New member Minolta X300

[HillmanImp]

Hi,

I have been pointed here by a friend who uses the site.

I have recently bought a Minolta X300 SLR 35mm film camera. The ebay ad is below:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220794925223

I am totally new to this kind of photgraphy (just been point and click in the past) so thought I would get an old SLR to have some fun with to see if I took to it instead of spending ££££ on a DSLR.

The questions I have are:

-What is a good cheap film for these whilst I get the hang of it (online purchase is probably best for me).
-What is the best (budget) film to use when I have got used to it
-Where is the best place to get them developed?
-What is the best way of getting electronic copies of the photos?
-What lenses can I get for this? I am off to Nurburgring for the F1 in a few weeks and want to take this (we are taking other camera's to get good photos....) What fitting do I need to look for as I dont know how near I will be so think I might get a lens for longer range photos.
-Can anyone point me in the direction of a cheap case that it will fit onto nicely?

Sorry if these points have been raised before (I am sure they have) but I am at work and our internet is so poor it will take up my whole day trying to look. Plus I get to introduce myself.

I imagine I will mainly be taking photos of static or moving cars or moving mountain bikes with my camera.

I am sure I will have LOADS of questions as I get going as this is all new to me so any pointers will be appreciated as will any links to helpful websites or threads that might point me in the right direction.

Many thanks


Scotty

 

[TheBigYin]

The questions I have are:

-What is a good cheap film for these whilst I get the hang of it (online purchase is probably best for me).

Call in local poundshop and buy a cheap roll of C-41 process 36 exposure colour film with iso between 100 and 400. This is pretty much just to test that the camera works, so take some happy snaps, making sure that you use a range of shutter speeds from slow to fast, and with the lens wide open and stopped right down.

-What is the best (budget) film to use when I have got used to it

A how long is a piece of string question - what do you want to shoot - people/landscapes/candid/street - colour or black and white - slides or prints. Most of the look and feel of a shot is defined by film choice, so decide what you want to do, and get back to us.

-Where is the best place to get them developed?

For the initial test roll, I used to take mine to the local Asda superstore - 1 hour process print and scan, and ready to collect by the time you've done the weekly shop. For general use, I've heard good things about Club35, and can personally recommend Peak Imaging. There'll probably be lots of other suggestions, so plenty to go at, or to hopefully find a local lab.

-What is the best way of getting electronic copies of the photos?

Initially, get a scan of the pictures when they process them. If you get to the point where you're processing your own film (and it's not that difficult - I manage to do my own B&W, colour and colour slide in the back kitchen sink!) then look into getting hold of a scanner.

-What lenses can I get for this? I am off to Nurburgring for the F1 in a few weeks and want to take this (we are taking other camera's to get good photos....) What fitting do I need to look for as I dont know how near I will be so think I might get a lens for longer range photos.

I'll let our minolta enthusiasts answer that one I reckon.

-Can anyone point me in the direction of a cheap case that it will fit onto nicely?

 

[s162216]

Hi,

For that camera you need Minolta MD mount lenses, I've never owned an MD mount camera though so I can't recommend any lenses etc for it.
You might want to try getting a Tamron Adaptall lens for it though with an MD adapter, basically with Adaptall lenses, you buy the lens and a lens mount for it allowing you to use it on many different mounts. Be warned though that in some cases, the adapter can end up costing more than the lens.

As for the film, like Mark says it depends on what you want to shoot. You should be able to locate an ever ready case for it on ebay.

 

[excalibur2]

Just to add:- I think the X-300 is a nice camera and if I see a X-500 going cheap will buy that one as well to complete my set up to X-700.
I only have two Minolta lenses as they are a bit pricey, but with other makes on MD mount and also Tamron adaptall 2 and M42 adapter you have a wider choice.

 

[desf]

Have a browse here:

http://www.ffordes.com/category/Lenses/Minolta_MC/MD_Fitting

Lots of good and cheap options there.

 

[HillmanImp]

Thanks for advice.

Its mainly going to be static or moving cars or maybe mountain bikes when I am out. I cant see me using it on a day to day basis just for special events.

I have printed off an instruction manual from t'interweb as 'I know nothing'.

But I'm not from Spain.

I am reading up on film speed and focal length and aperture etc as I really am a novice. I would have thought for an old camera it would have been simple but there are loads of different variables I need to learn. However I am a bit of a geek so am finding it quite interesting so far.

I have ordered a load of film from e-bay as I avoid town. Got some 200 ISO rolls. Should suffice to get the hang of it?

There is an Adsa near me so that is bob on. I will look at choices of Lenses. For what I am wanting to photograph what type of lenses would you recommend?

Scotty

 

[excalibur2]

****I would have thought for an old camera it would have been simple but there are loads of different variables I need to learn. However I am a bit of a geek so am finding it quite interesting so far.****

easy peasy as your X-300 can be used on semi auto i.e. set the aperture and the camera will select the correct shutter speed