Minolta X-370 - good for beginners?

[Alan O]

I'm just getting started in photography, and I'm looking at a Minolta
X-370n. Is this a good camera for beginners? If not, I'd appreciate
any suggestions for a good camera for around US $250.

Thanks for any help.
--
Alan O.
The Group B rally cars http://www.stormloader.com/groupb

"You don't know how far you can go until you know how far too far is."
- Hendrik Blok, former American rally driver

[dor...@ibm.net]

Yes, it is a good camera for a beginner. It has both aperture preferred
automation and metered manual. It also has an AE lock. It's small,
fairly light weight and there are plenty of MC and MD lenses available
for it. Takes two EPX76 batteries that are readily available and also
takes an auto winder. Has the capability to take a dedicated flash. I
think you will be happy with it.

Dennis

[Anders Nilsson]

Yes, but the now discontinued X-570 shows aperture as well as shutter speed
as well as recommended shutter speed in the viewfinder. It should be
availabe used for appx $200. The X-700 is available new from B&H for $260,
but only shows recommended shutter speed in finder, not the one You have
set. This is a nuisance.

A well kept used X-570 is what most people on the Minolta mailing list
recommend for manual use. The 370 will serve You well, though, and is a good
option if money is a problem.

As for lenses, buy a 24/2.8, 35/1.8, 50/1.7 and 100/2.5, and You're ready
for everything except wildlife. Spend more money on lenses than on the body.
To save money, You could buy a 28/2.8 instead of the 24/35 combo, but it
isn't as versatile. For general street photography, the 35 and the 100 are
very useful. Some people will probably challenge my opinion. Start with the
50/1.7 only if You're short on cash.

REMEMBER: ONLY buy things in EX or better condition. It really doesn't cost
all that much more, and You'll be happy You did after a few years or in case
You want to sell Your stuff.

Another slightly more useful way to save money is to buy a zoom. The Minolta
MD28-85 is reportedly good, and You'll always find it useful later on for
when You want to carry minimum equipment.

Buy only Minolta original lenses in EX or better condition, you will not
regret this later on. Make sure that they are in MD fit, not in MC fit. The
difference is that MD lenses are designe for shutter priority and program
operation. They are also better multi-coated, which means they give You less
internal reflections, which means brighter colors.MC lenses WILL operate in
program mode, but will give You blinking alerts in the finder. The
difference in price is too small IMHO to justify buying MC lenses, at least
from a dealer.

Anders Nilsson
anders....@questab.com

Alan O <gro...@nospam.softhome.net> skrev i
diskussionsgruppsmeddelandet:379f968c...@news1.on.sympatico.ca...

[Tjacmc]

I think it's a great camera. I use it with Fl's from 28 to 1250 mm. I just
had it serviced after ten years and it cost me about $150. I changed the view
screen to a flat matte with a diagonal split image. I like the camera.

Good luck,

Ted Andresen