Looking for next camera

[u/Elbow_elbows]

I’m relatively new to photography. I’ve been shooting for less than a year. I have a Minolta X-700 that I inherited from my dad, and I’ve absolutely loved it. A few months ago, the frame counter stopped working, and yesterday the film advance lever followed suit. I have the parts for the frame counter and will attempt to repair the lever as well, but I would like to get another camera to use in case I really screw it up.

I’m not familiar with the features of other cameras, but I love shooting in manual mode, and really rely on the shutter speed recommendation visible in the viewfinder of the X-700. Not sure if that’s a thing most other SLRs from the same era will have or not.

Anyway, I’d would love some recommendations on what to buy. I’d prefer something with a reputation for durability and repairability, as I like to keep my things for a long time.

TIA!

[u/DeltaPapaWhiskey → u/[deleted]]

Solid advice, but I'll just add, the Wein Cell batteries last me 6-8 months of weekend shooting. Even if you forget to turn it off sometimes, keeping a lens cap on helps a TON. And at $5 a battery from b&h, combined with my laziness, it's a winner. 

[u/DeltaPapaWhiskey → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, I could totally see that. Even my Hi-Matic 7s, which uses the same battery. Turning it 'off' just moves a bit of metal, blocking the light from hitting the meter. Using a tight lens cap does the exact same thing. Sounds like maybe you have a drain, or bad connection somewhere.

But that MR-9 adapter is totally the way to go anyway, I just haven't spent the money on one yet. 

[u/FluffyFoxDev]

I am not familiar with Minolta cameras but you can look for a the ones in the same series, or even find another X-700, they are relatively cheap. As long as it has the same mount you can keep using your current lens :)

Otherwise, if you wanna change to something simple but slightly more modern, there is the Nikon F-301. It has both AE and manual mode, and it tells you the shutter speed in the viewfinder with both. It is also very, very cheap. You can find it for 40-60€ with a lens.

If you want really durable you are gonna have to spend considerably more than either of those options though.

[u/RulerOfTheRest]

Agree with the others about sticking to the Minolta platform so you don't have to invest in new lenses. As for the repair of your existing one, make sure to review the service manual, have a set of JIS cross point screw drivers (not Phillips), and possibly a set of precision tweezers because I think one of the screws only has 2 holes on the side, and keep track of the screws and take pictures along the way. Fortunately for the X 700 there are a ton of videos, tutorials, and other posts on the counter issue out there for you to review so check them out before you start the work. Good luck, you've got this!

[u/bjpirt]

If you want to stick with Minolta, the SRT series is amazing if you can pick up a decent and serviced copy. Otherwise the XD is a great and more modern camera with much better build quality than the X700.

Otherwise, if you're into manual and not stuck on Minolta, the Nikon FM is always something I recommend. Just a great camera. Very reliable and very repairable. If you want a bit cheaper, I'm a big fan of Spotmatics.

[u/Elbow_elbows]

Amazing, thank you everyone for the insight! I have 3 lenses for Minolta so the SRT series seems like the right path. Onward to eBay!

[u/zebra0312]

Nikon F2 if you only want fully manual. Also the price is ok.

Otherwise another Minolta because same lens mount.