Minolta xk worth the price

[Malinku]

I think of picking up a xk as an upgrade form a x-700. I do like the interchangable finders and the better build quality as it is for the pro market.

So is the xk really all that much better then the x-700. As I use my x-700 for concerts and wrestling events.
Having the ability to use both an eye level finder and waist level finder would be nice. So I can get different angles easier.

But the cost is a big downside. Any compare these two cameras? Or have experience with the xk?

 

[Les Sarile]

There is no other Minolta that can meet those requirements you cite. The different finders are not common to find either. Make sure it is fully functional.

Unfortunately the X-700 price is not holding well so it is not a good comparison even though the X-700 is an excellent camera. The XK is much heavier and a bit larger.

Motordrive is not an option for the XK as only the XM - with the built-in motor drive is available if you need it and it is at an even steeper price.

The X-700 has some nice add-ons if you need them like the motor drive - with vertical and horizontal shutter switches as well as a full intervalometer back.

Even an IR remote as well as TTL flash.

 

[frank]

Had one. Meh. I prefer a Nikon f,f2,f3 or Canon f1n

If you are desiring a cooler SLR, think Leicaflex SL.

 

[Les Sarile]

Just to be sure, I am basing my response on you already having Minolta glass - which are second to none, and underrated and very affordable. However, there are are other alternatives when it comes to interchangeable viewfinder pro bodies. For being the oldest of the aperture priority capable camera of the bunch - and they are all titanium horizontal travel shutters, the XK has the fastest sync speed.

 

[gone]

I'm w/ frank on this one, and the lenses on the Leicaflex are not exactly shabby :}

You can use that R glass on the Nikons in stop down metering mode w/ a simple adapter too. But a Leicaflex is a very nice machine. The only Minolta camera I ever owned was a tiny CL, and again, its best feature was that you could put Leica lenses on it.

 

[Les Sarile]

I'm w/ frank on this one, and the lenses on the Leicaflex are not exactly shabby :}

You can use that R glass on the Nikons in stop down metering mode w/ a simple adapter too. But a Leeicaflex is a nice machine.

Except that it doesn't have interchangeable viewfinders nor does it have aperture priority or a Minolta mount.

Besides, Leica liked Minolta well enough to collaborate on a few developments. As I understand it the Copal shutter in exchange for their electronics technology.

 

[Malinku]

Just to be sure, I am basing my response on you already having Minolta glass - which are second to none, and underrated and very affordable. However, there are are other alternatives when it comes to interchangeable viewfinder pro bodies. For being the oldest of the aperture priority capable camera of the bunch - and they are all titanium horizontal travel shutters, the XK has the fastest sync speed.

Yes I do have a set of md lenses I love using. I'm mainly looking at the xk for a more rugged body to attach those lenses to. As I can at time put a beating on the cameras I take to events. As my x700 has a problem with the film speed selection wheel due to taking a tumble. I'm wondering if the xk will hold up better then the x700 in that regards.

I'm w/ frank on this one, and the lenses on the Leicaflex are not exactly shabby :}

You can use that R glass on the Nikons in stop down metering mode w/ a simple adapter too. But a Leicaflex is a very nice machine. The only Minolta camera I ever owned was a tiny CL, and again, its best feature was that you could put Leica lenses on it.

Don't need another system in my life. With already having Pentax k, m42 and md.

I'll just use my exakta vx iib if I want to use a fancy system.

 

[Les Sarile]

Yes I do have a set of md lenses I love using. I'm mainly looking at the xk for a more rugged body to attach those lenses to. As I can at time put a beating on the cameras I take to events. As my x700 has a problem with the film speed selection wheel due to taking a tumble. I'm wondering if the xk will hold up better then the x700 in that regards.

Don't need another system in my life. With already having Pentax k, m42 and md.

The XK has quite a range of useful features. If the amount of lighting in the venues you shoot is poor, then I would recommend that you use the AE-S viewfinder as it has silicon cels which are more sensitive as opposed to the CDS cels in the AE finder.

Unfortunately, the waist level finder of the XK is not metered. However, since you do have Pentax K and M42 lenses, then perhaps you should consider the Pentax LX instead as it's waist level finder is metered. In fact, it has the most comprehensive selection of finders among these types of bodies and they are all metered. They range from best eye-relief to the largest magnification and have diopter adjustments as shown in the picture below. All very bright.

Among other things, the LX is the most weatherproofed, has wide range of shutter speeds available if batteries die - including self timer, TTL flash with traditional hotshoe, motor drive options and is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. Practically the same size as the non-interchangeable prism bodies.

 

[Malinku]

I was already planning on getting an LX at some point. So stick with that plan for now