XG-A

(1981) In 1978, Minolta had introduced XG-1, a streamlined XG camera for photographers with limited funds.  Then, in 1980, they introduced the X-7, a streamlined XG camera for photographers with simpler photographic needs.  By 1981, Minolta realized that they could merge the two camera together -- and produced the XG-A. The XG-A is essentially the same camera as the XG-1, but without the manual exposure control.  Or it is essentially the same camera as the X-7, but with fewer feratures.  Take your pick.  The body styling and shutter speed dial are the same as that of the X-7-- it is simplified and lacks the normal manual speeds.  The dial retains the X and B settings, so that electronic flash can be used with non-X units (the camera automatically sets the shutter speed to X with X-style flash units), and time exposures can be taken.  The camera allows adjustment of the exposure through the normal +/- 2 EV exposure compensation dial.

The viewfinder is almost exactly the same as the XG-1.  The speeds from 1/15 to 1 second are grouped together and represented by a single LED.  These are, after all, the speeds when you would need a tripod -- an area that a neophyte would be best to avoid.  By discouraging use of this area, Minolta might be helping budding photographers get sharper results. The only difference is that Minolta added the Acute-Matte screen to the XG-A, which the XG-1 lacked.  This makes the viewfinder slightly brighter than that of the XG-1, but it's not something of much importance to those seeking a simple, inexpensive camera.

The XG-A is Minolta's simplest, auto-exposure SLR camera.  Some would suggest it as the perfect first-time SLR, but the XG-A is not suited for those starting out in photography who will eventually want creative control.  It is perfect for those who want the easiest to use camera -- but with interchangeable lenses -- AND who know that they will not want more control in the future.

Unfortunately for the XG-A, it had to compete against the XG-1 and X-7 cameras -- which Minolta still made -- as well as a myriad of "auto-everything" rangefinder cameras that were smaller and cheaper.  The XG-A retained many features of the XG series, such as the Acute-Matte screen and the ability to accept a motor drive, even though these features were of no significance to the potential XG-A buyer. This kept the XG-A from being as inexpensive a camera as it could have been. Lack of advertising added to the problem. For a comparative look at the major features of the XG-A, check out MINMAN's SLR table -- the world's most complete!

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