minolta xd 11 sunny 16

[lawnpotter]

Has any one used sunny 16 with the minolta xd11 on O mode. I just returned one to keh cause it didnt work well except in o mode. I like the lenses and wonder if it would be practical to use a camera at only 1/100secs all the time? Thanks

 

[sparrow6224]

No it's not practical. Unless you only take photographs in kind of place in one kind of light all the time. Up toa certain point it's do-able. But practical, no. The XD 11 is a great camera and the Minolta MC and MD Rokkors are gorgeous lenses so get yourself a new one and carry on. (Keeping in mind that the electronic circuitry, which was sophisticated for its time, is the first to go on the old Minolta cameras. Which is what happened to your last model. The Minolta bodies are notorious for capacitor failure - the mirror locks up, nothing works except the O setting or the M setting, etc.)

 

[Naumoski]

Maybe, the most clever choice today will be: buying Minolta X700 or SRT 101 - it's up to what you really need. 🙂

 

[thawkins]

I have an XD11 that is my go to SLR. I bought the camera from KEH about ten years ago. After using it for a short period of time, I dropped it and rendered it unusable. I returned it to KEH for a complete overhaul and it has been a totally reliable piece of equipment. As far as using your XD11 @1/100 sec, send it back to KEH for a repair. I'll bet you won't be disappointed. Now I do know some day the electronics will die and then my go to SLR will be the SRT 101. But until it does, it outperforms my Nikon and is right up there with the Leicas.

 

[kuzano]

A "sleeper" Minolta body with bonus features....

A "sleeper" Minolta body with bonus features....

The Minolta X-570. The X-370 was a great beginner Minolta, and then most people jump to the X-700 (which had a couple of chronic problems)

The X-570 can be found for very good prices and has most of the function of the X-700 w/o the issues.

I like the XD-11, but the X-570 is a better manual operation camera, with automation as well.

http://www.rokkorfiles.com/X-570.htm

Came out later than the X-700 and ranked better in this ROKKOR FILES report.

 

[lawnpotter]

Thanks for the replies

Thanks for the replies

I ordered the X370 and returned that one as well. The shutter froze after about 20 shots. I asked for my money back. I will call KEH and may concider the xd11 again. I kept the lenses. The postal charges start to add up with KEH so I may take my chances on a used body on Craigslist. I see them going for $30.00 and up with lenses usually.

 

[Fawley]

Minolta cameras are, in general, so inexpensive compared with other major names that there is little point in messing around with a camera that is so severely handicapped. The SRT's are indestructible and very cheap, the X700's especially combined with the correct Minolta flash, are incredibly flexible and simple to used for flash exposure and still fairly cheap; and the Minolta XK, although relatively expensive and harder to find, is an incredibly versatile, electronic shutter SLR camera. My absolute favourite SLR.

 

[rolleistef]

keep going with a XD11, or a XD5 (the same but without the finder readout and a more plastic top). Having owned a X300, XGM and X700, besides the XD5 having never failed, the pleasure of taking a photo - the feeling you get when you press the trigger - is absolutely unmatchable. The finder is very slughtly darker though. But the camera is extremely small and quiet.

 

[rover]

I am going to suggest a fully manual SRT. If you want a body which has had a recent CLA by a reputable repairman, which has been re-calibrated for modern batteries they can be found on ebay for less than $125. Otherwise read the ads on ebay carefully...."dad used this camera for years and there is a repair receipt from 1995..." you will be surprised how many of those ads you will find. Once you get a good body, there is nothing that can go wrong with it. Fully manual, no need for electronics except for the meter. I really think that is the best way to go for an old SLR.

 

[bigeye]

XDs have had a bit of resurgence in value, particularly the black ones. I put some new foam seals in mine and will get some replacement leather for it (common aging issues). I've had it since new. I like how compact it is.

It's a very nice camera and there are many desirable MC/MD lenses. I was hoping to dedicate the XD to superwide, but the 25 yr old MD 20mm 2.8 runs the same as a recent Nikon 20/2.8 AF-D. The 85's in particular have a following.