Minolta XE1
Welcome to this overview of the Minolta XE 1 and the 50mm f1.4 lens this camera was introduced in 1974 as replacement for the heavy XM, Minolta worked in collaboration with Leica who produced their version in 1975 the R3.
The camera is heavier than later models very similar to the earlier SRT range with the same satisfying winding action sound and shutter. Top of the camera left side you have crank ISO settings and exposure compensation in one item, is easily used with smooth action. In centre top is prism with hot shoe common to all SLR’s. On the right is shutter speed dial shutter release and film advance.
On the back of the camera the usual film card holder ISO/DIN converter on off switch and frame counter, front of camera timer leaver lens release button off camera flash socket on under side tripod mount battery compartment and rewind button, it should be noted that this camera cannot mount a motor drive
I loaded Kodak 400TX black and white film in the camera, first time I have used its not as grainy as I expected for a 400 film. I took walk round older parts of Plymouth and the Barbican. It is a heavy camera but with a smaller lens such as the 50mm used here (the SR mount MC series 3 50mm f1.4) or even Minolta’s 28mm, 35mm or 45mm lenses this is manageable, longer lens will add wight and make it front heavy.
Despite this it was comfortable in the hand was very easy to use. A very nice feature is being able to view both aperture and shutter speed in the view finder along the top edge as well as the light meter reading. Like all Minolta cameras from the SRT 101 through to X700 and its relatives this body will take all SR mount lens from series one MC to series three MD which means a huge choice of some of the best glass ever made by any company as well as third party manufactures. I have used and owned a few Minolta manual cameras this one is well worth a look, I did buy it but Russell tells me has another coming into stock shortly.
Review and photos by Ken Cork