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When introduced the Minolta X-1 / XM / XK camera system was the most
advanced professional system available. It and the motorised version
of it produced later remain the only "true" professional models
produced by Minolta during the manual focus era.
In late 1972, Nikon and Canon were competing to have the best
professional 'system' camera that featured interchangeable focus
screens and finders. However, they did not have advanced
auto-exposure capability. Of the other manufacturers, the Pentax ES
and Nikkormat EL had auto-exposure, but were not all that
sophisticated nor did they have screen and finder systems, and other
features sought by professional photographers.
Then in September 1972 Minolta joined the battle by announcing to the
world at the Photokina Show in Europe the X-1/XM/XK series of cameras
including a permanently affixed motor drive version. It was the first
system camera that included interchangeable finders and screens
combined with a very sophisticated auto-exposure capability that
included a solid state electronically governed shutter and aperture
priority.
[XK_brochure1]
An image from the first marketing brochure for the X-1/XM/XK Series.
The huge prism case housed the complex (for the time) electronic
auto-aperture system.
The X-1 started sales in Japan in April, 1973. By early 1974, the X-1
was marketed in North America as the XK and in Europe as the XM.
Other than the name change, all else about the camera is the same.
With the introduction of the X-1/XM/XK Minolta had a great
opportunity to achieve a greater share of the professional market at
a time of significant change and innovation in new camera design. The
camera incorporated many engineering firsts, but unfortunately
Minolta appears to have lacked some serious marketing savvy, and the
chance for the company to compete actively with heavyweights Canon
and Nikon was lost.
Probably the biggest mistake Minolta made with the X-1 was not having
motor drive capability for the camera. The competing Canon F1 and
Nikon F2 models both featured the availability of detachable
motordrives, which many professionals considered to be a must-have.
It wasn't until June of 1976 that the motorised version of the X-1
became available, and even then the drive was non-detachable, meaning
that in addition to being heavy and bulky there was no way for
existing X-1 users to upgrade their cameras to motorised status. The
X-1/XM/XK Motor camera will be discussed in detail in a later
article.
For whatever reason, the X-1 was not the success with professional
photographers that Minolta would have hoped for, and at about $790
USD including AE finder, 50mm f/1.7 and case, the camera was quite
expensive and out of reach for many serious amateurs who might
otherwise have been interested in it. However, for those
photographers that understood the overall value and sophistication of
the system, the camera became indispensable. The X-1/XM/XK cameras
were introduced at a time when no other manufacturer could match
their complete system solution.
[xk_system]
The complete Minolta X-1/XM/XK system at the time of the introduction
of the camera, from a Minolta publication. It is noted that the
company took a little marketing license with the photo - several of
the lenses shown weren't actually introduced until 1974.
Specifications of the Minolta X-1/XM/XK are as follows:
* Type: 35mm SLR
* Lens mount: MC, 54 degree rotating bayonet. Full aperture
metering and automatic diaphragm operation with MC Rokkor lenses.
Compatible with earlier Rokkor lenses if stop-down metering is
used.
*
Shutter type: Electronically controlled focal-plane with
horizontal travelling titanium curtains.
* Electronic shutter speeds: 16 to 1/2000 sec. in steps, 4 to 1/
2000 sec. continuously variable with the AE finder (CdS cells) or
8 to 1/2000 sec. continuously variable with the AE-S finder
(Silicon cell).
* Mechanical shutter speeds: X (1/100 sec.) & B
* Shutter curtain time: 9ms
* Power: Two 1.5v silver-oxide batteries. Malory MS-76, Eveready
S-76 or equivalent. Battery check with red lamp.
* Viewfinders: 6 different interchangeable finders showing 98
percent of area appearing on film. Viewfinder types are Plain,
Match Needle, High Magnification, Waist Level, AE and AE-S.
Variations are addressed later in this article.
* Focusing screens: 11 different screens available. Screen types
are P (standard), C1, C2, C3, H, M, PM, G, S, L & AP. There was
also an F screen listed in early marketing material but no
example has surfaced thus far.
* Film advance: Lever, single or multiple stroke. 110 degree
winding angle after 20 degrees unengaged movement; advancing type
exposure counter resets automatically when camera back is opened.
* Multiple exposures: Yes, with film advance release.
* Mirror: Oversize, quick return with lock-up device. No image
cutoff even with extreme telephotos.
* Self timer: Yes, lever type, from 6 to 10 seconds.
* Flash sync: X contact: electronic flash synchronizes at 1/100 (X)
and longer step-less and step speeds, FP contact: FP bulbs
synchronize at all step speeds through 1/2000 sec. including X (1
/100); single terminal in threaded socket with X/FP switch;
direct contact on accessory mount for Minolta cordless flashguns
with optional accessory hot shoe.
* Dimensions: 84 x 147.5 x 48mm (3-5/16" x 6" x 1-15/16") without
lens.
* Weight: 670g (23.63 oz.) without lens.
As can be seen, the X-1 stands apart from all of the other Minolta
SLRs in both terms of physical features such as the interchangeable
viewfinders available and the extensive range of easily
interchangeable screens, as well as operational features including
manual shutter speeds of up to 16 seconds, and a high top shutter
speed of 1/2000 sec.
[XK-body-banner]
Like the other cameras produced by Minolta at the time, the X-1 is
built like a tank. It was produced a generation before plastics and
flexible circuit boards were routinely used in the construction of
cameras, and as a result it is made from many hundreds of precisely
machined metal parts, wire and (because of its new electronic
shutter) circuit boards. Of course, while metal construction assists
with durability, it unfortunately has the corresponding heavy weight.
That said, the camera provides the user with a feeling of confidence
and the knowledge that one is using a precisely manufactured piece of
machinery.
The X-1 was only available in black, and has a leatherette that is
firm to the touch, never wears and in most cases still looks new
after 30+ years. The balance of the camera in your hands is
impeccable with all controls within comfortable distance.
[xk_nofinder]
Minolta XK without finder. The screens can easily be
interchanged by simply removing the finder to get access to
the screen.
Minolta engineers added an unusual feature to the X-1 called the
Senswitch. Visible on the front of the camera in the photograph
above, the switch is located in an area that when the camera is held
in a 'normal' position, your fingers should depress the switch and
thus turn on the metering system. When you set the camera down, it
shuts off the metering, thus automatically saving battery life. While
this sounds like a good idea, it is not in practice. The reason is
that if the switch is not depressed and the shutter is released in
'auto' mode the mirror will lock-up and the shutter remains open for
a 16 second exposure. This occurs because without the Senswitch
depressed there is no power provided to the meter, and accordingly
the meter cannot tell the shutter when to close. To fix the problem,
one must rotate the shutter dial from 'auto' to 'X' to reset. This
will release the mirror, close the shutter and return the camera to
normal operation.
One method many users choose to avoid this issue is to dispense with
the use of the Senswitch altogether through leaving the meter
permanently on when shooting. The AE, AE-S and Match Needle finders
have a separate switch to permanently turn on their meters if one
wishes to do so. When turned on, they by-pass the Senswitch and avoid
the previously mentioned problem. Other finders operate on a manual
basis, and accordingly do not require power to the meter to work.
These can be operated without the depression of the Senswitch.
If the shutter is released and the batteries are dead or power cannot
be restored, the mirror locks up. In this circumstance the only way
to lower the mirror is to rotate the battery cover which actuates a
lever in the battery compartment. Many X-1/XM/XK cameras are sold as
junk because the owners are not aware of this procedure, and believe
the camera to be inoperable.
As one of the first cameras with an electronic shutter, Minolta
realised that professionals would demand a back-up system for use in
the event that the batteries died. Most electronic cameras are unable
to operate in any manner in the event of battery failure. To provide
the back-up system, Minolta included two mechanical speeds on the
finders, being X and B. With the finder set to X or B the camera will
operate correctly without batteries. In the X position, the shutter
speed is set at 1/100 sec., while in the B position the shutter
remains open for as long as the shutter release is depressed.
Additionally, a storage place for fresh batteries was included in the
neck strap.
When first introduced, the Senswitch must have had many complaints
from consumers, with the result that Minolta provided a 'fix' only
available at their company Service Center in Japan. The fix was to
eliminate the Senswitch feature entirely leaving the metered finder
to turn the circuit on and off. This was done by removing the
Senswitch button from the outer body and inserting two flat stamped
metal pieces that hold down the micro switch to permanently complete
the body circuit. These were held in place with tape and then covered
over with new leatherette that was die cut without the hole for the
switch.
[xk_nonsenswitch]
An example of the rare non-Senswitch X-1.
[xk_nonsenswitch_detail]
This image shows the metal pieces used to complete the body circuit.
This modification was only offered in Japan and only on the X-1
model. It was not offered to the owners of the XM or XK. Given not
many owners sought the modification the model is quite rare and is
highly sought after by collectors. Some collectors have argued that
because the change was not done on the normal production line, it is
not a true variation. The consensus is however that because the
modification was offered formally by the company, was undertaken on
multiple cameras and was conducted at the Minolta Service Centre that
it can be considered to be a genuine variation.
Another interesting variation is the Ritz XK that was only available
in the United States. Ritz is a large national camera retailer that
offered the XK with a waffle pattern rubberized body covering. The
covering appears to be the same as used on the late MC and MD lenses
(not Celtic) with the prism shaped rubber grips. Ritz also offered a
similarly covered SRT-201.
[Ritzxk]
The Ritz XK, a rare variation to the XK featuring a different, waffle
pattern rubber coating in place of the usual leatherette. Picture
courtesy of Syoji Nishida.
Some Minolta collectors have speculated that the modifications to the
Ritz XK were made by the retailer itself for marketing purposes. This
however is considered unlikely, after a Minolta in-house publication
was found to have a reference to the master part number for a black
Ritz SR-T 201 (part no. 2063-800). The obvious conclusion is that
Ritz was a large enough customer that the factory did special
modifications for them. The covering is prone to hardening and
curling on the edges after time.
In addition to these rare body variations, there were two common
types of body variations which are apparent during the production run
for the X-1/XM/XK. These variations are commonly referred to as the
'early' and 'late' type bodies. The early version has a film door
that has an elongated ASA/DIN reference label and rigid mirror
dampener. The late version has a square type film memo holder with
the ASA/DIN table and a mirror dampening mechanism that moves
vertically.
[filmdoors][mirrordampner]
The above montage shows the difference between the early and late
model X-1 bodies. On the left is the early model, with its ASA/DIN
reference label and fixed mirror dampner, on the right is the late
model with the film memo holder and moving mirror dampner.
Other minor variations that have been noted on different cameras
include a chrome or black prism release button ring, bottom covers
with 'MADE IN JAPAN' in white or simply 'JAPAN' in black and right
hand top covers with 'MINOLTA CAMERA CO, LTD.' in white or no
lettering at all. It is apparent that many minor changes were made to
the camera over the course of its life without these changes being
identified by differing model designations.
[finder_release_comparison]
The different finder releases - the black surround was on many of the
later cameras.
[xk_3_filmdoors]
A very rare XK body on the right with the late-model filmdoor but no
ASA/DIN table.
A less common variation is the late style square memo holder without
any ASA/DIN table as seen above. Recently, an XM with serial number
1100002 has surfaced and has a chrome film counter window ring. Given
the serial number, this is considered likely to be a prototype.
[XM-Number-Two]
XM number 1100002 - believed to be a prototype. Note the silver ring
around the film counter window - this was black on all production X-1
/XM/XKs..
The X1/XM/XK is a magnificent camera to use and is now highly
collectible. The different finders, body types and various rare
accessories will mean you will be hunting for treasures for many
years to come. Of course in the meantime you get to use this
outstanding system - a tribute to what was possible before the
implementation of computers and even flexible circuit boards.
[XK_brochure]
At the time of its release the Minolta XK was revolutionary, and a
huge step forward in automation of exposure for working
professionals. Together with all its other features it placed Minolta
as the leader in innovation in the industry.
The X-1/XM/XK was undoubtedly a magnificent camera, but the real
strength of the system rested in the interchangeable finders that
enabled users to customise the camera for their specific
requirements. Click on the link for page two of this review to find
out more about the finders that were available for the model.
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