Minolta X-300

black X-300 image by Plischke Werner (Image rights)

The Minolta X-300 is a 35mm manual focus SLR based on the MD mount produced between 1984 and 1990. The X-300 was also marketed as the X-370 in the U.S. and Canada.

A year after Minolta released the X-570, they introduced the X-300 to the photographic market. It was a less-expensive alternative to the X-570 thanks to fewer features. The body of the X-300 is nearly identical to that of the X-570. The only change, other than the nameplate, is that the shutter speed dial is now covered, only showing one speed at a time. In addition, the camera features are minimized. Perhaps the biggest feature change from the X-570 is that the X-300 lacks the OTF (off-the-film) flash mode -- which many find very useful. In addition, the X-300 lacks the DOF preview button, the PC connection, and the interchangeable screens of the X-570. Together, these changes reduced the price tag of the X-300 significantly.

Specifications

Minolta X-370 image by Kenneth Dwain Harrelson (Image rights)

• Minolta
• Film format: 24x36mm frames on 35mm film
• Type: Single Lens Reflex
• Lens mount: MD Mount
• Split-image spot, microprism band and acute matte field focusing screen.
• In viewfinder shutter speed scale/LED display.
• Cable shutter release on body next to lens.
• Electrically controlled focal plane shutter 4 sec to 1/1000 sec (Auto), 1 sec to 1/1000th (Manual).
• 10 Second self-timer with LED indication.
• AE lock (15 seconds).
• ISO Range 12-3200
• 2 x AG13/LR44 batteries required.

Legacy

Minolta X-300 image by phollectormo (Image rights)

The X-300, (X-370) in its many forms, became the basis of Minolta's manual-focus SLR cameras after the introduction of the auto-focus Maxxum line. The various X-300's were less expensive than the new, auto-focus cameras, but still had all the features that a new or experienced photographer needed. Production was moved from Japan to China around 1990, and the X-300 was and continues to be used as the basis for many other cameras from China, sold by Seagull (as the Seagull DF-300, Vivitar V50, Centon DF-300, Soligor SR-300 MD, Kalimar KX-5000, Safari DF-300, Texer EX-3, Zenit DF-300, Carena DF-300 and SX-300, Revue DF-300) and several other firms. One thing seems certain - the X-300 will live on, in one form or another, for many years to come.