Minolta X-300 black with Minolta MD 50mm F1.7 lens. Manual focus.

was a less-expensive alternative to the X-570 thanks to fewer features. The body of the X-300 is nearly identical to that of the X-570. The only change, other than the nameplate, is that the shutter speed dial in now covered, only showing one speed at a time. In addition, the camera features are minimized. Perhaps the biggest feature change from the X-570 is that the X-300 lacks the OTF (off-the-film) flash mode — which many find very useful. In addition, the X-300 lacks the DOF preview button, the PC connection, and the interchangeable screens of the X-570. Together, these changes reduced the price tag of the X-300 significantly. The Minolta X-300 is a 35mm manual focus SLR using the SR lens mount (often wrongly referred to as MD mount, which is actually a lens series and stands for “Minimum Diaphragm”) which was used on all Minolta manual focus bodies beginning in 1958. The X-300 is also known as X-370 is based on the earlier X-570 but had features removed by Minolta to reduce the price point. The X-300, in its many forms, became the basis of Minolta’s manual-focus SLR cameras after the introduction of the auto-focus Maxxum line. The various X-370’s were less expensive than the new, auto-focus cameras, but still had all the features that a new or experienced photographer needed.

• Minolta
• Film format: 24x36mm frames on 35mm film
• Type: Single Lens Reflex
• Lens mount: MD Mount
• Split-image spot, micro prism band and acute matte field focusing screen.
• In viewfinder shutter speed scale/LED display.
• Cable shutter release on body next to lens.
• Electrically controlled focal plane shutter 4 sec to 1/1000 sec (Auto), 1 sec to 1/1000th (Manual).
• 10 Second self-timer with LED indication.
• AE lock (15 seconds).
• ISO Range 12-3200
• 2 x AG13/LR44 batteries required.
• Black or chrome body.