Minolta X-300 SLR 35mm Film Camera Black

Minolta X-300 SLR 35mm Film Camera Black (serial 8867364) made in Malaysia model and manufactured in March 1987. Camera supplied with a fully refurbished MD 50mm f1.7 lens (Serial 9772665) and original Minolta lens cap.

Camera body shows some wear marks including scuffs and brassing but is clean throughout with a clear and bright viewfinder and shoots and meters to factory specification. Beyond cleaning we have done no work on the body. The shutter release capacitor is still in good working condition and we have not replaced this. The light seals and mirror bumper are likewise perfect so these have also been left alone.

The lens is silky smooth throughout its focus range after rebuild and has a snappy and reactive aperture. Optically perfect and the lens body work is in very good condition.

Overall cosmetics  are best described as well used for the body and excellent for the lens.

We are not film testing this one and instead have opted to sell it at a lower price. Naturally though we will warranty it for 3 months should you have any problems.

The base model from the Minolta X-x00 series manufactured by Minolta between 1984 and 1990 – and the last manual focus camera in production. After Minolta ceased production the camera was licensed to other manufacturers and often appears with Centon, Vivitar or Seagull badges. The X-300 would be a contender for the longest production run of ANY 35mm SLR camera. Like all of the X series from Minolta the X-300 can suffer capacitor failure. For a full guide to the X series check out our article HERE

Many of the X series sold on eBay will suffer failure from blown capacitors and various other ills related to poor storage or lack of servicing.

The camera is powered from two SR44 button cells which are readily available.

WARNING – like all Minolta electronic cameras and many other electronic cameras of this period you should NEVER use off brand flashguns.  The very high trigger voltages (over 300volts ) in some off-brand guns like the Vivitar 273/283  is high enough to destroy the electronics in these cameras. Only use a dedicated Minolta flash gun with these for safety.

Camera was cleaned and tested with our professional tester and was found to be operating well inside original factory specifications. Consequently we opted to do little beyond cleaning. The lens was acquired separately and was completely rebuilt with fresh lubricants and its optics cleaned and collimated for infinity. Focus is smooth and positive with a snappy, reactive aperture and near mint appearance body.

Not film tested

Please be aware that the cameras and lenses for sale can be up to 50 years old.  They have been serviced and/or checked and are always as good as they can be made, but please don’t expect them to be flawless as if they were made yesterday.

All lenses of this age exhibit some small particles of dust and coatings are not up to modern standards. Cameras will exhibit some wear signs and likewise may have small dust specks in their viewfinders or focus screens.  These do not affect the picture in any way.

ANY problems or issues will be described in the main text which you are advised to read carefully.If you are unfamiliar with film cameras we suggest you do some online research and read the manuals which are freely available from online resources.

We are enthusiastic film fans and spend our time hunting cameras and lenses that have been or are being unloved. We then spend hours to bring them back to fully working and clean condition, ready for a new lease of life with you  We always change the film seals, give the camera a clean/service and make sure its fully working before we sell it on to you.

Most lenses are cleaned, re-lubricated and all of their functions checked prior to sale so you know they will work, full details will always be in the text. All items are packed safely for transit using proper packing material NOT something the cat was sick in. Having been stung both on eBay and by dealers alike who often know very little about film cameras we decided to offer people a chance to experience film using a camera that will last for many years and which we can say for sure works reliably

Mel & Claire