Lomopedia: Minolta XG-E

Launched in 1977, the Minolta XG-E (also known as XG-7 in the USA and Canada, and XG-2 in Europe and elsewhere) was the first model in the XG series of budget 35mm automatic exposure SLR cameras which were lightweight, small, and easy to use. Its introduction coincided with the release of the more advanced Minolta XD series, and thus, the served as a more affordable autoexposure option.

Aside from its considerably more compact body and more advanced electronics, the XG-E was also noted for being the first SLR camera to have a touch-sensor meter switch — with is the shutter button itself. The XG-E has an aperture priority mode ("A") and non-metered manual mode. Metering is activated by half-pressing the shutter button, and the viewfinder shows the shutter speed (from 1s to 1/1000s) selected by the camera with a red LED indicator. If the shutter speed required by a shooting condition is faster than 1/1000s, the camera will not fire to prevent overexposure.

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Technical Specifications

Type: 35 mm single-lens reflex with automatic and full manual exposure control
Lens Mount: Minolta SLR bayonet, 54-degree rotating angle; coupling for full-aperture metering and automatic diaphragm control with Minolta MD and MC lenses (Standard lenses MD Rokkor-X 50 mm f/1.4, f/1.7 or MC Rokkor-X 58 mm f/1.2
Auto-exposure control: Special low-voltage, low-current computer circuit, actuated by contact or pressure on "touch switch" operating button, varies the shutter speed continuously and steplessly to yield proper exposure according to metering system indication at the aperture, film speed, and exposure adjustment set
Auto-exposure range: focal-plane type; electronically controlled speeds - 1/1000 to 1 sec, steplessly on automatic mode or in steps on manual mode
Metering: Full-aperture TTL averaging type with more influence from the broad central zone of the screen, by two CdS cells mounted on either side of the eyepiece at the rear of the pentaprism
Film-speed range: ASA 25 to 1600 set on the shutter-speed/function selector
Auto-exposure adjustment: Up to + EV continuous adjustment of automatic exposure with 1/2 EV click-stops and lock at "A" (zero setting)
Mirror: Oversize quick-return type (P0 value: 123 mm)
Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism type showing 93% of 24 × 36 mm film-frame area
Viewfinder Magnification: 0.9X with 50 mm standard lens focused at infinity; Matte-Fresnel-field focusing screen with central horizontally oriented split-image focusing spot surrounded by a microprism band; step-less speeds indicated by 10 light-emitting diodes; LED over-/under-range indicators; LED at "60" position also blinks as a flash-ready signal with Auto Electroflash 200X
Flash sync: PC terminal and a hot shoe for X sync. (disconnect when unit not installed); Electronic flash synchronizes at 1/60 sec and slower step or stepless speeds; Class MF, M, FP flashbulbs synchronize at 1/15 or slower speeds. Extra contact on hot shoe receives the signal from camera-control contact of Auto Electroflash 200X
Film advance: Motorized through built-in coupler key with accessory Auto Winder G; Manual by the lever with single 130 degrees stroke after 30 degrees unengaged movement; Film advance release button for rewinding; advancing-type frame counter and Safe Load Signal that indicates film loading and advancing conditions
Power: Two 1.5v silver-oxide cells contained in camera base power both auto exposure control and shutter's electronically governed operation; LED battery check indicator lights when operating the switch in battery check position; Shutter will not release when voltage too low for proper operation
Self-Timer: Electronic LED indicated types; approximately 10-sec delay
Other: 4-slot take-up spool; detachable back cover with memo holder and ASA-DIN conversion scale
Size and weight: 52 × 88 × 138 mm (2 × 3-7/16 x 5-5/8 in); 505 g (17-13/16 oz) without lens and power cells
Accessories: Exclusive Auto Winder G, Auto Electroflash 200X, Remote Cord S 50cm (20-in) and Remote Cord L 5 m (16 ft); MD, MC, and other interchangeable Rokkor lenses and applicable Minolta SLR system accessories

All information for this article was sourced from Camerapedia, Rokkor Files, and Camera Manuals.

written by plasticpopsicle on 2014-05-12 #gear #lomopedia #35mm #review #minolta #lomopedia #35mm-slr #xg-e #xg-7