The Minolta X-570

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The Minolta X-570 was introduced in April of 1983. It sold as a less expensive model than the previous X-700. The X-570 is loaded with features that the X-700 didn’t have making it ideal for beginning photographers. It only shoots 35mm film but works well with anything you load into it. I chose to add this camera to my arsenal because it is versatile and user-friendly. Because of these qualities, it would make an awesome addition to any Lomographer’s collection!

My Minolta X-570 was a gift to me from my father who used it for everything from sports games to family reunions. I started shooting with it in my college photography courses and have used it ever since. Thanks to the camera’s automatic LED light meter, I never have to take my eye away from a shot to make sure that I have the right aperture but still have the ability to shoot on Manual. I’ve loaded it with both negative and slide color film and of course, black and white. All of these films work very well with the X-570 especially Ilford HP5 Plus 400, Fuji Sensia 100, and Agfa CT Precisa 100. The camera also allows you to shoot double exposures on the same roll which leads to infinite compositional possibilities.

This camera has joined me for many adventures: bright days, gloomy nights, indoors and out! It has been the only camera that I have used in the two rounds of doubles I’ve done with thesarahshow and"hansie14":http://www.lomography.com/homes/hansie14. It works with films of varying speeds, anywhere from 12 ISO to 3200 and has a hotshoe for a flash. The versatile flexibility ot this camera gives complete creative control to whoever shoots with it. The resulting images are amazing! I have not had any problems with this camera but do find it harder to carry with me than Plastic Fantastic models like the Holga or Diana Mini. Despite the weight issue, every Lomographer out there should track one of these cameras down and buy one right away! When it debuted, the X-570 was not very popular and became underrated over time. Thanks to that, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy one. They are readily available online and trust me – you will get your money’s worth out of the Minolta X-570!

written by sarahboat on 2010-06-18 #gear #35mm #review #slr #minolta #vintage #minolta-x-570

9 Comments

  1. vicuna
    vicuna ·

    Great review, I like this kind of SLR's! :)

  2. superlighter
    superlighter ·

    Funkadelic! WOW!! :) cool gallery, it's plenty of such great slr out there that only need to be revived!

  3. dogma
    dogma ·

    Very nice camera! wish to try it!

  4. sarahboat
    sarahboat ·

    Thanks everyone!

  5. netsrik
    netsrik ·

    Nice! I have the X700 but can't shoot doubles unless I reload the roll. That's a nice feature on this one!

  6. dianhaa
    dianhaa ·

    Hi, great photos, I've just discovered my Minolta x570 and reading your post I get curious about how you shoot double exposures, would you explain me ?

  7. laurasulilly
    laurasulilly ·

    I have a Minolta X-700 and I just love it sooo much! Haven't tried doubles with it, but it should be possible by rewinding the film a bit I guess...

  8. nanyeah
    nanyeah ·

    @dianhaa I too can't figure it out! :P

  9. sarahboat
    sarahboat ·

    @nanyeah Sorry for the frustration, everyone! To shoot doubles on a single roll using the Minolta X-570, you shoot a single exposure normally. Then, BEFORE advancing the film, you press and hold down the Rewind Release button. This is on the bottom of the camera on the right side. Then, advance the film while holding the button. After you have done this, you can shoot again even though the film has not advanced. I hope this helps : )

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