M-XE7-331
MINOLTA XE7
Minolta XE7 Black
The XE-7 was produced by Minolta starting in 1974, and featured some of the most advanced camera technology of that time period. The camera was designed in cooperation with Leica. The excellent viewfinder is bright and full-featured with F number of lens aperture displayed in a window at the top of the frame, next to shutter speed display. Shutter speed scale is shown on the far right along with an indicator needle which rises and falls in correlation with available light. The center of the finder includes a split image rangefinder for excellent ease of focusing, and an additional microprism focusing spot.
This XE7 is in very good restored condition. Shutter is firing properly at all speeds, film transport, self-timer and meter all work as designed. Viewfinder is bright with just a few tiny specs of dust, which will not affect shooting. Brand new light seals and mirror bumper were installed. There are moderate signs of use on the body, consistent with the age of the camera: some scuffs and brassing on the bottom, a small area of paint loss near on/off switch in the back. The left side of the case has a small dent, which seems to have affected the operation of the battery light indicator (should be fixable). One of the segments of the film take-up spool (white part inside the camera, next to the door hinge) is broken off, but the remaining segments will easily hold the film as it's being loaded and advanced. Painted surfaces and leatherette are preserved very well.
This camera is equipped with a nice compact Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 normal prime. Glass is blemish-free, no visible scratches or fungus. Aperture is snappy and blades are free from oil. Focusing is smooth. The barrel of the lens has minor brassing, but no dents. The lens comes with a Hoya Skylight filter and brand new generic front cap. Genuine Minolta camera strap a set of fresh batteries for the meter are included as well. Beautiful classic film camera.