Pentax or Minolta film SLR recommendations?

Keros · Sep 20, 2025

I am thinking of getting into film mostly black and white film photography and I have near zero knowledge on what options I have in terms of film SLR cameras.

I am thinking of getting the Pentax 17 but I also want to get a SLR camera to be able to change lenses.

As a Pentaxian and still own quite some Pentax K mount lenses my first option would be a Pentax SLR camera. Over at Pentax Forums most folks recommend the LX and the KX. But they are getting quite pricey nowadays and so I am also willing to look else where.

I do have some Minolta SR lenses like the 50/1.4, 24-35/3.5, 35-70/3.5 and so my second option is a Minolta SLR.

But then I don't know how to compare film SLRs between say a Pentax LX to the Minolta X-700. For digital we can use the side by side camera comparison tool here on DPreview but for film it's like a completely different game. The LX can be taken apart easily and cleaned where as the X-700 I assume can't? That's a feature that I don't see in modern digital cameras and often not considered when seeing side by side comparisons. I am used to dealing with spec sheet comparisons but film cameras seems like involves more external things on top of spec sheets.

So my question is how to compare film SLRs and whats your recommendation?

My intend usage is mainly black and white film photography on everyday stuff as an EDC. I was expecting something cheap but even the LX is not cheap nowadays let alone some classic Nikon and Canon film SLRs.

Gesture · Sep 20, 2025

I think you have a good bead on things.

With non-digital, the film is the sensor, so it just comes down to the lenses for me. But no easy choices, Minolta, Pentax, Canon, Nikon, Olympus all made great lenses. I'm a bit partial to Minolta; they seemed to have nice bright viewfinders.

Enjoy your choice.

Overrank · Sep 20, 2025

I have almost entirely Nikon film cameras, but if I was starting with a clean sheet (and didn’t want AF) I’d buy an Olympus OM. The reason - there’s only four of the professional models (OM-1 - 4) so you don’t waste time trying out loads of different bodies. There’s lots of lenses and they’re (mostly) pretty cheap. Plus the cameras are small and light. You could put a system together with a selection of lenses for a couple of hundred pounds (vs Nikon where that would get you a FM + 1 lens).

FrancoD · Sep 20, 2025

Since you already have those Minolta lenses, I would indeed suggest the X700. Light/reasonbly solid and with a very bright (easy to focus ) viewfinder.

The best part there is that if you have a specific need /want , you can change the fcusing screen to one you like. (very easy to change...)

If you particularly like the ergonomic /aesthetic /tactile part of using a camera, then the XD7 (XD11) could be a better choice.

Keros · Sep 20, 2025

Thank you all for your input.

Just some brief research and I think the X-700 and XD11 are both electronic cameras so you can't really operate them without a battery.

Is that a deal breaker compared to a fully mechanical camera? What MInolta model is fully mechanical?

I am also looking at the Pentax MX and seems like it's fully mechanical and is a bit cheaper at least compared to the LX and KX?

I do have more Pentax lenses as a Pentax user. But the Pentax K mount is still alive compared to the Minolta SR which is dead in the official sense so it's understandable that the cameras and lenses are cheaper compared to the K mount.

Some of the K mount lenses I have are 31/1.8, 43/1.9, 77/1.8, 50/1.7, 35/2, 100/2.8. I do have some DA lenses as well but not sure if they are compatible with 35mm film.

FrancoD · Sep 20, 2025

Keros said:
Thank you all for your input.

Just some brief research and I think the X-700 and XD11 are both electronic cameras so you can't really operate them without a battery.

Is that a deal breaker compared to a fully mechanical camera? What MInolta model is fully mechanical?

I am also looking at the Pentax MX and seems like it's fully mechanical and is a bit cheaper at least compared to the LX and KX?

I do have more Pentax lenses as a Pentax user. But the Pentax K mount is still alive compared to the Minolta SR which is dead in the official sense so it's understandable that the cameras and lenses are cheaper compared to the K mount.

Some of the K mount lenses I have are 31/1.8, 43/1.9, 77/1.8, 50/1.7, 35/2, 100/2.8. I do have some DA lenses as well but not sure if they are compatible with 35mm film.

Yes, the ones I suggested are indeed electronic.

The last fully mechanical Minolta ,I think, was the last of the SRT, the 303 and that is going further back in time. Solid cameras but at this point the Pentax MX would be (in my view) a much nicer camera to use. If you prefer a larger and with a more solid film camera, then the KX would be it .

Heritage Cameras · Sep 21, 2025

Keros said:
Just some brief research and I think the X-700 and XD11 are both electronic cameras so you can't really operate them without a battery.

Is that a deal breaker compared to a fully mechanical camera? What MInolta model is fully mechanical?

The Minolta XD cameras do have two mechanical shutter speeds – B and X (1/100th). This is better than nothing but not as useful as a range of mechanical speeds.

All the Minolta SRT (or is it SR-T? Minolta never seemed able to decide) cameras have fully mechanical shutters. My choice would be the SRT 303.

davesurrey · Sep 21, 2025

Although I'm a lover of Olympus and the OM1 is an excellent mechanical camera, seeing as you have several Pentax and Minolta lenses I'd suggest you look at the Pentax MX. It does need a battery but only for the meter as the shutter is mechanical.

The MX is far less expensive than the LX and if you value size then the MX is about the smallest 35mm SLR ever.

Gesture · Sep 21, 2025

I think there are also Vivitar badged SLRs that take Minolta, maybe, Pentax lenses.

Some of the earlier Vivitar bodies that took M42 screw mount lenses were excellent.

You also have the Cosina and Chinon? SLRs that took Pentax bayonet mount lenses.

I always call it a triumph of consumerism. So many brands. So many good lens systems.

Bob Janes · Sep 21, 2025

Keros said:
I am thinking of getting into film mostly black and white film photography and I have near zero knowledge on what options I have in terms of film SLR cameras.

I am thinking of getting the Pentax 17 but I also want to get a SLR camera to be able to change lenses.

As a Pentaxian and still own quite some Pentax K mount lenses my first option would be a Pentax SLR camera. Over at Pentax Forums most folks recommend the LX and the KX. But they are getting quite pricey nowadays and so I am also willing to look else where.

I do have some Minolta SR lenses like the 50/1.4, 24-35/3.5, 35-70/3.5 and so my second option is a Minolta SLR.

But then I don't know how to compare film SLRs between say a Pentax LX to the Minolta X-700. For digital we can use the side by side camera comparison tool here on DPreview but for film it's like a completely different game. The LX can be taken apart easily and cleaned where as the X-700 I assume can't? That's a feature that I don't see in modern digital cameras and often not considered when seeing side by side comparisons. I am used to dealing with spec sheet comparisons but film cameras seems like involves more external things on top of spec sheets.

So my question is how to compare film SLRs and whats your recommendation?

My intend usage is mainly black and white film photography on everyday stuff as an EDC. I was expecting something cheap but even the LX is not cheap nowadays let alone some classic Nikon and Canon film SLRs.

Either Pentax or Minolta should be great. I really like the Spotmatics, but they might be a little early for you (and of course use m42). Minoltas like the SRT 101 are pretty bullet proof and you do get access to a host of great SR mount lenses - be aware that 80s electronic cameras can be let down by their electronics - I don't think components were built to last 50 years (but if they do, then great).

Lots of great options out there (for Pentax & Minolta but also for other brands) - have a look at the X-500 and X-300 as well as the X-700 from Minolta. Lots of good reviews over at 35mmc (including a few of my own). Also have a look at the rokkor files for Minolta info.

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Gesture · Sep 21, 2025

have a look at the X-500 and X-300 as well as the X-700 from Minolta.

Yes. Just a great era from Minolta. You also have XD-5 and XD-11 and XG-cameras. I have an XG-M, light weight but solid with beautiful viewfinder, aperture preferred. takes a motor winder, I am Just not up to date on batteries.

alex_virt · Sep 21, 2025

Pentax Z-1P – pros:

1. Can work with auto and manual focus lenses

2. Accurate metering

3. Auto film loading and rewind

4. 1/8000 sec

5. Good ergonomics

6. Reliable

7. Affordable

Cons:

1. Expensive battery, but lasts very long

2. Ugly

If you want a great picture taking machine, it's for you. If you want a fashion accessory, look elsewhere.

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ishwanu · Sep 21, 2025

Keros said:
Just some brief research and I think the X-700 and XD11 are both electronic cameras so you can't really operate them without a battery.

The XD11 (and XD, XD5, and XD7) can function in a very limited way without a battery.

Keros said:
Is that a deal breaker compared to a fully mechanical camera?

Certainly not for me. Carry extra batteries if you need to - they're small. You need batteries for the meter in most cameras anyway.

Keros said:
What MInolta model is fully mechanical?

Every older model that doesn't begin with X. They're bulky, and I think you'll have issues with batteries to operate the meters.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MinoltaGang/wiki/index/minoltopedia/ffaq/#wiki_what_batteries_can_i_use_for_an_srt_meter.3F

FrancoD · Sep 21, 2025

Gesture said:
I think there are also Vivitar badged SLRs that take Minolta, maybe, Pentax lenses.

Some of the earlier Vivitar bodies that took M42 screw mount lenses were excellent.

You also have the Cosina and Chinon? SLRs that took Pentax bayonet mount lenses.

I always call it a triumph of consumerism. So many brands. So many good lens systems.

Most of the Vivitar SLRs were made by Cosina and some of them did have the K mount.The same cameras were also sold, with minor cosmetic changes , by many other brands. Most fully mecanical but not of the Pentax MX quality ...

Later versions were made in China by Seagull , probably using the Cosina production line, and one version at least did use the Minolta SR mount but was the Chinese version of the Minolta X300, called V50, so electronic. This one was also sold as a Minolta X300 and Seagull DF300.

itsdoable · Sep 21, 2025

FrancoD said:
Gesture said:

I think there are also Vivitar badged SLRs that take Minolta, maybe, Pentax lenses.

Some of the earlier Vivitar bodies that took M42 screw mount lenses were excellent.

You also have the Cosina and Chinon? SLRs that took Pentax bayonet mount lenses.

I always call it a triumph of consumerism. So many brands. So many good lens systems.

Click to expand...

Most of the Vivitar SLRs were made by Cosina and some of them did have the K mount.The same cameras were also sold, with minor cosmetic changes , by many other brands. Most fully mecanical but not of the Pentax MX quality ...

Later versions were made in China by Seagull , probably using the Cosina production line, and one version at least did use the Minolta SR mount but was the Chinese version of the Minolta X300, called V50, so electronic. This one was also sold as a Minolta X300 and Seagull DF300.

Here is a budget option from this weekend's camera show:

Vivitar V3000s with a K-mount - basically a Yashica FX3 2000 super that was made by Phoenix in China. Fully mechanical and hard to beat at $20 (lens not included).

FrancoD · Sep 21, 2025

itsdoable said:
FrancoD said:

Gesture said:

I think there are also Vivitar badged SLRs that take Minolta, maybe, Pentax lenses.

Some of the earlier Vivitar bodies that took M42 screw mount lenses were excellent.

You also have the Cosina and Chinon? SLRs that took Pentax bayonet mount lenses.

I always call it a triumph of consumerism. So many brands. So many good lens systems.

Click to expand...

Most of the Vivitar SLRs were made by Cosina and some of them did have the K mount.The same cameras were also sold, with minor cosmetic changes , by many other brands. Most fully mecanical but not of the Pentax MX quality ...

Later versions were made in China by Seagull , probably using the Cosina production line, and one version at least did use the Minolta SR mount but was the Chinese version of the Minolta X300, called V50, so electronic. This one was also sold as a Minolta X300 and Seagull DF300.

Click to expand...

Here is a budget option from this weekend's camera show:

Vivitar V3000s with a K-mount - basically a Yashica FX3 2000 super that was made by Phoenix in China. Fully mechanical and hard to beat at $20 (lens not included).

A bit confusing but that camera was made by Jiangxi Optical Instrument General Factory, known as Phenix

The brand name Phoenix was used by another manufacturer, the Shanghai General Camera Factory, the one known as Seagull...the factory that made the SR mount Vivitar V50. I think that there were a few factories (5?) that used the name Seagull for their products, but not sure about that.

fpapp · Sep 22, 2025

alex_virt said:
Pentax Z-1P – pros:

1. Can work with auto and manual focus lenses

2. Accurate metering

3. Auto film loading and rewind

4. 1/8000 sec

5. Good ergonomics

6. Reliable

7. Affordable

Cons:

1. Expensive battery, but lasts very long

2. Ugly

Agree! Someone put the LCD display and the hot shoe in the wrong place! :-D

alex_virt said:
If you want a great picture taking machine, it's for you. If you want a fashion accessory, look elsewhere.

alex_virt · Sep 22, 2025

fpapp said:
alex_virt said:

Pentax Z-1P – pros:

1. Can work with auto and manual focus lenses

2. Accurate metering

3. Auto film loading and rewind

4. 1/8000 sec

5. Good ergonomics

6. Reliable

7. Affordable

Cons:

1. Expensive battery, but lasts very long

2. Ugly

Click to expand...

Agree! Someone put the LCD display and the hot shoe in the wrong place! :-D

Disagree. The hotshoe placed off the axis of the lens decreases red eye.

Filmluver · Sep 22, 2025

alex_virt said:
Pentax Z-1P – pros:

1. Can work with auto and manual focus lenses

2. Accurate metering

3. Auto film loading and rewind

4. 1/8000 sec

5. Good ergonomics

6. Reliable

7. Affordable

Cons:

1. Expensive battery, but lasts very long

2. Ugly

If you want a great picture taking machine, it's for you. If you want a fashion accessory, look elsewhere.

I still use mine. While I prefer my F5, the little Pentax does a great job.

Jack Calypso · Sep 22, 2025

alex_virt said:
fpapp said:

alex_virt said:

Pentax Z-1P – pros:

1. Can work with auto and manual focus lenses

2. Accurate metering

3. Auto film loading and rewind

4. 1/8000 sec

5. Good ergonomics

6. Reliable

7. Affordable

Cons:

1. Expensive battery, but lasts very long

2. Ugly

Click to expand...

Agree! Someone put the LCD display and the hot shoe in the wrong place! :-D

Click to expand...

Disagree. The hotshoe placed off the axis of the lens decreases red eye.

Just like the original Nikon F, except that one was proprietary.

Pentax or Minolta film SLR recommendations?

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