The Minolta XE-5 35mm camera is an iconic piece from the 1970s. It was the first electronically controlled Minolta SLR targeted towards the market of advanced amateur photographers. It features metered manual and aperture priority shooting modes, and it was also the first SLR that Minolta designed and produced in association with Leitz, the maker of Leica lenses and cameras. This item is body only but the Minolta lens that is generally standard with it is a MC Rokkor-X PF 1:1.7 f=50mm. You are able to find a range of compatible MC Mount lenses from that era available that are also compatible to offer you more features when using the camera. The camera body features an electronically controlled single-lens reflex that allows you to choose to work with meter assistance, or to use the aperture-priority automatic exposure setting. This includes complete aperture TTL metering, giving you the flexibility to work as needed in any given condition. The easy to read viewfinder has a center split-image and it is brightly displays meter readings regardless of mode. Choose between exposure setting of either meter-assisted (manual mode) or aperture-priority (automatic mode). The exposure-meter hand shows you the recommended shutter speed in manual mode. The exposure-meter hand travels on a vertical scale, revealing the available speeds, and this is brightly backlit by the view extending beyond the image area so it’s very easy to read. There is no other information visible in the viewfinder making it simple to follow, look, and shoot. Switch to automatic mode by changing the shutter speed dial to A. The camera's shutter has speeds ranging from 4 seconds to 1/1000 seconds and a backup mechanical 1/90 seconds. The Minolta XE-5 uses a vertical running metal blade shutter. The on and off switch is at the back of the device. There is a traditional hot-shoe that allows you to attach a flash located at the top above the finder, while a dial on the rewind knob lets you set the film speed. The XE-5 consists of prism housing made from chrome plating that shines with a lustrous satin sheen. It’s aesthetically pleasing, but also soft and sturdy to touch. Then there is a black textured grip that makes it is easy to hold. This camera body also has all the workmanship you would expect from a piece of photographic equipment made in Japan, circa 1975. These cameras operate on a 3V silver battery or two 1.5V SR44 batteries, which are still readily available today and quite compact little batteries if you need to carry backups. These cameras also have a self-timer with triggering button too, for old-time selfies or family portraits. Use colored or black and white film, which is also still easy to buy today. This Minolta is a reliable classic film camera for those interested in retro and slow photography, and it still performs well, taking wonderfully stylish and atmospheric 35mm pictures.