The Minolta XG-M

Minolta XG-M with 45mm f/2 Rokkor-X

Over the years, I have acquired, used, and sold quite a few Minolta SLR cameras.  Once Minolta evolved into the late 1970s -1980s era of electronically-controlled SLR bodies, their cameras became a tad smaller, more capable, and of course, easier to use.  I’ve always thought of the SRT series as basic, competent, and reliable SLR bodies, and I’ve covered them previously on RCB.  My first experience with a Minolta SLR was around 2001, when I was gifted a Minolta X-700.  At one time, I had a full range of accessories for macro-photography and flash units for that camera, all given to me by a friend.  The camera was a delight to use, and the Minolta lenses were certainly top-notch.  It seems implausible that I would sell all my Minolta gear, but at some point I did that, as I grew more invested in the Nikon system.  I’ve never had to buy an X-700, as I have been gifted several over the last 20 years. They come and they go. I was given another one early this year, and it came fully serviced, so it ought to have a pretty long life.

However, this post is not about the X-700.  

Minolta XG-9 - the last of this body style

The Minolta XG series started in 1977 with the introduction of the XG-7. Like most other Minolta SLRs, it featured a horizontally-traveling cloth focal plane shutter.  The XD and XE series (1974-84), developed in collaboration with Leitz, featured a metal, vertically-traveling focal plane shutter and metal body. However, the XG series and X-number series have horizontal cloth shutters, which probably kept the cost down to some extent. You can find the most information on many of the Minolta SR, SRT, XE, XD, XE, and X-number cameras on the excellent Rokkor Files site. 

Top view of the XG-M (from the manual)

The Minolta XG-M was the best of the XG series, introduced in 1981.  It replaced the XG-9, and the big improvement was the ability to use the metering in manual mode, as well as a motor drive.  It was only sold in the chrome version, and in almost all aspects is nearly identical to the X-700 that appeared later in 1981, which was only sold in black.

Front and side views

The camera’s features:

• Electronic horizontally-traveling cloth focal plane shutter with step-less speeds in A mode, selectable speeds from B to 1/1000 sec + 1/60 flash sync in manual mode.
• Power supplied by 2 LR-44 1.5V type cells
• Full-aperture center-weighted metering
• Aperture Priority and Manual exposure mode
• Exposure Compensation +/- 2 stops in 1/2 stop increments
• Film ISO range of 25-1600
• Self-timer, electronic with LED indicator, ca. 10 sec delay
• PC Sync port as well as hot-shoe over the prism with additional pin for X-series flash units
• On/Off switch on shutter speed dial
• Depth of field Preview button
• electromagnetic shutter release on shutter speed dial + remote shutter release near the lens mount
• Ability to use the Motor-Drive 1 and Autowinder G accessories
• Film reminder on rear door
• Viewfinder with 93% coverage. Shutter speed, aperture, and manual mode indicated in viewfinder.
• Weight- just over 18 ounces without the lens.  

The viewfinder shows all you need to know

This camera has all you need to take quality images, especially when paired with the MC and MD Rokkor Minolta lenses.  I’ve owned several XG-M bodies since 2013, and my latest XG-M was given to me by a contact that purchases my zines.  It’s in great condition, and I’ve used it for a few rolls this year.  Over the years, I’ve taken quite a few good images with XG-M cameras, and I enjoy using these them. The split-prism at the center of the viewfinder is an excellent focusing aid, and the ergonomics of the body are excellent.  A tiny grip on the right side is nice, and of course, it could be more pronounced, but still, it handles well. All of the controls are precise, and the winding lever’s stroke is short. The shutter sound is not going to alert anyone. On top of that, it’s a responsive camera that just feels good in the hands to shoot with.

the back and bottom views of the XG-M

Here, I show my XG-M with the 58mm f/1.2 MC Rokkor-PG lens, which is a loaner from my friend Bill Pivetta.  This is a stunning lens that is heavy, yet renders the subjects beautifully with a very pleasing bokeh. 

However, the lens that I highly recommend for every-day use is the 45mm f/2 MD Rokkor-X.  It’s wonderfully sharp and almost a pancake lens, as it extends about an inch from the front of the prism housing.  

Minolta XG-M with the Minolta Auto 280 PX flash

You can use any flash unit that can work with a standard single pin hot-shoe, or a dedicated Minolta flash.  A dedicated flash contains another contact that activates the shutter speed to 1/60 sec for flash  synchronization, and causes the flash ready LED to show in the viewfinder. 

Minolta XG-1 with 50/1.7 MD lens

The only caveat I have regarding the X-series cameras, is that a bad capacitor will cripple the camera.  I’ve seen it happen in the XG-9, the XG-M, the X-570, and the X700.  There are online instructions on how to replace the capacitors, but if you are not the sort of person that knows how to work with a soldering iron and some disassembly of the camera body, then a repair shop would be needed.    However, the majority of XG-series cameras that I’ve seen still work fine.

A few examples from the XG-M:

Minolta XG-M, Eastman 5231, May 2025

Minolta XG-M, Eastman 5231, may 2025

Minolta XG-M, Fomapan 200, May 2025

Minolta XG-M, FPP ISO 6 Blue Sensitive, July 2025

Minolta XG-M, Ferrania P-30, 2018

Minolta XG-M, Eastman 5222, 2018

While I’m primarily a Nikon user, if I were to lose all my manual Nikons for some reason, I’d be happy with the Minolta universe. There are a lot of excellent lenses and accessories to satisfy most situations that a photographer will encounter.  The major area of deficiency would be in the range of shutter speeds that typically stop at 1/1000 sec., lower-speed flash sync, and a battery is required to use the camera. Long bulb exposures could potentially drain the battery.  However, these limitations will not be a problem for the majority of users. 

Minolta XG-M, Kodak Gold 200, 2018

Minolta XG-M, Panatomic-X, 2015

Minolta XG-M, Efke 25, 2015

Current used prices on eBay range from $40 to $120, for a body with a lens.  They are fairly abundant on the used market, but make sure to get one that has been tested or at least sold as working!

Minolta XG-M, Arista 100, 2015