 Minolta XG-1(n), one of the newer version of the Minolta XG-1 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Minolta |
| Type | 35 mm SLR |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | Minolta SR-mount |
| Sensor/medium | |
| Film advance | Manual |
| Focusing | |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure metering | Full aperture TTL, center-weighted |
| Flash | |
| Flash synchronization | 1/60th |
| Shutter | |
| Shutter | Aperture priority, manual |
| Shutter speeds | 1s to 1/1000s, bulb |
| General | |
| Battery | SR44/LR44 |
| Weight | 490 grams (without battery) |
| Made in | Japan |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Minolta XG-E |
Minolta XG-1 is a 35mm SLR film camera manufactured by Minolta between 1977 and 1984. It is the second model to appear in the XG series of cameras, succeeding the Minolta XG-E (1977). The Minolta XG-1 has gone through various renaming and redesign all throughout its production run.
The last version of the XG-1 is marketed as Minolta XG-1(n), featuring a new design closely similar to the top of the line, Minolta XG-M.
Paul Goresh, an amateur photographer, used the Minolta XG-1 to capture the final photograph of John Lennon on December 8, 1980, shortly before Lennon's assassination.
Versions
Minolta XG 1
The Minolta XG 1 is basically a Minolta XG-E with less informative viewfinder and fixed film door. The range between 1/15s and 1/2s shutter speed was represented only by one LED. It also lacks the memo holder although it had a DIN/ASA conversion scale sticker on the film door. This version features the old Minolta logo.
Minolta XG-1 and XG-1(n)
In 1982, Minolta started producing a similar model with a slightly different name. The Minolta XG-1 resembles the original XG 1 except that it now features the new iconic Minolta "rising sun" logo on the prism cover.
The XG-1 was later replaced by the Minolta XG-1(n) where the moniker "n" stands for "new". It features the same Minolta "rising sun" logo and has a completely redesigned body with a plastic grip, resembling that of the high-end Minolta XG-M.
Unlike the XG-M, however, the XG-1(n) is still an aperture priority model with an option for manual exposure. Minolta also added a memo holder on the film door, while also retaining the DIN/ASA conversion scale sticker. The viewfinder has been upgraded with a fixed Acute Matte focusing screen.
Despite the name change, the camera is still engraved with XG-1 on the front. The Minolta XG-1(n) supports Auto Winder G, and various Minolta Auto electroflashes.
References
- NJ.com, Anthony G. Attrino | NJ Advance Media for (2015-12-07). "N.J. man who took last photo of John Lennon recalls tragedy". nj. Retrieved 2025-01-02.
- scott (2019-06-14). "Minolta XG1 Camera Review • Scott Locklear". Scott Locklear. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- "Lomography - Taking the Minolta XG-1 Out for a Walk". www.lomography.com. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- "カメラ博物館". www2.plala.or.jp. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- "Minolta XG-1(n)". Aperture Preview. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- "カメラ博物館". www2.plala.or.jp. Retrieved 2022-11-25.