The Minolta XD-11: The BEST Camera That Nobody Wanted

I came across an article on-line regarding “High Water Marks” for various camera brands.  It seems to support my statement that the XD-11 was the BEST camera that nobody wanted.  Making its appearance in 1977, the XD-11 was part of the late 70’s technology boom in lens development and film quality.

Winning Features:

·      Auto Exposure with both Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority options

·      Programmable override for Shutter Speed Priority

·      Excellent viewing screen (very bright)

·      Great ergonomics

·      Leaf Shutter

The quality of Minolta MD Rokker lenses is also vastly under-rated.  This may have been due to mass marketing to amateurs with little attention to attracting the professional photographer.  In turn, lack of professional exposure discouraged amateurs, etc, eventually killing the Brand, although their recent digital technology was purchased by Sony.  I experienced this ‘disdain’ when I returned to college after my Christmas break freshman year with a Minolta SRT-SCII, marked down to discount prices because of the new XD-11 model.  One of my wealthier friends returned with a Canon AE-1, but since my photos were often much better than hers I didn’t let it phase me.

My XD-11 is currently at the Camera Hospital.  New Photos Coming Soon!

XD-11 Focal Plane Leaf Shutter

The Minolta XD-11 is sometimes referred to as "the best camera that no one wanted". Designed for the professional market by a company that didn't market well to professionals. John wanted to see the Focal Plane Leaf Shutter, which is a rare feature. I've never seen it in any other SLR camera although it may exist (does anyone out there know of another brand or model?). Leaf shutters are slower than modern focal plane shutters, but have less vibration; do not distort moving objects; and can be synchronized to flash at any shutter speed. They are usually incorporated into the lens, not the camera (e.g. Hasselblad), and are common in Rangefinders (e.g. Paxette and Canon G-III, Leica B-type lenses, and my prized Mamiya 6X6 Rangefinder).