MINOLTA XG-M
1981

Serial Nr.2383886
Minolta Code 2019
Characteristics and functions
Type of device: 35mm SLR with aperture priority automatic exposure control, orcompletely manual with independent active exposure meter.
Objective Attack: All objectives of the MC and MD series are allowed. Optics releasebutton on the left side of the coupling. Red indicator placed above the optics union forcorrect bayonet coupling. The complete locking of the bayonet occurs after a clockwise
rotation of 54°.
Sensitivity range allowed from 25 to 1600 Asa. The sensitivity can be set using thelarge knurled ring coaxial to the crank for recovering the film: to set the correct
sensitivity you need to raise the ring and rotate it, then lower it again. The values in Asa
have 1/3 subdivisions represented by two white dots between the integer values.
Shutter: on the focal plane of mechanical type with horizontally sliding rubber cloth
curtains and electromagnetic shutter release. Shutter speeds from 1 "to 1/1000" and B.
Sincroflash at 1/60".
Automatic exposure: at aperture priority with the selector in position [A] given a working
aperture on the lens, the camera adjusts the time from 1" to 1/1000" without
interruption. The simultaneous lighting of two LEDs indicates that the camera works
with an intermediate time between the two speeds highlighted by the LEDs. The
exposure system automatically prevents the shutter from functioning if the timerequired exceeds 1/1000".
Manual exposure: turning the selector to shutter speeds, the working times are set from1" to 1/1000" with full values and bulb. The exposure meter remains active andsuggests the correct exposure with the lighting of 1 LED, or 2 if the suggested speed isan intermediate value. The LED lighting of the manually set speed is insteadintermittent. The difference between the suggested exposure speed and the one
actually set highlights the under / over exposure value.
Working range: from VL2 to VL 17 with 100Asa film and f./1.4 lens.
Times that can be set using the selector located to the right of the pentaprism from 1”to 1/1000” with full increments and exposure (B). Syncroflash at 1/60” or longer.
Metering: Full aperture TTL with center weighted integrated average reading.
Intentional variation of exposure: correction of up to +/- 2 EV is possible, which isobtained by pressing the black button located between the pentaprism and turning thevariation selector [+2. +1. 0. -1. –2], which is coaxial to the film recovery handle,
positioning it with settings of +/- 1/2 stop with respect to the black reference line locatedjust above the release button.
Mirror: quick-return, oversized, mounted on a system that absorbs vibrations during themovement of the mirror in the instant of shooting. Viewfinder: pentaprism fixed at eyelevel. Focusing Fresnel screen with split image center and microprism circular crown.
The focusing screen is worked with the Acute Matte system (Minolta patent) whichallows exceptional sharpness. The viewfinder provides approximately 94% view of the
24x36mm format. actually framed. On the right side of the viewfinder you can see theshutter speeds from [1000] to [1] and the corresponding 10 circular red LEDs. Two
triangular-shaped LEDs placed beyond the shutter speeds indicate over / underexposure. And in the lower part of the scale, a red [M] lights up when manual exposure
is set. When using the flash, with dedicated Minolta flashes (for example
AUTOELECTRO FLASH 200X), the red LED of [60] flashes to indicate "flash ready"both in automatic and manual mode. In the lower part, in the center, the working
aperture actually set on the lens is visible.
Shutter button: located in the center of the shutter speed dial. Double-function
electromagnetic: by simply touching the light meter is activated, while lowering it by
about one millimeter the shutter releases.
Main switch The knurled part in black plastic that protrudes from the speed selector at
the front allows you to turn on the camera. By turning it to the left, the rear reference(white dot) moves from the Off to On position. These indications are visible only bymoving the loading lever from the rest position and bringing it to the end of the deadstroke.
Advancement of the film: by means of the loading lever located on the upper carter atthe extreme right between the speed selector and the exposure counter. The
advancement of the film is obtained with a rotation of the loading lever of about 130°with a dead stroke of about 30°. The complete advancement of the film also involves
arming the shutter and increasing the numbering of the exposure counter. The AUTO
WINDER G is available as an optional accessory, which allows the advancement of thefilm with a maximum cadence of two frames per second.
Self-timer: by moving the main switch, located to the left of the pentaprism, to the [SelfTimer] position, the setting for the self-timer is obtained, which is activated by pressing
the shutter button. The delay is 10" and is highlighted by the switching on of the large
circular red LED located on the front to the right of the optics inlet. The led blinks with afrequency of 1/2 second for the first 7 seconds to become faster in the last three before
the shot. The self-timer can be canceled by returning the main switch selector to the[Off] position.
Accessories: the accessory rail with hot shoe for flash is placed above the uppercasing, above the pentaprism; the crank for rewinding the film, located on the left of theupper casing, also has the function of unlocking and opening the back, pulling it up tothe end of its travel; the automatic exposure counter, with additive counting andautomatic reset when the back is opened, is located next to the loading lever in arectangular window with a triangular red reference; The smooth sliding of the film canbe seen by observing a red tab appear in the special window that is located on theupper side of the camera, just above the loading lever; the selector (in plastic) for
coupling "MC" with the exposure meter is placed around the lens union, it moves

around and above it. The 4-function main switch is located under the recovery handle;a white reference point moves from top to bottom in the 4 positions: [Self Timer - Off On - B.C.]. The position [B.C.] is used to check the efficiency of the batteries. If thebatteries are efficient, the red LED on the front lights up. On the left side of the optics
filler there are from top to bottom the lens release button, the threaded socket for
flexible release and the chrome button for manual closing of the diaphragm (StopDown). To the right of the optics nozzle, in the lower part there is the socket for the X
contact for use with electronic or bulb flashes with 1/60" synchronization or slower
times. The hooking of the film to the receiving reel is facilitated by the presence of 4anchoring supports of the film tail. The shoulder strap attachment system consists of
two triangular-shaped rings placed in the chromed supports located at the end of thefront. The memo pocket, with Asa / Din conversion table is located on the back. TheDATA BACK G date back is available to record the day, month and year on thenegative. The tripod mount and the screw cap for the battery compartment (2x 1.5v
silver oxide batteries) in metal, are placed on the back together with the coupling for
the WINDER G, the guide for the same and the clutch release button for film recovery.
The eyepiece frame, in plastic, which allows the adaptation of a rubber lens hood shell(EH-7) to be inserted into the special lateral grooves; attachment for corrective lenses,inserting them under pressure inside the eyepiece frame. The viewfinder eyepiece cap
is available which is inserted into the grooves of the viewfinder to replace the EH-7 lens
hood. Only electric remote control cables available: CABLE RELEASE 50L and 50S
with a length of 5 meters respectively. and 50cm. The position of the film surface ishighlighted by the special symbol, which is colorless and in relief, and which is locatedon the upper cover hidden under the loading lever when this is brought to the rest
position. There are 4 MINOLTA electronic flashes from the Auto Electroflash series:
AUTO 320X, AUTO 200X, AUTO 132X and AUTO 118X. The 320X and 200X models
can be used in conjunction with the AUTO WINDER G up to a shutter speed of twoframes per second. The MOTOR DRIVE 1 is available which allows the advancementof the film in single shot (S) or at 2 frames per second (Lo) or at 3.5 frames per second(Hi). The presence of two trigger switches on the Motor Drive 1 allow an easy grip evenwith vertical shots.
Dimensions and weight: length 138mm.; height 89mm.; width 52mm.
Body weight only, without battery: 522g.