X-370

(1984) A year after Minolta released the X-570, they introduced the X-370 to the photographic market.  It was a less-expensive alternative to the X-570 thanks to fewer features.  The body of the X-370 is nearly identical to that of the X-570.  The only change, other than the nameplate, is that the shutter speed dial in now covered, only showing one speed at a time.  In addition, the camera features are minimized. Perhaps the biggest feature change from the X-570 is that the X-370 lacks the OTF (off-the-film) flash mode -- which many find very useful.  In addition, the X-370 lacks the DOF preview button, the PC connection, and the interchangeable screens of the X-570.  Together, these changes decreased the price tag of the X-370 significantly.

There were actually several versions of the X-370.

• X-370 -- (1984)
  
  
  
  Although, at first, the viewfinder of the X-370 appears to be exactly the same as that of the X-570, it is not. The X-370 does not display the manually-set f-stop in the viewfinder.  

  
  
  But like the X-570, in manual mode the X-370 shows the manually-set shutter speed as a blinking LED in the viewfinder, while the metered speed (recommended setting) was a constantly lit LED -- on the same scale!  It also has the "B" setting on the bottom of the LED scale.  The X-370 is only available in chrome -- see X-7A (below) -- so if you want the X-370 in black, you'll need to get the Minolta X-300 or the X-7A or the Seagull DF-300 which are all the same as the Minolta X-370, but were available in black.
  
  

• X-300 -- (1984)
  
  
  
  Sold in the Japanese market, the features are exactly the same as the X-370 -- and it was available in chrome or black.
   

• X-7A -- (1985)

  
  
  Despite the name, the X-7A is not an X-7.  It's really an X-370.  The only difference is that it only came in a black body -- and was only marketed in North America. It appeared a year after the X-370 did -- which only came in chrome.  Some people think it's somehow different, and it is, but only in a minor way.  The covering on the hand grip is slightly different.  At this point in time, the Minolta manual-focusing camera production was moved from Japan to Malaysia.  It is often seen with Hanimex lenses.
  
  

• X-370n -- (1990)
  
  
  
  Around 1990, Minolta moved production of the X-370 to China, and made a few changes to the camera.  The most obvious difference is that the X-370n has a film cartridge window on the back -- instead of the film-box tab-holder of the X-370. While this is nice, since you can see the type of film and number of exposures, some people report fogged film under some conditions, such as when fast film is used.  Another obvious difference is that the X-370n has more plastic parts on the top and bottom. It's a high quality plastic, but some people don't like the plastic feel or slick appearance.  The body grip is now a little larger and has a smooth covering.  There are other differences as well. Unlike the X-370, the X-370n shows the manually set f-stop in the viewfinder -- like the X-570 -- and it still offers the match-LED metering in manual mode.

  

  The X-370n lacks the sensa-switch, and the cable release connection as well.  This isn't a big deal, because you can use the self-timer as a shutter release, but there are some circumstances where a cable release is more important -- like if you want to use a "B" shutter speed.  The X-370n is only available in black.
   

• X-370s -- (1990)
  
  
  
  Sold in the European market, the features are exactly the same as the X-370n -- but there are a couple of minor differences that you might not notice.  The X-370s has the same leatherette on the handgrip as the X-370 body.  The X-370n has smooth rubber on the hand grip -- different from the body.  You'll also notice the the model designations -- "X-370s" and "X-370s" -- are on opposite sides of the camera face, for some unknown reason. Like the X-370n, the X-370s is only available in black.
   

• X-300s
  
  Despite the name, the X-300s is really an X-9 and is covered on that page. 

The X-370 was an immediate hit, due to its low-price.  The biggest complaint is that some people don't like the new, covered shutter speed dial.  While it helps you to quickly identify what shutter speed is set, when it comes time for a change, you don't know which way to turn the dial, since you can't see the adjoining speeds. But as a first camera or a backup to the X-700 or X-570, it can't be beat.

For a comparative look at the major features of the X-370 models, check out MINMAN's SLR table -- the world's most complete!

One important quality control issue pertains to the two capacitors in the X-300/X-370 (and the X-570 and X-700 cameras, as well). They tend to leak, and in the process malfunction. You can usually spot a bad capacitor easily. Turn the camera on, using good batteries. Touching the shutter release button will turn on the LED meter for a second, but then it goes out. Some contend that the problem stems from the move to China and cheaper capacitors. There may be some truth to this as the earliest X-300 cameras have fewer capacitor problems. Others contend that the capacitors leak with time, use and humidity. In any case, it's an expensive repair and one reason some people avoid the last models that Minolta made.

The X-370, in its many forms, became the basis of Minolta's manual-focus SLR cameras after the introduction of the auto-focus Maxxum line.  The various X-370's were less expensive than the new, auto-focus cameras, but still had all the features that a new or experienced photographer needed. As mentioned, production was moved from Japan to China around 1990, and the X-370n has, and is, being used as the basis for many others cameras from China, sold by Seagull and several other firms.  One thing's for sure -- the X-370 will live on, in one form or another, for many years to come.  

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