Minolta X-500
A compact SLR from the 80s – and why it is still a great way into film photography today.
The Minolta X-500 came out in 1983; in North America it was sold as the X-570. It lives somewhat in the shadow of the better-known X-700, but it is a great choice for anyone getting started with film photography: robust, easy to use and easy to find second-hand.
What the camera can do
- Aperture priority (A): You choose the aperture, the camera picks the matching shutter speed.
- Metered manual mode (M): The viewfinder lights up the recommended shutter speed while the one you have set blinks next to it. It is a great way to learn how aperture and shutter speed work together.
- Shutter speeds from 4 seconds to 1/1000 second, plus Bulb for long exposures.
- Minolta SR mount (MD/MC): There is a huge range of affordable, excellent lenses for it.
Unlike the X-700 it has no program mode – but if you want to photograph deliberately, that is more of an advantage.
What to look out for when buying
- Check the battery compartment: The camera runs on two LR44 or SR44 button cells. Without power the shutter won’t fire – corrosion in the compartment is a bad sign.
- Mirror damper and light seals: After 40 years the foam seals are often crumbling. They are cheap to replace yourself, but factor it into the price.
- Test the viewfinder display: If the LEDs light up and react to changes in brightness, the light meter works.
Verdict
The X-500 is an honest, uncomplicated camera. With a 50 mm standard lens and an ISO 400 film you are ready for almost any situation – and you have a tool that makes you look closely.