Hey guys, it’s Sam! Today, I’m excited to talk about one of my all-time favorite entry-level 35mm film cameras: the Minolta X-700. This camera holds a special place in my heart as it’s been my go-to for many adventures.
I’ve taken this camera with me to places like the United Kingdom, China, and even here in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, it eventually broke down, but I was able to find a replacement on eBay for a reasonable price.
Using the Minolta X-700 is a breeze, despite being a manual camera without autofocus or auto-advancing features. I’ll show you how easy it is to use: first, insert a battery, then load the film by pulling the end, pushing it to the roller, and advancing it slightly. Set your ISO, turn the camera on, and choose your shooting mode.
The X-700 offers three modes: full manual, aperture priority, and auto mode. I usually stick to full manual, where I set the aperture and shutter speed myself. The built-in light meter helps gauge the correct exposure. There is an step by step instruction in the video above, please go check it out if you are interested to see how to use it.
For a recent test shoot, I ventured to Palm Springs. Despite a change in plans, I explored the city, capturing its beauty with my X-700. One highlight was the iconic Pink Door, although my enthusiasm was tempered by a “NO PHOTOGRAPHY” sign there!
Overall, the X-700 performs admirably, especially when paired with Kodak Pro Image 100 film, witch all of the photos above were shot with. Its colors are vibrant, with a lovely golden tone.
If you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for my next adventure with the X-700, where I test it with Cinestill 800T film in Hollywood at night. Don’t forget to subscribe and give this video a thumbs up! Thanks for watching and reading. This is Sam, and I’ll see you next time. Bye!
Captured by Sam 
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