Minolta XE (1974)

Introduced in 1974, the Minolta XE was developed together with Leitz, the maker of Leica, and it is famous for the silky smooth feel of its film advance and shutter. Robust, precise and elegant, it is a classic of analog photography. This piece uses the black body version.

Most people never get to see what is inside the camera that captured their family’s birthdays, trips and first steps. At FunBox Design, our studio team takes every Minolta XE apart by hand: careful disassembly of hundreds of tiny springs, gears and screws, deep cleaning of every part, design, and final production in our Los Angeles workshop. It takes many hours of patient work, because these cameras hold some of our own best memories too. Our goal is simple: bring them a second life.

WHAT YOU GET

• Genuine, original parts: real camera components, not prints or replicas
• The shutter, mirror box, pentaprism, film advance gears, springs, light meter, top cover, lens mount and body, arranged so you can see how it all works
• Every part hand-disassembled, cleaned and mounted one by one
• Freestanding display for a desk, shelf or bookcase
• Size: approx. 6.3″ x 7.5″ x 5.9″ (16 x 19 x 15 cm)
• Handmade by the FunBox Design studio in Los Angeles

A NOTE ON CHARACTER

Every piece is built from a real vintage camera, so light scratches or signs of age may show. We think they are part of its story, and they make each piece one of a kind.

PERFECT FOR

Desk, shelf and bookcase decor, home office and photo studio display, and a one-of-a-kind gift for photographers, camera collectors and film lovers. A memorable birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, anniversary or graduation gift.