Minolta XE | SLR Film Camera | Fair

Brand: Minolta

Condition: Used

Name: Minolta XE

Type: 35mm Manual Focus Single Lens Reflex Film Camera

Type of Film: 35mm Film

CPB Body Code: JL35

Shutter: Electronically Controlled Vertical-Travel Metal Shutter, 4 sec – 1/1000 sec + Bulb

Metering: TTL Center-Weighted Metering

Battery: 2 × LR44 Batteries

Lens Mount: Minolta SR Mount

Condition: Fair

The Minolta XE (JL35) has been inspected, repaired, and tested by CPB Darkroom and is in working condition. The camera functions mechanically as intended, with all buttons, dials, shutter speeds, and film transport mechanisms operating correctly.

The built-in TTL light meter is operational but reads approximately one stop under. To achieve accurate exposures, the camera should be metered with a +1 stop exposure compensation in mind, either by adjusting the ISO setting or manually compensating the exposure. The aperture-priority automatic exposure mode is not functional, and the camera should therefore be operated in full manual mode. This has been reflected in the camera's condition grade.

Cosmetically, the camera body is in good condition, showing a few signs of wear and scratches consistent with regular use. The viewfinder contains numerous black spots throughout the viewing screen, which can make composition slightly less comfortable, particularly in low-light conditions or when using small aperture settings. These spots are confined to the viewfinder and do not appear on the photographs recorded on film. The images shown depict the exact camera you will receive.

Introduced in the early 1970s, the Minolta XE was one of the company's flagship professional SLRs and was developed in collaboration with Leica. Featuring a smooth electronically controlled shutter, aperture-priority automatic exposure, robust all-metal construction, and an exceptionally refined shutter release, the XE remains one of Minolta's most respected manual-focus cameras. Compatible with the renowned range of Minolta MC and MD lenses, it offers an outstanding platform for portraiture, street photography, travel, documentary work, and everyday film photography.

This camera uses standard 35mm (135) film, producing images in the 24 × 36 mm format.

SLR cameras sold by CPB Darkroom are inspected for shutter accuracy, metering response, film transport reliability, and overall mechanical functionality. Any cosmetic or functional notes are clearly described and reflected in the condition grade.

The sample images shown were made on film using this exact camera, offering a true representation of its rendering, lens performance, and overall image quality.