Minolta X-500 film camera

General

Minolta X-500 film camera – A near mint Minolta X-500 (serial 6028883) complete with an original Minolta MD3 50mm f1.7 lens with its original lens cap (serial 9813420). The camera has a manufacturing date of November 1982 so is presumed to be a very early version of the X-500 (official launch of the X-500 was 1983).

The camera is fitted with the more reliable tantalum capacitor and while we have not serviced the camera we have replaced its light seals and mirror bumper. The camera has been tested on our professional class test gear and found to be operating to Minolta original specifications. Overall feel is fine making this the one in a thousand which has survived in excellent condition both mechanically and cosmetically.

Lens has been cleaned and is both optically and mechanically perfect.

A very beautiful example of this much sought after X series camera. Completely perfect in all respects.

About

For an overview of the Minolta X-500 have a look at our article on the Minolta X-x00 Series HERE

Features incorporated into the X-500 include:

• Electronically controlled stepless shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 4 seconds for aperture priority mode, and 1/1000 to 1 second plus “B” for metered manual mode.
• Touch-switch meter activation without having to depress the shutter release.
• Very bright acute-matte viewfinder screen with details of selected aperture, camera mode (“M” or “A”) and camera recommended/selected shutter speed. In manual mode the user set shutter speed is indicated by a blinking LED. Viewfinder shows 95% of film frame area, at a huge 0.9x magnification. A range of interchangeable screens was available.
• Automatic exposure lock button.
• Remote shutter release that will accept both electronic and manual shutter releases.
• Audible slow speed alert when required shutter speed will be 1/30 second or less (can be disabled).
• Silicon photocell TTL centre weighted meter, measured at full aperture for normal display, then at taking aperture for automatic exposure calculation, with a second meter for measuring off the film during TTL flash operation. Automatic exposure range EV1 to EV18.
• ISO 12 to 3200 film speed range.
• Horizontal traverse silk shutter, enabling maximum sync speed of 1/60 sec.
• Plastic body construction, encased in light metal.
• Can be used with the Auto Winder G for motor driven sequences of up to 2 frames per second, or with the Motor Drive 1 for exposure sequences at up to an amazing 3.5 frames per second.
• Depth of field preview button.
• Plastic shutter blind attached to strap for tripod use (won’t mess up your metering).
• PC connection for studio flash use.
• Film “safe-load” indicator.
• Audible and visible self timer (LED). Audible alert can be disengaged.

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