MINOLTA X-700

#5 Minolta X-700 (1981)

So the day I intended to purchase a Pentax K1000 but was beaten to the purchase by a day, I decided to check out other options on Kijiji. This Minolta X 700 was listed for $75 (reduced from $200). The K1000 was going to cost me $56 plus tax, so I decided to offer $65 on this camera. Lo and behold my offer was accepted. I went to pick it up in St. John's (175 New Penneywell Road). Sketchy was the best way to describe the location. Written on both doors was sign reading "Don't Even Knock, I'm Done" in front of black garbage bags. When I was let inside the smell of smoke left me breathless. I considered walking away by after placing a fresh set of batteries in the camera and a few flicks of the film advance lever and shutter button it appeared to be functional. I dropped the money and ran. 

Pictures below were taken upon arrival at home before my attempt to clean it up a bit. I did a quick lens cleaning (actually the filter on the lens) as well as the mirror. Later I used Isopropyl alcohol to give the body of the camera a cleaning. Online reviews suggest this is a pretty good camera and some decent videos about the camera exist. I also found the manual online (unlike the K1000). I will add a link to it on this site.  Minolta X 700 Manual

Purchase price: $60 Facebook Marketplace

Roll #1 Kodak UltraMax 400 Color

On Jan. 12, 2026 I put a roll of Kodak UltraMax 400 24 exposure film in the camera and took two shots of my favorite subject, my wife! Film is in for processing. The last few shots I used a Nikon flash which did not communicate well with my camera leaving the shutter open until the flash was turned off. I have to tape over the rear two contacts for the flash to funtion. 

Update: That first roll of color gave very few viewable photos. Images were very dark. 400 film is meant to be used outdoors in bright light but most of my photos were taken indoors without a flash.

Placed a roll of Ilford XP2 Super 400 B&W film into this camera. Hoping for better results this time round.

Roll #2 Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black& White

My second roll of film in the Minolta X-700 is the Ilford XP2 Super 400. I am hoping for better results than the Kodak UltraMax shots since I now have a functioning flash on the camera.

Roll #3 FujiFilm 400 Color

Shot in C.B.S. and St. John's  spring 2026. Some obvious signs  of light leaks in the outdoor shots. Photos taken with a flash were much better.

Minolta X-700 Youtube Videos