Minolta XM:

The Birth of a Revolutionary Camera

(Part 2)

By Marwan El Mozayen

XM Motor: A Bold Leap into Motorized Precision

In the realm of professional photography during the 1970s, the concept of motorized cameras was gaining traction. For photographers in sports, science, and other high-speed environments, motor drives promised to revolutionize workflows. Minolta’s answer to this demand was the XM Motor, a bold leap that showcased the company’s engineering prowess and ambition. However, as the motorized variant of the groundbreaking XM, it wasn’t just an iteration—it was a reimagining. In this second article of our series, we’ll explore the XM Motor, from its technical innovations to the challenges it overcame, and why it remains a sought-after collectible today.

From the Drawing Board to Reality

Developing the XM Motor was no small feat. Minolta’s engineers had long recognized that motorization couldn’t be achieved by simply adding a bolt-on accessory to an existing camera. Unlike competitors who adapted motor drives to existing bodies, Minolta took a more integrated approach, designing the XM Motor as a standalone model with a fixed motor drive built into the body. The XM Motor became a technological showcase, integrating a motorized film transport system and a faster automatic exposure system. However, its development faced delays, partly because of the limitations of 1970s sensor technology. Early cadmium sulfide (CdS) light meters were too slow to support rapid shooting, necessitating advancements in silicon-based sensors for the XM Motor’s release in 1976.

Technical Marvel: The Motor Drive

The motorized system was at the heart of the XM Motor’s innovation. Its design wasn’t just about speed; it was about precision and reliability. The motor drive offered several modes of operation:

• Single-frame mode (S) Captures one frame per shutter release.
• Selectable burst rates Users could choose between 1, 2, or 3 frames per second for continuous shooting.
• High-speed mode (H) In this mode, the XM Motor achieved up to 4 frames per second, depending on battery condition.

The motorized film transport included a built-in film-end detection system, stopping the motor automatically to prevent damage. Similarly, the motorized rewind feature—activated with a simple switch—made end-of-roll operations seamless.

Enhanced Exposure Technology

One of the XM Motor’s crowning achievements was the AE-S prism finder, a dedicated automatic exposure finder built for the demands of high-speed photography. Unlike the XM’s original AE finder, which relied on CdS cells, the AE-S finder employed silicon-based photodiodes. These were far more responsive, allowing the XM Motor to calculate and adjust exposure accurately, even during continuous shooting. Key features of the AE-S finder included:

• Expanded light metering range From -2 to 17 EV (100 ASA), accommodating a broader range of lighting conditions.
• LED displays Unlike the older needle-based displays, the AE-S finder used LED indicators for faster and clearer exposure feedback.
• Integrated shutter-speed control A mechanical switch allowed seamless adjustment for long exposures.

Design and Build: A Behemoth of Quality

The XM Motor wasn’t just a technical marvel—it was a physical one. With its motorized system and 10 required AA batteries, the camera body alone weighed over 1.7 kg. Add a professional lens, and you were carrying a small tank. Despite its weight, the XM Motor was ergonomic, thanks to its sculpted hand grip and included wrist strap, which offered a surprisingly comfortable shooting experience.

A Pricey Proposition

The XM Motor’s complexity came at a cost. Upon its release, it retailed for over 4,500 DM, making it the most expensive Japanese camera of its time and rivaling even the Leicaflex SL2 MOT. This price tag limited its appeal to niche markets such as industrial photography, science, and documentation, where its capabilities were worth the investment. For the average professional photographer, however, the XM Motor’s steep price and conservative attitudes toward electronic cameras meant it never achieved mass-market success.

Challenges and Legacy

While its innovative motorized features were a technological triumph, the XM Motor faced several hurdles:

1. Conservative Market Reception Many professionals were hesitant to embrace electronic cameras, fearing reliability issues.
2. Weight and Portability The camera’s bulk was a deterrent for photographers who prioritized mobility.
3. Limited Compatibility The XM Motor’s integrated design meant it wasn’t backward compatible with manual XM components like winders.

Despite these challenges, the XM Motor holds a revered place in photographic history. With fewer than 5,000 units produced, it remains one of the rarest and most collectible cameras in Minolta’s lineup. Its rarity, combined with its groundbreaking design, ensures its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.

Why the XM Motor Matters Today

The XM Motor was ahead of its time, paving the way for modern motorized cameras. Its seamless integration of electronics and mechanics demonstrated what was possible when innovation took precedence over market trends.

In our next article, we’ll explore the innovative viewfinders that gave the XM and XM Motor their unique edge, including the differences between the AE and AE-S finders, and why they remain highly regarded by photographers and collectors alike.

Chapters of This Article

• Part 1: The Birth of a Revolutionary Camera.
• Part 2: XM Motor: A Bold Leap into Motorized Precision.
• Part 3: The XM Viewfinders: Customizable Vision for Every Photographer.
• Part 4: XM Focusing Screens: Precision and Versatility for Every Shot.
• Part 5: The XM Shutter: Speed, Precision, and Innovation.
• Part 6: The Legacy of the Minolta XM: Redefining Professional Photography.