, it look reasonable not so ugly like the 9xi. I think of all the Maxxum I only want the 7 and 9 but the 7 wasn't made in Japan so I don't like that either. I hope the 9 is made in Japan. But a good condition Maxxum 9 would be more expensive than my pristine F5 which doesn't make sense to me,. Back in 2002 I paid more for my F5 than the Maxxum 9.
Come to think of it. If I were to buy a Minolta now the XE-7 makes a lot of sense. Of course the SRT's are fine but both you and I have them already.

The 800si still has that 9xi vibe so I'm not sure I could warm up to it. The Maxxum 7 just looks better to my eyes and seems like it would be a joy to use.

The a-9 is overkill for me.

I've never felt underserved by my SRT101's or 201, but I really like my SRT102 more. The winder is very smooth and easy to wind and seeing the aperture in the viewfinder is a nice touch.

So, I don't need an XE-7 but............I just bought one on the big auction site. I know, after saying I couldn't and wouldn't. But you know what they say, "The best way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it". It was $45 with everything working except an intermittent winder and in great cosmetic shape. I looked up the intermittent winder issue and it looks like an easy fix requiring just a drop of watch oil under the winder lever.

Is a $45 XE-7 worth it? Will I bond with it? I dunno. We'll see. But what a bargain for a camera of this quality.

Meanwhile, I'd really like my Maxxum 7 to work.

Chan Tran · Jan 9, 2024

KerrKid said:
The 800si still has that 9xi vibe so I'm not sure I could warm up to it. The Maxxum 7 just looks better to my eyes and seems like it would be a joy to use.

The a-9 is overkill for me.

I've never felt underserved by my SRT101's or 201, but I really like my SRT102 more. The winder is very smooth and easy to wind and seeing the aperture in the viewfinder is a nice touch.

So, I don't need an XE-7 but............I just bought one on the big auction site. I know, after saying I couldn't and wouldn't. But you know what they say, "The best way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it". It was $45 with everything working except an intermittent winder and in great cosmetic shape. I looked up the intermittent winder issue and it looks like an easy fix requiring just a drop of watch oil under the winder lever.

Is a $45 XE-7 worth it? Will I bond with it? I dunno. We'll see. But what a bargain for a camera of this quality.

Meanwhile, I'd really like my Maxxum 7 to work.

I surely hope you could get the Maxxum 7 to work. I really think our Photrio member Andreas Thaler can fix it. He is very familiar with the Minolta stuff and he is good at electronic too. But he is in Austria and I doubt that he would be interested.

aw614 · Jan 9, 2024

Have you checked with any of the repair shops on this list to see if they could repair the Maxxum 7?

Minolta Camera and Lens Repair Services – Earth, Sun, Film

earthsunfilm.com

KerrKid · Jan 9, 2024

Chan Tran said:
I surely hope you could get the Maxxum 7 to work. I really think our Photrio member Andreas Thaler can fix it. He is very familiar with the Minolta stuff and he is good at electronic too. But he is in Austria and I doubt that he would be interested.

Oh, yeh, he's in Austria. I forgot about that. I doubt it would be worth sending it there and back even if he could fix it.

Well, I know others here in the States could fix it, but it is an expensive fix from a labor standpoint and not worth it.

I may attempt it myself sometime down the road. It's a nice curio for now.

KerrKid · Jan 9, 2024

aw614 said:
Have you checked with any of the repair shops on this list to see if they could repair the Maxxum 7?

Minolta Camera and Lens Repair Services – Earth, Sun, Film

earthsunfilm.com

Thanks for this link!

Duceman · Jan 9, 2024

KerrKid said:
Thanks for this link!

FYI... Garry's Camera (which is on that list) does list the Maxxum 7 as a camera he works on: http://www.garryscamera.com/MinoltaAuto.htm

I've sent many a camera to Garry for CLA's and fixing. No complaints.

KerrKid · Jan 9, 2024

Duceman said:
FYI... Garry's Camera (which is on that list) does list the Maxxum 7 as a camera he works on: http://www.garryscamera.com/MinoltaAuto.htm

I've sent many a camera to Garry for CLA's and fixing. No complaints.

Good to know. Thanks!

MattKing · Jan 9, 2024

FWIW, the demand for Shutter Speed priority automation reflected the heyday of Kodachrome 64 and Kodachrome 25. If you work handheld with 25 ASA film, you tend to want to choose your shutter speed first.

ant! · Jan 9, 2024

xkaes said:
The IR remote is a nice gadget -- you can control up to THREE cameras with ONE trigger -- but it works on ANY Minolta XG camera, as well as the later Minolta X-xxx cameras (X-700, X-570, X-370, X-9, X-7A...........................) That's nothing special about the X-700.

The IR1 comes with 3 different cables: one screw in which works with the XD and X series (not sure, maybe not with the SRT and others?), one for the XK, and one for the later AF cameras which fits still the 7.
I tried out all except the XK version, since I don't have this camera. I sold the cable with one remote, and it got lost in transit...

And yes, MD1 works with the X570, but not the X600 due its large battery compartment.

xkaes · Jan 9, 2024

MattKing said:
If you work handheld with 25 ASA film, you tend to want to choose your shutter speed first.

From my experience, if you work with Kodachrome 25 at all, choose a tripod.

MattKing · Jan 9, 2024

xkaes said:
From my experience, if you work with Kodachrome 25 at all, choose a tripod.

I was in my teens and early 20s when I used Kodachrome 25 - and briefly Kodachrome II before it - so I approached things slightly differently back then .
My perspective about aperture priority vs. shutter speed priority actually came more from selling cameras to people during the time when SLR use amongst amateurs essentially exploded.

Paul Howell · Jan 9, 2024

KerrKid said:
What lens are you using on the 9xi? I only have the 28-85mm but may get a 50mm for it.

I like the way the 9xi fits my hands, but it does seem to have a bewildering amount of settings which is offputing to me. Chan Tran did send the Custom card with the camera and that is supposed to be one of the few desirable cards.

I would love to be able to take the focusing screen out to clean out all the mung I see through the viewfinder, but I can't figure out how. I tried and only managed to scratch the focusing screen a bit.

Right now I have the 50 1.7, on it in the bag is the 28 2.8 and 28 to 105, as I am testing the new Freestyle rebranded Orwa at ISo 100 I need the speed of the primes. I use my 9xi in manual mode, matrix metering. I have to look at the manuals but I don't think the 9XI and 800si have interchanable screens. The A9000 and 9 have a small set of screens. The 800si has 3 presets, so it a bit easer to work with the menu driven controls.

xkaes · Jan 9, 2024

ant! said:
The IR1 comes with 3 different cables: one screw in which works with the XD and X series (not sure, maybe not with the SRT and others?), one for the XK, and one for the later AF cameras which fits still the 7.
I tried out all except the XK version, since I don't have this camera. I sold the cable with one remote, and it got lost in transit...

And yes, MD1 works with the X570, but not the X600 due its large battery compartment.

The IR remote works on the XG series as well.

Originally, there were two cables for the IR remote. One came with the unit, while the other was available as a separate accessory for the XK models. It looked pretty much the same -- good luck finding one. Earlier cameras (SR, SRT) lacked the electro-magnetic shutter release needed for the IR remote.

I'm not familiar with a cable for the Maxxum cameras. I assume this would use the electronic cable release and work for the Minolta & Sony digital cameras as well.

ant! · Jan 9, 2024

xkaes said:
I'm not familiar with a cable for the Maxxum cameras. I assume this would use the electronic cable release and work for the Minolta & Sony digital cameras as well.

Yes, it has the same plug as the RC-1000 remote cable. I can pull it out tomorrow and take a photo...

Edit: Found one online: https://www.phototekcanada.com/products/minolta-receiver-ir-i-flash (5th photo shows it clear).

xkaes · Jan 9, 2024

Minolta made two IR remote units. They look and operate the same,. The first is the IR-1. The newer one is the IR-1N. I assume it had some changes pertinent to the MAXXUM cameras, such as the electronic cable release socket -- which would require a new cable to connect the camera and receiver.

I have no idea if the IR-1 will work with all newer cameras (Maxxum, Sony, etc.), or if the IR-1N will work with all older cameras (XG, XD, XK, X-xxx, etc.). I also do not know if the transmitters or receivers are interchangeable.

I can't find any listings or sales of the IR-1N on EBAY.

ant! · Jan 9, 2024

Not sure what I had, but at one point I had two receiver/sender pairs in front of me, with 3 different cables, and they worked interchangeable and looked the same. Of course maybe the connection cables of the 1N fit to the 1 and vice versa...

Just find the following while googeling for the 1N: "Make sure you get the IR1-N, and not just the IR-1. The IR-1 is the same unit but has the remote shutter cord for the older Minolta cameras like the SRT and small Minolta CLE rangefinder."
So, seems the connection cable is the only difference...

xkaes · Jan 9, 2024

I have the IR-1 and the instruction manual -- marked "IR-1". It makes no mention at all of the SR or SRT cameras. It only works with electro-magnetic shutter releases.

Les Sarile · Jan 10, 2024

KerrKid said:
The 800si still has that 9xi vibe so I'm not sure I could warm up to it. The Maxxum 7 just looks better to my eyes and seems like it would be a joy to use.

The a-9 is overkill for me.

I've never felt underserved by my SRT101's or 201, but I really like my SRT102 more. The winder is very smooth and easy to wind and seeing the aperture in the viewfinder is a nice touch.

So, I don't need an XE-7 but............I just bought one on the big auction site. I know, after saying I couldn't and wouldn't. But you know what they say, "The best way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it". It was $45 with everything working except an intermittent winder and in great cosmetic shape. I looked up the intermittent winder issue and it looks like an easy fix requiring just a drop of watch oil under the winder lever.

Is a $45 XE-7 worth it? Will I bond with it? I dunno. We'll see. But what a bargain for a camera of this quality.

Meanwhile, I'd really like my Maxxum 7 to work.

Nice!

So what was your reason for buying it? Was it peer pressure . . .

Perhaps you should also buy an SR-2 . . .

Minolta SR-2 by Les DMess, on Flickr

KerrKid · Jan 10, 2024

Les Sarile said:
Nice!

So what was your reason for buying it? Was it peer pressure . . .

Perhaps you should also buy an SR-2 . . .

Minolta SR-2 by Les DMess, on Flickr

Ha. Peer pressure. Maybe. Lots of good reviews. Good price. The Leitz connection. I had to see what the fuss was all about.)

Probably won’t be buying an SR-2 any time soon, but you never know. I have a Pentax SV that is probably similar.

Minolta XE-7. Any reason to buy one?

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