Minolta X-300: A Beautiful Analogue Camera

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The Minolta X-300 was an SLR built in the 80s. Six months ago, I bought the camera from a guy who was a professional photographer and a photoshop owner. I really like this camera and even though I am a beginner, I will share my experience with this beauty.

Minolta X-300 © Romano

I bought the camera including three lenses and a leather bag. Two of the lenses are just normal focal length lenses and the other one is a zoom lens, 80-200 mm. It's my first camera, so I found it difficult to use the zoom lens. That's why I used my normal lenses most of the time. So far, I really like the camera and its easy functions. I can almost say that this camera is perfect to start with as a beginner.

You can clearly see the additional shutter time, and when you put it on AUTO, making good looking pictures is very simple. But after a while, when you get used to the camera, it is easy to experiment with the shutter time. When you are a little bit curious, you learn a lot from this camera about photography, at least I did.

At first, people thought it was a little bit strange that I used a camera with film but the pictures are much more 'alive' because of the film instead of what you would get with any other digital camera. I think I will always be using analogue cameras from now on. And another advantage of an analogue camera is that they are really affordable. I've bought mine for 40 Euros. And at the end, I think it is the best SLR camera to start with as a beginner.

Credits: legamin

Technical Specifications

Film format: 24x36mm frames on 35mm film
Type: Single Lens Reflex
Lens mount: MD Mount
Viewfinder: Split-image spot, microprism band and acute matte field focusing screen. In viewfinder shutter speed scale/LED display.
Shutter: Electrically controlled focal plane shutter 4 sec to 1/1000 sec (Auto), 1 sec to 1/1000th (Manual).
ISO: Ranges from 12-3200
Power: 2 x AG13/LR44 batteries required.
Other features: Cable shutter release on the body next to the lens. 10 Second self-timer with LED indication. Black or chrome body. AE lock (15 seconds)

Thanks for reading and if you have any questions, just ask me.

This is a review submitted by Community Member by legamin.

written by legamin on 2012-05-17 #gear #people #review #analogue #slr #minolta #japanese #300 #minolta-x-300 #legamin

7 Comments

  1. blablabla-anab
    blablabla-anab ·

    I have a X-300s, it's my favourite. But my boyfriend let it fall to the ground :( i think my lightmeter is broken now *pouts*

  2. chrisg35mm
    chrisg35mm ·

    Great review of a great (and under rated) SLR. I have one just the same that takes lovely photos: www.lomography.com/homes/chrisg35mm/albums/1963652-minolta-…

  3. mahjubie
    mahjubie ·

    I know this an old post, but I am just wondering what brand of film you bought? Or if it was just generic 35 mm. I'm literally just dabbling my toe into photography with film, and I have a minolta x-300 my aunt gave me about seven years ago. It just needs a new battery and some film but I wanted to make sure I got the right kind before taking it out into the world.

    Thanks a ton in advance!
    KLM

  4. samuelmurphy
    samuelmurphy ·

    Hello, i am considering buying this camera as my first 35mm film camera and i was wondering what film would be best to use i am using the camera for casual use and would be doing a mix of both colour and black and white photography so it would be much appreciated if i could have a recommendation for both a colour and black and white film
    Kind regards Samuel.

  5. nicoleeve
    nicoleeve ·

    Nice account of the X-300, I have just purchased one as I am collecting Minolta cameras, and I love the feel of this, and is so simple to use. Put my first film in yesterday, and can't wait to see the results.

  6. 66mikeg
    66mikeg ·

    Hi, I managed to get a X500 (X570 in the US) I've got several Minolta manual SLRs but I recon that the 500 is my favourite it's very similar to the 300 with a few more bells and whistles mainly in the flash functionality.

  7. dee1963
    dee1963 ·

    Hi all, I have a X300, love it. it was my first camera I bought. I now have a Nikon D5300 but I have to say when I look back through my photos I took with the X300, there is no comparison, the X300 wins every time. I am currently just introducing my youngest daughter to real photography and she cannot put the camera down (costing a fortune in film)

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