Minolta XL 84 Sound

Minolta XL 84 Sound

Year: 1980-82

Weight: 1500 g

Lens: Rokkor Macro 1,4 / 7 - 56 mm, 62mm threaded filter mount

Macro focusing

Split Image Focusing

Auto / Manual Zoom with 2 speeds

Frame rates: 18, 24 + single frame

Shutter degree: 220°

Manual / Auto Exposure

Usable Film: Cartridges of ISO(ASA) 40 or 160 tungsten(25 or 100 daylight). Speed set automatically by pin when cartridge is loaded. No manual control.

Backlight Control: +1.5 EV

Fades

Remote control socket

Auto Recording Level Control

6 X AA batteries

Made in Japan

Manufacturer: Minolta

Instruction manual: http://www.super8aid.net/cameras.html

Original price in England (in the year of introduction): £229

Prices on eBay:

• eBay USA:
  • US$37 in 07/1999
  • US$48 in 08/1999
  • US$173 in 03/2000
• eBay Germany:
  • EUR 9,99 (+ EUR 10,00 shipping) in 06/2007 ("unused" camera, still in box)

Reviews

Minolta’s answer to Canon’s 814XL-S, minus the refinements. It may not have a variable shutter, exposure compensation or built-in intervalometer, but when it comes to basics the Minolta XL-Sound 84 hits all the right notes. The Cine Rokkor Macro Zoom 1.4 / 7-56mm, though not quite as long, nor as tack sharp as the 814XL-S, comes pretty darn close. The 814XL-S Canon Zoom does render richer colors than the Cine-Rokkor, and just about every other Super 8 I have ever tested, but where the Cine-Rokkor beats out the Canon is in the contrast department. If you like toasty warm, contrasty images, this Cine-Rokkor is up there with the best European lenses. Besides better contrast, another typical Minolta trademark is top notch lens build quality. Lens barrel is metal solid and both focus and zoom rings are smooth and responsive to your touch. The built-in retractable lens hood is also a nice class touch. Overall camera body fit and finish is above average but nothing to write home about. The pudgy all matte black plastic body has a nice balance and heft to it but feels too thin and squeaky in places. Cost-cutting plastics aside, this camera works. You want easy. This camera will give you easy. Viewfinder is big, bright, & easy to focus. Built in EE is fast and accurate. Manual override is a breeze. Toggling back and forth between auto and manual is intuitive and habit forming. Shooting with this Super is actually fun. But seriously don’t buy this Super 8 just for fun. Buy it because it’s future-proof – the iris is mechanical and can be used independently of the Electronic Exposure - which means that if the EE goes on you in mid-shoot you can still set your exposure manually using a light meter! - Geoval