Minolta XG-M Film Camera

Minolta XG-M Film Camera (Serial 2322165) supplied with a fully restored and refurbished MD 50mm f1.7 lens (Serial 9402497).

The lens is silky smooth throughout its focus range after rebuild and has a snappy and reactive aperture

The camera has a few minor issues.

• Self timer countdown light is not working – this is a common failure on the XG-M
• Manual ‘M’ warning light in the viewfinder is erratic and sometimes fails to illuminate
• Camera shoulders show wear to its silver finish (see photos)

We are unable to return this camera to perfect running condition. The Manual warning light issue would necessitate removal of the flex PCB and our experience is that this will more than likely cause worse problems. As a result we have elected not to film test the camera.  It has however been tested on our ZTS shutter tester and calibrated light source and the camera performs inside its stated specification.

New light seals and mirror bumper foam have been fitted.  The VF is clear and bright with just a few small dust particles.  These will not show on a picture and only affect the viewfinder.

The camera will work fine but you should be aware of these minor issues.

Due to the small issues this camera is discounted.

The XG-M, launched in 1981, was the final model in the Minolta XG series.  Its biggest advantage over other XG series cameras was the meter being active is both manual and automatic (aperture priority) modes.  Other cameras in the XG series only had the meter active in auto mode. The body style of the XG-M became the standard body for all later Minolta manual focus 35mm SLRs so the camera strongly resembles most of the X-x00 Series.

The Minolta XG-M Film Camera laid the foundations for the hugely successful X-700 which became Minoltas biggest ever selling camera prior to the advent of the Auto-Focus 7000 series.

The X-700 is in fact a kind of hot-rodded XG-M with extra electronics to provide full program mode and TTL flash control.

The XG-M is a sweet camera to shoot with, its quite light, the controls are well placed and it can return excellent results. It uses standard SR44 batteries.

Many of these sold cheap on eBay will have issues – we always take greatest care with XG-Ms that they are fully running and reliable.

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 has had new lights seals and mirror bumper fitted and some cosmetic work to bring her to an acceptable standard.  Tested on a ZTS V tester to validate shutter speed and meter.

The lens has been completely rebuilt to give it a good clean and re-lubrication.  As this lens is one of our oldest rebuilds (it was originally on one of our own cameras) we do not have photos of the rebuild.

We only shoot test rolls on cameras which we know in all other respects are perfect.  As this camera has a few minor issues we have decided not to run a test roll in order to keep the price reasonable.  It does however have a new set of light seals and has been tested on our ZTS V professional shutter tester and calibrated light source and returns results within specification.

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