I just found this and have no knowledge of how to actually use it. I haven't touched a camera needing actual film in over 10 years probably, much less an SLR with film, which is never. I do have the manual luckily and of course I know I can do some searching on-line. However I knew you all would probably have some awesome tips and tricks that may be easier to understand. Either way, easy or complicated lay it on me please. I need to get batteries for it, but otherwise I am ready to play!!
I have the three lenses -
28mm
50mm
and a wide-angle 35mm
I also have lens filters for all of them a grey and funny blue color. I know that cannot be what they are called, but I am new to SRL's in general and do not know the filters intended use. Also a Minolta Auto 280PX Flash. I did find one roll of film, but any suggestions on the best place/kind to purchase for future would be great!
Thank you for taking the time to read this!!!
Any and all help, tips and advice would be so helpful.
@lostwaveitb Having just started shooting film myself, my best tip would be a notepad and pen to note down settings etc. when you take shots. Now, if only I could remember to do that myself :)
@lostwaveitb They look beautiful. I buy film on eBay which comes in bundles. It is usually a better price and the seller will generally say if it is fresh, expiry date, whether it has been refrigerated. Bought ten rolls last week and was delivered within 24 hours by mail. A friend bought three hundred rolls at 30cents each which she froze that had expired and was being sold off by a technical college. The filters are possibly UV or polarizing. Others will know better. Polarizing filters are cool because these really bring out the blue, in big blue high altitude skies.
I used to use a Minolta XGM and X500, the big difference between these and the X700 is if i remember correctly the X700 has a shutter speed or Program mode?
Top tips digging up from memory.
Choose film speed to match the light your going to work in.
I used to use 64 or 100 ASA in good light and 400 ASA for sport or lower light.
Ilford used to do two good black and white films that were great 125 ASA and 400 ASA The 400 could be pushed to 3200 for really grainy images in low light situations.
I have no idea what is around now but the difference between DSLR and film on this issue is quite significant. One the film is in it's in and you don't want to be changing the setting once you've started using it. (Unless modern film has moved on a lot since I used to use it?)
Once you have put the film in, don't forget to set the ASA and put the lid of the cardboard box in the slot on the back of the camera if the film will be in there for a long time. Helps you know what film is in it next time you pick it up.
One feature I think you'll have on that camera that is really good is a depth of field preview button. Give it a press and it closes down the aperture so you can see what will be in focus when you take the picture.
I'm pretty sure that the X700 also has the ability to meter flash through the lens if you have the right flash gun.
Have fun, I'm trying to reclaim my Minolta kit back from me brother / parents house.
ahhh the x700 - it's what i learned photography on from 1994 to about 2003 or so when i started picking up digital a bit more. what i would do, is start reading up on photography basics, shutter speed, aperture, film speed, etc. i loved that camera. i still have in my closet along with an x370 i used as back up.
re: film, depending where you are there may be camera stores in your area that still carry film. otherwise bhphotovideo.com sells all types of film. i used to use kodak tmax. you can also get black and white film that can be processed by most labs in their color machines.
Nice rig. If I may opine, there are no "tricks". This is film. That's the beauty of it, and I am a film snob. I commend you on wanting to use it. I highly recommend you do so.
My recommendations. If you are shooting landscape or anything not portrait, get Fijuchrome Velvia film or Kodak E100G. Nice saturation and depth. It is slide film, and I would recommend you have a lab not mount the slides, and scan them right to disc. For portraits, try Fuji Provia.
Using this will REALLY teach you about photography. It is primarily what I shoot for my art shots, as it is not as flat and unbalanced in exposure as digital. Go for it. I just posted a film image an hour ago. Check it out. See what I mean?
@grecican I think your input was very intelligent :) Thank you!! @jasehoad Thanks for the tip, feel free to add on to this post later if you find any tips along the way!! @peterdegraaff Thank you for the help with where to get the film, I will try these two rolls and if I dig the feel of it bulk is probably a good way to go! Considering the fact learning may leave me filmless pretty fast. Lets hope I learn fast to not just click click click!! :)
@daviddobedoe
WOW!!! Your tips on film is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. I would have never thought to check the type of film vs lighting or that it mattered. Thats also a good tip not to change the settings, i'll have to google and get more info on that! I would have almost guaranteed changed them and not thought anything of it - even after seeing the photos and wondering why I wasn't thrilled not put 2+2 together. After reading your post I did look and found the depth of field button. Makes a huge difference looking through the lens with it on this camera in comparison to the one use everyday. You lost me a meter flash :) BUT I know for sure I will have questions once I start using this new toy. I appreciate your help so much!!!! Karma works wonders and i'm sure getting yours bac will go more smoothly now that you've helped a new fellow owner haha. Thank you again David!!!
@nlaurie I know right? GOLD MINE in my closet I never even knew about! Although I looked up the value and a lot of the old film cameras aren't too badly priced ;) @jennverr Thanks Jenn - I definitely need to get more knowledge under my belt. I have been using manual mode for the past 2 weeks with my Rebel T2i so I'm starting to get it. However I still have issues remembering and take more bad than good shots which with film is not a good thing. SO you are completely right. I must get this down! I think there is a local place that may sell it, good idea I'll compare prices and see what comes out best. Seeing that you had a good time with this camera, even he way you said it makes me even more excited :) Thank you!
@cluvlj Thanks for being supportive of the newbie interest in film. I'm sure being a 'film snob' you just lovveee how the lot of us get away easy with digital :) I know film is going to be more challenging and I am thrilled to get my skills on track and not just be a point and shoot gal holding a slr. I'm excited to be forced into thinking about a shot and telling myself I cannot edit it after.
I see what you mean about the photo. It seems like you edited the saturation up a bit. Also the clouds and trees in the back really do pop out. Thats awesome with as I would say 'just film' - haha don't shoot :) I mean it in a good way! It is a great and vibrant shot!
No tricks. Pure skill. Now that I know I have some work to do I best get studying away :) This is gunna be a fun, but difficult ride. Thank you again for your help and support!!
@lostwaveitb your welcome. RE The metering for flash. If I'm right. You can take a photo using the appropriate flash guns and the Camera controls the way the light is managed rather then the flash gun. If I remember right it worked really well. I have a cobra flash gun with the appropiate Minolta adapter. So some third party ones were made. Remember this may have been new technology back in the day.
Another feature at least on the X500 is an exposure lock. The button underneath the X500 logo can be pressed down to lock the settings in Aperture mode. Probably the same on the X700, you'll have to try it.
I'll check out the button next to the Shutter speed dial later.
@peterdegraaff I really love that second photo! Reminds me of a place I went in the Florida Keys! And I can see again what you guys mean @cluvlj about the difference in digital being more 'flat' and the film having more depth. I also love to be able to see the difference in the film types. I think at first I will go cheapy film whatever I can find until I learn more about the camera and technique. I will be saving all of this valuable information though for then! Not sure I will make it to the film challenge this month, but I do plan on working some in as I learn through my project :) I will try to force myself to share all, good and bad! Thank you again!
@daviddobedoe Thanks for spelling out the flash information better for me. Makes a bit more sense now. I checked to make sure it was working and it seemed to be in good condition. I will check out the manual to see about that button once I have my batteries...sounds like it could be a helpful tool. Hopefully this weekend fingers crossed I remember to pick them up. Your help has been so wonderful!! Thank you again for taking the time to share all of this with me.
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Top tips digging up from memory.
Choose film speed to match the light your going to work in.
I used to use 64 or 100 ASA in good light and 400 ASA for sport or lower light.
Ilford used to do two good black and white films that were great 125 ASA and 400 ASA The 400 could be pushed to 3200 for really grainy images in low light situations.
I have no idea what is around now but the difference between DSLR and film on this issue is quite significant. One the film is in it's in and you don't want to be changing the setting once you've started using it. (Unless modern film has moved on a lot since I used to use it?)
Once you have put the film in, don't forget to set the ASA and put the lid of the cardboard box in the slot on the back of the camera if the film will be in there for a long time. Helps you know what film is in it next time you pick it up.
One feature I think you'll have on that camera that is really good is a depth of field preview button. Give it a press and it closes down the aperture so you can see what will be in focus when you take the picture.
I'm pretty sure that the X700 also has the ability to meter flash through the lens if you have the right flash gun.
Have fun, I'm trying to reclaim my Minolta kit back from me brother / parents house.
re: film, depending where you are there may be camera stores in your area that still carry film. otherwise bhphotovideo.com sells all types of film. i used to use kodak tmax. you can also get black and white film that can be processed by most labs in their color machines.
good luck with it!
My recommendations. If you are shooting landscape or anything not portrait, get Fijuchrome Velvia film or Kodak E100G. Nice saturation and depth. It is slide film, and I would recommend you have a lab not mount the slides, and scan them right to disc. For portraits, try Fuji Provia.
Using this will REALLY teach you about photography. It is primarily what I shoot for my art shots, as it is not as flat and unbalanced in exposure as digital. Go for it. I just posted a film image an hour ago. Check it out. See what I mean?
@jasehoad Thanks for the tip, feel free to add on to this post later if you find any tips along the way!!
@peterdegraaff Thank you for the help with where to get the film, I will try these two rolls and if I dig the feel of it bulk is probably a good way to go! Considering the fact learning may leave me filmless pretty fast. Lets hope I learn fast to not just click click click!! :)
WOW!!! Your tips on film is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. I would have never thought to check the type of film vs lighting or that it mattered. Thats also a good tip not to change the settings, i'll have to google and get more info on that! I would have almost guaranteed changed them and not thought anything of it - even after seeing the photos and wondering why I wasn't thrilled not put 2+2 together. After reading your post I did look and found the depth of field button. Makes a huge difference looking through the lens with it on this camera in comparison to the one use everyday. You lost me a meter flash :) BUT I know for sure I will have questions once I start using this new toy. I appreciate your help so much!!!! Karma works wonders and i'm sure getting yours bac will go more smoothly now that you've helped a new fellow owner haha. Thank you again David!!!
@jennverr Thanks Jenn - I definitely need to get more knowledge under my belt. I have been using manual mode for the past 2 weeks with my Rebel T2i so I'm starting to get it. However I still have issues remembering and take more bad than good shots which with film is not a good thing. SO you are completely right. I must get this down! I think there is a local place that may sell it, good idea I'll compare prices and see what comes out best. Seeing that you had a good time with this camera, even he way you said it makes me even more excited :) Thank you!
I see what you mean about the photo. It seems like you edited the saturation up a bit. Also the clouds and trees in the back really do pop out. Thats awesome with as I would say 'just film' - haha don't shoot :) I mean it in a good way! It is a great and vibrant shot!
No tricks. Pure skill. Now that I know I have some work to do I best get studying away :) This is gunna be a fun, but difficult ride. Thank you again for your help and support!!
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Another feature at least on the X500 is an exposure lock. The button underneath the X500 logo can be pressed down to lock the settings in Aperture mode. Probably the same on the X700, you'll have to try it.
I'll check out the button next to the Shutter speed dial later.
@daviddobedoe Thanks for spelling out the flash information better for me. Makes a bit more sense now. I checked to make sure it was working and it seemed to be in good condition. I will check out the manual to see about that button once I have my batteries...sounds like it could be a helpful tool. Hopefully this weekend fingers crossed I remember to pick them up. Your help has been so wonderful!! Thank you again for taking the time to share all of this with me.
Have a good weekend everybody!!!