>>3329213>>3329214The Minolta bodies are pretty nice.
I recommend starting with the X-700 if you are a total camera noob. It has a program mode so that all you have to do is focus.
I took pic related with an X-600 (similar to the X-700 but without the P mode).
And to test them just dry fire them. Make sure the shutter actuates, the mirror moves, and the meter actually works. You can find their manuals online really easy, so make sure to take a read through it first. Only takes 5 minutes and will tell you everything you need to know about the camera.