The XE-7 – the Minolta with Leica DNA

Minolta entered the 35mm SLR market back in 1958 with the SR-2. And throughout the 1960s, they continued to refine their SLRs – culminating in the SRT series which were some of the first cameras to offer Full-Aperture, Through-the-Lens metering. And like most other cameras of this period, they were fully mechanical designs.

But in 1973, after almost a decade in development – Minolta released the X1 – also known in other parts of the world as the XK and XM. This camera was aimed at professionals, and was Minolta’s first to have an electronically controlled, horizontal-travel shutter. This was unusual for that time as other manufacturers – like Canon and Nikon – were sticking to their mechanically-controlled shutters for their pro offerings.

But Minolta really seemed to be interested in breaking new ground with their cameras. In 1972, they formed a partnership with Leica where they would share patents and general camera know-how. The first camera to come out of this partnership was the Leica CL rangefinder.

But the second camera was the Minolta XE. The XE was also known as the XE-7 in the US, and the XE-1 in Europe and other places. It was the first Minolta to feature an electronically-controlled, vertical-traveling, Copal Square shutter. And due to the electronics, it was their first non-pro camera to have any kind of auto-exposure – which in this case was aperture-priority.

Check out the video below to learn more about this great camera. I go over all the specs, take it on a shoot to a local vintage car show, and go over the results. It’s one smooth shooter.

Technical Specs of the XE-7

Original List Price (1976): $374.50
Price in 2023 Dollars: $2020.00
Manufacturer: Minolta
Model: XE-7
Year Introduced: 1974
Film Format: 35mm SLR
Lens: Minolta SR/MC
Shutter: metal, vertical-travel, Copal Square
Self-timer: yes
Shutter Speeds: electronically-controlled 4 secs – 1/1000, plus B and X (1/90 mechanical)
Shutter Release: on top
Built-in Meter: TTL Minolta’s CLC
Film Speed/ASA Range: 12-3200
Flash Sync: 1/90
PC Terminal: Yes, FP and X Sync
Film Advance: Winding lever
Frame Counter: Yes
Exposure Modes: Manual, Aperture-Priority
Finder: full information (meter, shutter speed and f/stop)
Focusing Screens: center split-image, microprism
Mirror: quick-return
Battery: 2-1.5v A76 or equivalent