Minolta XG 2 - Things To Know About Functions, Battery & Films

The Minolta XG 2 is a camera from Minolta. It is an SLR camera from the 1970s. A functionally identical model was sold in Japan as the Minolta XG-E. In the US, the model went over the counter as the Minolta XG 7. XG 2 was the designation for all other markets.

The lens of the 35mm still camera is interchangeable. It comes with a Minolta SR bayonet. In many cases, the 35mm camera comes with the Minolta MD Rokkor-X 50mm f/1.4, but there are plenty of other lenses available for the SLR. The Minolta XG 2 does not have an autofocus. Focusing is done manually by hand.

Instead, the Japanese camera comes with a light meter. The light meter is built for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 1600. The exposure is measured through the lens. The shutter allows shooting at 1/1000 second to 1 second.

The exposure time and aperture can be freely selected in manual mode. In this mode, the exposure is not measured by the camera, but must either be measured externally or estimated. In addition, there is an aperture priority mode. In this mode, the aperture is selected by the user and the camera technology automatically selects the shutter speed.

For long exposures, a Bulb mode is available on the camera. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed. The camera should be mounted on a tripod for this purpose. The camera can be triggered with the self-timer or an external cable release.

An external flash can be connected via cable or hot shoe. The maximum usable shutter speed is 1/60 second.

The dimensions of the Minolta XG 2 are 13.8 x 8.8 x 5.2 cm according to the user manual. It weighs 505 grams. Power is supplied by two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

Films for the Minolta XG 2

The Minolta XG 2’s exposure are on 35mm film is 24mm x 36mm. There is no built-in automatic film advance. The film must be rewound by hand. However, there is a motor for the film transport as an external accessory.

Great films for the Minolta XG 2 that are still available today are the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*. Both photo films can convince in professional tests and guarantee reliable results in everyday life. Foma, Adox and also Rollei are still other suppliers of 35mm films.

The 35mm camera can only be bought used. The state of preservation and the functionality decide the price of a used copy.

Technical datasheet

Technical specifications of the camera

Attribute	Spezifikation
Type of Camera	Single lens reflex camera
Film format	35mm
Film transport	Manual
Picture format	24 mm x 36 mm
Lens mount	Minolta SR mount
Focus	Manual
Exposure times	1/1000 second to 1 second, Bulb
Bulb mode	Yes
Light meter	CdS light meter
Supported film speeds	ISO 25 to 1600
Exposure modes	Aperture priority, Manual mode
Exposure compensation	± 2EV (0,5EV )
Auto DX (Film sensitivity)	No
Built-in flash	No
Flash Connection	Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
Flash sync speed	1/60 s
Tripod mount	Yes
Cable release thread	Yes
Self-timer	Yes
Power supply	2x SR44 batteries
Size	13,8 x 8,8 x 5,2 cm
Dimensions in inches	5.43 x 3.46 x 2.05 inches
Weight	505 Grams
Names in other markets	Japan: Minolta XG-E, USA: Minolta XG 7
Country of production	Japan
Estimated value / Used price	87,30 Euro 156142817227615478951101 i Estimate based on used prices of 99 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of October 27, 2025
Average used price in the year 2023	87,50 Euro (94.17 US-Dollar)
Average used price in the year 2024	81,38 Euro (87.67 US-Dollar)

FAQ about the Minolta XG 2

What type of camera is the Minolta XG-2, and what is its focusing mechanism?

The Minolta XG-2 is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera from the 1970s. It features manual focus; there is no autofocus.

Does the Minolta XG-2 offer different shooting modes?

Yes, it offers manual mode for full creative control over aperture and shutter speed, and an aperture-priority automatic mode where the camera selects the shutter speed.

What kind of lens mount does this classic camera use?

The Minolta XG-2 uses a Minolta SR bayonet mount, allowing for interchangeable lenses. It often comes with a Minolta MD Rokkor-X 50mm f/1.4 lens.

How does the light meter in the Minolta XG 2 function and what is its film speed range?

The built-in light meter measures light through the lens and is designed for films with ISO sensitivities from 25 to 1600.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Minolta XG-2, and how is it powered?

The Minolta XG-2 measures 13.8 x 8.8 x 5.2 cm and weighs 505 grams. It is powered by two SR44 batteries.