Just when you thought it couldn´d get any better.......
You had the Maxxum 700si, the 800si, still kept the 9xi around for those racing / hummingbird / Speedy G shots that require 1/12000 shutter speeds (a 35mm Nikon? Nope. Only a 35mm Minolta) -- and then, Minolta Sevens begin to be really affordable. You´ve wanted one ever since seeing that huge rear lcd that shows all settings in HUGE NUMBERS (you´re getting older, and tend to surreptitiously pull out the reading glasses when you think nobody´s looking). But a guy who owned one said it´s plasticky, kind of like a Canon, and that you don´t want. On the other hand, it does offer 35 different settings through its menu, it is rather compact, has the great Minolta exposure meter (this is the company that makes those excellent hand-held and stationary light meters and luminosity meters, after all), speedy and spot-on auto focus and the build quality responsible for the fact you find a lot of repaired "other" cameras, but hardly any Minoltas. AND, their lens are not only of excellent quality (which is why Sony is now continuing to build them under their own brand) but also dirt cheap on Ebay, compared to the other makes.
Hmmmmmmm. And then a Minolta Maxxum 7 body comes along on Ebay, anywhere between $235 and $300, and you grab it. It´s anything BUT plasticky, it fits right into your hand, beautifully, it is as solid a piece of Japanese technology as could be imagined, it looks great and once you start shooting it, you can´t stop grinning. Digital is fun, but a really great 35mm SLR is just about the optimum. Beautifully exposed, tack sharp photographs that never digitally degrade, gorgeous photos you´re proud to show, and such a plethora of amazing accessories -- who can beat a Minolta 5600HS flash? A Minolta AF 100mm Macro lens? -- that the old dslr, as much fun as it was for the last few years, is relegated to the kids and dog department.
See one on Ebay? Buy it. You can´t go wrong.Read full review
