Minolta X-300

Minolta X-300

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 in 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 decreased the price tag of the X-300 significantly.

Introduction

The Minolta X-300 is a 35mm manual focus SLR based on the MD mount produced between 1984 and 1990. The X-300 is also known as X-370. The X-300, in its many forms, became the basis of Minolta's manual-focus SLR cameras after the introduction of the auto-focus Maxxum line. The variouis X-370's were less expensive than the new, auto-focus cameras, but still had all the features that a new or experienced photographer needed. As mentioned, production was moved from Japan to China around 1990, and the X-370n has, and is, being used as the basis for many others cameras from China, sold by Seagull and several other firms. One thing's for sure -- the X-370 will live on, in one form or another, for many years to come.

Camera Specifications

• Minolta
• 35mm
• Single Lens Reflex
• MD Mount
• Electrically controlled focal plane shutter 4 sec to 1/10000 sec.

Other specifications are important too:

• dates of production
• alternative names
• exposure metering system and exposure modes
• ASA/ISO range
• focusing distance
• flash connection and built-in flash
• battery
• weight

And you can add any other specifications you feel useful, depending on the camera type:

• digital processor and sensor name
• number of lens elements
• shutter name
• ...