Author:
John Cornish, advanced Amateur PHOTO GALLERY | Date: Thu, Sep 21, '06 at 03:33 CEST |
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Pro | I have a number of Minolta SLR's and having moved digital decided to look for one that used AAA's instead of the mega expensive 2CR5 Lithiums. Although this camera is 10 years older than the Dynax 500si I was using it is amazingly smooth in operation. I like the solid feel of a camera made predominately of metal. The prism is very bright and the display offers clear info. A great model. |
Contra | Hard to find faults with the AF 7000 Some people have described the Autofocus as "slow" Perhaps it is but it is "sure" seeming to home in directly without the jitter you find in some more modern systems. I found changingthe Lithium battery (under the silver rectangular cover in the battery compartment) a breeze. Warning watch the polarity as the battery goes in + side down. |
Thoughts | A great 35mm classic. Typically this camera was at the forefront of development in 1985 when introduced. It is a little know fact that Minolta Pioneered Auto Focus with this first AF model. Took some time for the 1000kg Gorillas of the SLR world to catch up. Now they are being left behind once again by Minolta technology. In 2006 with the introduction of the SONY ALPHA 100. My AF7000 is my "film body of choice" to keep in the bag with the DSLR workhorse! |
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Author:
Kreig, normal Amateur | Date: Sat, Aug 26, '06 at 04:52 CEST |
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Pro | Where can I find informationon replacing the internal battery on the Maxxum 7000? I just bought this camera, no instructions or anything. Can I practice shooting without film inside? Cant seem to get it to do much. |
Contra | excited to try this camera out |
Thoughts | will start shooting tomorrow |
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Author:
gregory, Beginner | Date: Fri, Apr 21, '06 at 05:42 CEST |
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Pro | great deal at thift store 10.00 dollars , included 2 lens (70mm and 200mm) , vivtar flash unit, and carrying case. |
Contra | none so far |
Thoughts | hope camera works |
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Author:
Dale, normal Amateur | Date: Fri, Jan 27, '06 at 12:04 CET |
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Pro | Serial number 14003924 over/under XX Working reliably after 20 years never had the internal battery changed! Now that I know where it is I will put a new one in for the next 20 years. Survived handlebar bag on bicycle, winter skiing, and beaches. Have used many film speeds, slides, and BW with ease. |
Contra | Tried shooting local sports events many years ago but autofocus lock was a problem when motion came toward camera. Should have bought a couple of different interchangeable view screens and the camera backs. |
Thoughts | Still solid and reliable but that invisible focus rectangle bugs me every time. |
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Author:
nellie, advanced Amateur | Date: Tue, Jan 17, '06 at 04:49 CET |
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Pro | Best camera ever! I took pictures with this camera almost every day for 14 years. |
Contra | It just slowed down one day. I figured I had used it to death. I kept reading about an internal battery somewhere but never found out where it was until today. I found this info on another website. The lithium battery is located behind the silver plate that you see when you remove the battery casing. You have to be very careful and try not to lose those 6 tiny screws. Gently slide the plate off but don't pull. I have yet to replace mine but I have high hopes. DO THIS AT YOUR CAMERA'S OWN RISK! But I guess we have no other options. |
Thoughts | Although a own a very nice and much loved digital camera (Olympus 5 mp), the pictures don't compare with the beauty of the Maxxums! |
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Author:
edmund cotter, normal Amateur | Date: Sat, Dec 3, '05 at 13:19 CET |
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Pro | looks like a proper camera not made of plastic |
Contra | can one still get litiun battery? what is battery code? where do you put battery? |
Thoughts | smart real value camera up there with best |
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Author:
Gene Frazier, advanced Amateur | Date: Thu, Aug 25, '05 at 18:05 CEST |
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Pro | I have a MINT Maxxum 7000 (stacked XX) camera with 50mm and 28-85mm Zoom Minolta lenses. Also have a 4000AF Zoom flash, various accessories, all in a mint Tamrac bag. I was wondering what something like this was worth and how/where to sell it since I haven't used it for years. This site has some users that obviously love this camera as much as I do and it seems a shame for it to sit unused. I can't find a mark anywhere on and it suffers from NONE of the maladies mentioned in the postings |
Contra | Contra? By todays standards the auto focus is a little slow but who cares! |
Thoughts | I powered it up this morning and ran off a few frames. Everything is working perfectly as the day I bought it...amazing. This would be like finding a mint '57 T'Bird in a garage in Arkansas for some lucky Maxxum fan. |
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Author:
ben mbuthia, normal Amateur | Date: Tue, Aug 16, '05 at 16:05 CEST |
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Pro | just bought it from secondhand shop. |
Contra | i have only taken a few photos.Can somebody tell me where to get anew flash unit. |
Thoughts | I love it. |
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Author:
Bryan, professional Photographer | Date: Wed, Apr 20, '05 at 19:53 CEST |
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Pro | I used, traded, owned more than 50 7000s in the past decade. All I had were used. Most of them are as good as they are new. I still keep 2 almost new with crossed "xx" version for my collection. Although my daily shooting now goes to the Maxxum 9, I still consider the 7000 one of the best camera ever made. I guess in terms of build quality, it even surpasses the Maxxum 7. |
Contra | Two major problem associated with the aging beauty: 1. The shutter circuit could die: it makes all the pictures underexposed (because all pictures are exposed at f22; 2. LCD bleeding: irreversible process once it starts, and eventually the whole LCD monitor will be gone. But I haven't seen an example yet. Soution to 1: since I am a big fan of M42 lenses, by using an adapter ring, the 7000 is probably the best body for M42 lenses since the aperture is not controlled by the body's electronics. Solution to 2: keep your fingers crossed and do not expose the LCD monitor under direct sun light. |
Thoughts | Sleek, well built, quality of parts (open it and you can find a whole different age of making cameras that are made to last but not made to make quick money), amazingly accurate light metering. Cheap on used market (with exception of the crossed "xx" version. |
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Author:
Darwin Heiser, advanced Amateur | Date: Tue, Jun 29, '04 at 20:46 CEST |
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Pro | Bought my first one in 1985 (over&under XX version) Loved it. Got rid of it for a 9000, which was an even better camera. After about 6 months, got another 7000 as a back-up. 3yrs ago, bought a Maxxum 7, a fabulous camera. Got rid of the 2nd 7000 and the 9000 and after about 1 yrs, bought another 7000, I just can't get enough of them. Only reason I bought the 9000 and the Maxxum 7, was for the continuous autofocus feature, and the assumed reliability of a newer pro-level camera. Although, I cannot fault the reliability of any of the 7000's I have owned or still own. |
Contra | Nothing that my work requires, that a 7000 won't provide. |
Thoughts | Superb pictures with the correct glass in front of it. |
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Author:
Guy / USA, advanced Amateur | Date: Fri, Feb 20, '04 at 11:08 CET |
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Pro | Love these cameras! The feel and the simplicity of operation shows how advanced Minolta was in their design in 1984. |
Contra | LCD may start to bleed after these many years and the wafer battery is hard to locate but easy to change. If anyone one needs assistance please email me. |
Thoughts | I have been a Minolta user since 1969. First camera was an SRT-101, next the X700 and then the Maxxum 7000. None of them ever let me down. |
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Author:
guiness, normal Amateur | Date: Wed, Oct 1, '03 at 21:17 CEST |
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Pro | I owned this Camera since 1985, and till now it took great nice photo! But now exposition seem to be random!!! I took a lot of pictures with multitude exposure, and some are nice, some are very very bad! Maybe it's due to the lithium battery. Minolta SAV refused to repaired as it's to old :( Does any one know how changing the lithium battery? Thank's for all! |
Contra | Random exposition! |
Thoughts | Very good pictures till now! |
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Author:
CRISTINA, advanced Amateur | Date: Tue, Aug 19, '03 at 11:37 CEST |
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Pro | great photos |
Contra | the box where the programs are reflected suddenly stained |
Thoughts | Does anyone know where could i repair this or buy a new one? |
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Author:
Wendy, normal Amateur | Date: Tue, Jul 15, '03 at 02:40 CEST |
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Pro | Fantastic camera that takes great pictures. Have owned it since 1987,and have nointention of buying a new camera. love that it takes AAA batteries instead of a camera battery which is much more expensive. |
Contra | newer camera are a lot faster, but nothing beats the quality of the pictures taken by this camera. |
Thoughts | Can anyone tell me where the internal lithium is located and how to replace it? submitted 07/14/02 |
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Author:
Bobby Marti, normal Amateur | Date: Sat, Jun 21, '03 at 21:18 CEST |
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Pro | I own 2 Maxxum 7000's, one stays in the box while I shoot with the other. I also own several SRT's, 800si, Canon T-90, and many range finder cameras but none feels, sounds, and handles like the 7000. It is definetly my camera of choice even if I sold everything else. |
Contra | The focusing is a bit slow but was anyone complaining in 1985. |
Thoughts | I loved this camera the first time I used it. |
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Author:
dpocius, normal Amateur | Date: Wed, Dec 4, '02 at 21:29 CET |
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Pro | Has a solid, quality feel to it. Was worth $95 to get cleaned and adjusted. |
Contra | None that I can discern... |
Thoughts | The 7000 is a gift to my daughter from a family friend that didn't use it much. She's interested in learning about photography, and this seems like an ideal first camera, as well as one for the long haul. Am now looking for a zoom lens for an Xmas gift (has 50mm std lens only). Thinking about a 28-105 as a good step-up lens. |
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Author:
Malcolm Ellis | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Lovely Camera the 7000 |
Contra | Pictures come out dark although things seem to work fine and investigating further i found the 35-70mm lens shuts down to f22 at each exposure no matter what the setting. |
Thoughts | Any ideas as this was my late Brothers camera and i want to use it. [email protected] |
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Author:
bart | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | feels like heaven |
Contra | when i hear the shutter sound |
Thoughts | i love 7000 |
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Author:
Deanne | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | I love this camera. |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | I bought my Maxxum 7000 around 1984. It still takes great pictures and it's never been in for repairs. I've never even had to change the lithium battery. |
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Author:
Tommy | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | 1985 vs 2002 |
Contra | Can it be beating? |
Thoughts | NO IT CAN'T :)
i'dd had mine 7000af for two yaers now, and i am just a beginner, but i cant find a better camera eks. the Nikon F65 that can take better pics. then the 7000af. ok! the auto-fokus is slow, but the quality of the pics are great!!! who says old is bad? ;0) |
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Author:
Andy | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Camera just feels good relative to the new light weight polycarbonates. Does everything you need. Among all my stuff I find that 4000AF Flash and lenses like 20mm f/2.8 can't be beat. |
Contra | Depth of vield preview. |
Thoughts | I believe Minolta only slightly, if at all, below Nikon and Canon in all technical aspects, but far better than either when cost considered. Quality is very high and they have an accessory for everything. I have been using my MAXXUM 7000 and several X-700's for at least 12 years and wouldn't trade them for anything. They perform flawlessly. |
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Author:
Ralph Anderson | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | The Minolta Maxxum 7000 has got to be the best camera ever! Ease of use, great pics, not to mention how creative one can get using this camera. Good work Minolta! |
Contra | If anyone has trouble with this camera, the blame can be put on ignorance. |
Thoughts | See above... |
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Author:
John Ayres | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Innovative! Set the standard for all A/F SLR cameras. It's the Chrysler minivan of cameras. When Minolta introduced this camera, they made sure they did it right for the available technology of the time. |
Contra | Most of these cameras I've seen have cracked prisms and LCD bleeding, but still function well. Actually not bad for a camera that's almost 20 years old. Cost of servicing will be more than cameras value on the used market. |
Thoughts | The Maxxum 7000 is still used today, even some pros still use it. Today though, some "entry" model A/F SLRs have better features. |
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Author:
Matt | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | I have shot with this camera, originally my Dad's, since I can first remember. Amateur looking to go pro, but I love my Maxxum like a child! I made enough to buy a enw setup of Maxxum, same stuff, for my dad, and just now realized that the original is the double XX type, so would like to get one possibly again.
This workhorse has never failed, and has been dropped down cliffs, banged off of rock walls while climbing, and pretty much been through war on the firing ranges my dad used to be on in the military. |
Contra | After a recent trip, photos came out dark. the Aperture was stuck at f22 and not moving, though the camera appeared to be working properly. My repair guy said only way was to send out, at $150, so I think I am just gonna hold it as my first and look anew. Want another Maxxum, preferably double XX just bwecause, but people are charging ridiculous amounts higher claiming it is so collectible. |
Thoughts | I think we should all be very pleased with this camera, no matter how it comes short of some new cameras. I would be willing to chat about it and other related issues if you want. Also, for those of you who are minus manuals, give me a [email protected] |
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Author:
Ernie | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Simple to operate. Sharp pictures if I take care to auto focus correctly |
Contra | Sometimes, if I am not careful, it focuses on the background and not on the subject. |
Thoughts | Bought it in 1987. The manual says the lithium battery should last years. I want to replace it before it fails while taking shots. How do I do it? |
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Author:
Jay Reddy | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Fantastic pictures during the years. Done many wedding and birthday photos |
Contra | Recently, photos dark, quality no longer as it used to be |
Thoughts | Any one can advise, someone said that some component needs cleaning. [email protected] |
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Author:
John LaRusso | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Great looking camera |
Contra | Can't find my user's manual |
Thoughts | My girlfriend is letting me use her Minolta 7000. She hasn't used it in years. We can't seem to find the user's manual. Where could I find another manual? I realize that the camera is discontinued, but would the manufacturer still carry it? Thank you for your help. John, Los Angeles |
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Author:
Joel | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | great camera |
Contra | i forgotten how to set it |
Thoughts | I need info on the settings for my 7000.
Its sat in the cupboard for a long time and now i want to use it again but have forgotten most things about it!
i took some photos and they came out terribly so i think my setting may be all wrong!!
the photos were dark! maybe im doing something wrong thats probably so obvious..?!
please help as i used to take great pics with this camera! what should the settings be at for a normal photo shooting day!
im in winter so currently using 400 speed film
any help appreciated
joel from new zealand! |
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Author:
Tim Souter | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | I ended up here by surfing for a replacement battery cover for the 2800AF flash. But, after reading the comments here I suddenly realised how much I love this camera and not taken notice of the flawless performance it has given me in the past 16 years. Sure there are faster focus models out there. But with the 7000's features, reliability, look, feel (AA battery grip)and quality lens...I hope it goes for another 16 years! A great camera. |
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Author:
Patrick Hall | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Great performer,easy to use...... |
Contra | Slow Auto Focus and no spot focusing. |
Thoughts | All and all a great camera for it's vintage... |
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Author:
Dwight Gergens | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Reliable, exposure always right, full controll or completley idiot proof, nice weight. |
Contra | Once you've used a new AF camera it's like using an 800Mhz computer while you still own a 133. Well, maybe not that bad. You just deal with it. No panorama. No dbl exposure (9000 does though). |
Thoughts | Wow, so many 7000 lovers. Can't blame you, I've taken between 5K and 10K pictures, never a bad shot, due to the camera. I forgot about the old XX thing. That's what I have, had it since the beginning. Was it 1984? Yes, focus is now slow by current stds, but with a little practice you can still get focused in time for the shot. My lithium is still going. For those of you that like the feel and have big hands, get the AA batery pack instead of the AAA. It makes a nice big grip.
My 2 year old just busted the flash foot on my big flash, the 400 I think it is. Any suggestions where to buy replacment foot?
I purchased a used 9000 last year (couldn't afford it back in 84). The auto focus is right on, I tested it, but the eyepiece isn't focused when the camera is. I have 20/20 and have tried the full range of adjustment. Any suggestions on solving this problem? Good repair shop? |
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Author:
Budz | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Love the sound of each shot |
Contra | Slow focus |
Thoughts | I've had mine since 1985 and since then, never was any pic distorted, or fualty, its been a great companion of mine eversince, althought the rubber back cover is pealing off. |
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Author:
Joseph McCann | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Pix quality & AF lens quality was always excellent. Photo controls well placed & convenient. I took thousands of pixs with no problems I can think of. |
Contra | The seperate AF flash unit was not my favorite. |
Thoughts | I bought this camera in '85 after exhaustive research, and was never disappointed. Two yrs. ago it was stolen (just the body - not 3 AF lenses which were with it - go figure?) I've always intended to replace it. It just had the right feel. I loved it. |
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Author:
Robert | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | I really enjoy the camera despite it is slower than more modern camera's.
For those of you who need the manual: I think it's on http://www.minoltausa.com/customer_support/owners_manuals/consumer/
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Contra | ... |
Thoughts | email: [email protected] |
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Author:
John Lisenba | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | "Feels" like a camera vs the new plastic stuff.
Many NEW cameras in the $350-$500 range don't have all the features of this "dinosaur"! More camera than most people will ever need! |
Contra | No spot metering. |
Thoughts | I love the way it feels. I'm just starting photography as a hobby. I went looking at new cameras. I considered (and held) the Nikon N65 and Canon Rebel 2000, and just was not impressed. I found this one in perfect condition in a pawn shop, and paid a third of what these new cameras cost, with as many, if not more, of the same features. This camera will take better pictures than I can. Couple it with some good glass, and you will not be sorry. [email protected] |
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Author:
Dan | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | Was so far ahead of any other SLR when it was introduced. Very reliable. Lightweight. |
Contra | Very slowww autofocus compared to more recent cameras. If you're in the market for a camera check out the 9000 - it's so much more camera and price isn't that different now. |
Thoughts | I bought my 7000 when they first came out. In fact mine is one of the cross XX models, which Minolta had to change when Exxon sued them. It still works fine but my lithium battery has just quit (they said it would last about ten years so I can't complain after 16 years!). By todays standards the ergonomics are mediocre and then camera feels flimsy especially compared to the 9000. |
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Author:
Alberto Milazzo | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | minolta |
Contra | minolta |
Thoughts | I am *SO* glad everyone is praising this camera as i saw it in a second hand photography shop and at a brilliant price..the shop assistant let me fiddle about with it and i must say that i am extremily interesting in buying it, but i wasnt 100% sure so the shop assistant put a film inside it ( i paid ) and took some pictures outside and im having them developed to see how they come out..so that will finalize my decision if ill buy or not..but im 99% sure i will even though i havent seen the pics:)
DOES ANYONE KNOW A GOOD PLACE TO LOOK FOR ME TO BUY LENSES, PARTS ETC FOR THIS CAMERA FROM THE UK?
my e-mail: [email protected]
any advice would be appreciated! |
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Author:
unknown (legacy entry) | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | Got a new 7000 as a gift over 12 years ago and the internal lithium battery, which is supposed to be changed in five years just gave out recently. Have certainly taken well over a thousand pics with this unit. Discovered where the lithium is hiding and replaced it with a Radio Shack battery for $2.95. Have had nothing but excellent results with this camera and looking forward to another 12 years (at which time I may be in a nursing home so I will tell my son where to get another lithium when I give it to him). |
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Author:
unknown (legacy entry) | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | I judge the 7000 as the underrated SLR bargain. It is cheap, versatile, overcomplete for it's age and reliable. It never took me down. I have never ruined a single image due to the camera.
My only argument is the lack of multi-exposure functionality. With the ael-lock I do not really need the current light messuring methods to create perfect exposure under all circumstances. "Slow" autofocus is the trade off you have to pay with a '85 AF camera and cannot be critisized.
Accompany this SLR with the steal/glass Minolta 28-135mm lens and you have a great set for an even better price. With a little skill it takes better pictures than the current advanced lightweigt model. Do not forget to find the 1.7 50mm. A great fast fixed focal.
This Minolta beats all second hand bargains... |
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Author:
unknown (legacy entry) | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | I don't get it.. the 7000 isn't that hard to use.. especially if you know
a bit about the criteeria in taking pictures (shutter speed, diaphragm, iso etc..)
I've had my 7000 since 1985, been with me on every trip. And I still love the way it looks,
feels and handles even though it's 15 year old technology.
I'm a bit prejudiced I guess... because by now I have 2 7000's, a 9000 and last week I
bought a 5000 for $10 to get the set complete :-)
There'll probably be a more modern camera in my collection in the future (Minolta 9 perhaps?) but
I'll never get rid of these minoltas. |
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Author:
unknown (legacy entry) | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | I bought this camera in May 1985 and it is still working. The camera ran into problem with the LCD viewfinder in May 1987 and needed an repair from Minolta. I rememebr there was a mass lawsuit in US regarding this camera and do not recall the details. The rubber of the handle( where you put the battery) is oxidized and produce some thing like powders on the surface.
Other than these two problems, the camera is still working fine. |
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Author:
unknown (legacy entry) | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | I Have had my 7000 for several years, A great lens is the 28-85mm and the 80-200. I love the pics it takes. |
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Author:
unknown (legacy entry) | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | This camera has an impressive record, and considering the availability and currant price's on eBay it is a bargain, having over 40 cameras in the 35mm category [2] 7000s, I think they are worth the risk, the newer plastic bodies are OK but I prefer the weight of a metal body and have found that most of the advanced features of newer systems to be of little use in the real world.
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Author:
unknown (legacy entry) | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | I bought my 7000 in March of '87. It's been to Yellowstone twice, Hawaii twice and to Glacier N.P. twice. I didn't think it would last as long as it has. The only thing that has been done to it was a good cleaning and the internal lithium battery changed.I'm afraid to buy a newer lightweight one, because I've had such good results with it. |
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Author:
unknown (legacy entry) | Date: not recorded |
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Pro | - |
Contra | - |
Thoughts | as per long life I am using this without need of any
repairs till this date.But as compared to latest models this is slow ( and 2CR5 power consuming one) |
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