Five Reasons Why I LOVE The Minolta Maxxum 7000

I love the 80's. Fanny packs, the Cold War, New Coke... Ok maybe it wasn't perfect. The 80's did give us the worlds first fully automatic single lens reflex 35mm camera though, the Minolta Maxxum 7000. Why do I love this universally ignored camera so much? Hit play and find out.
Photos in this video were taken with Kodak Portra 160 and Agfa APX 100. They were developed/scanned by Indie Film Lab - www.indiefilmlab.com/
Music by Marty Zylstra - martyzylstra.bandcamp.com/
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[@AndrewGoodCamera]

I love them too! (I have twelve of them). 100% agree with everything you said. #6 reason to love it: no specialized batteries. The only issues I've ever had with them is some bleeding LCDs and the battery compartments failing. But amazingly robust, reliable, consistent, and the #1 film camera I recommend for people new to film and interested in easing into it.

[@Scott_Graham]

You used them for you colour film comparison, right?

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

@@Scott_Graham yup. :)

[@johnlesterrimorin81]

Did you sell your extras?

[@spark198rus]

Bro why 12

[@icecold6614]

It was 1985/1986 when I bought this camera and I was 18 years old. For my first time using it I took it on a rafting trip and snapped lots of photos. As I changed some of my wet clothing I hung the camera on a branch and walked away. Never saw it again and never got to see all those photos.

[@Scott_Graham]

Nooooooo 😭

[@oregonez1]

in 1986 this camera was recognized as the best camera of the year

[@kerc]

I've been acquiring Maxxums recently. Started with a 5, then a QTSi for my teenage daughter, a 50 from 2004, and today I received my 7000. It's such a beautiful, heavy, solid camera. It has immediately become my favorite Maxxum. But let's keep the Maxxum secret between us, okay? I don't want prices to start going up! 😄

[@gseybold]

I purchased mine in March 1987 from San Jose Camera and Video in Campbell, CA. I paid $339 for the body with the 50 1.7. I just cleaned it up this weekend. I'm going to start using this for my family events.

[@brendanclark81]

Great video! Thank you for the information. Just picked up a Maxxum 7000i kit today at a garage sale for $15. It came with the 35-70 and 70-210 lens, a Program 2000xi flash, 2000xi flash, all the original literature and a Tamrac bag. Looking forward to putting a battery and film it!

[@KellySmith-gt5pi]

I just bought one at a garage sale 9-04-2022 in mint condition for $25.00 twenty five dollars. I left it at first got down the road and I went back to get it. I researched that there are labs and 35mm film still available. Great video.

[@b_wtangible_moments]

Totally agree on all points. I have the 7000i awesome camera. Minolta was such an innovative company back then. Very underrated company, only because here in the US Nikon and Canon were better at advertising there products. Love the 80's look also, the 7000i reminds of Darth Vader's Helmet. So shiny.

[@13blackg]

stumbled across this video because i saw and picked up one of these from the thrift store for $8.99. honestly can't believe how cool of a camera it is for its age (or the price i paid) it clearly got used and loved a lot in its previous life but so far i've been blow away with the shots i've been getting from it.

[@dovahnovah3657]

My grandparents got my dad this camera when his other one got stolen. I now use it and have used it at cadets (the photos of which are now up on the detachment wall), taken it to Italy on a ski trip, and I’ve just got through my 8th roll of film in it (1 roll of Ilford FP4, 1 roll of Kodak colorplus, 1 roll of Portra 400, and 5 rolls of Kodak Gold 200). People usually stop me to ask loads of questions about it. Minus the LCD display screen starting to leak through it is still going strong and is absolutely fun to shoot with. Shame some people don’t want them as they are an amazing piece of history😢😢😢

[@reeve7929]

I have one of these! I specced it out with the bigger battery grip and the lithium batteries. Awesome camera and the lens selection is amazing as well. Love seeing it on my shelf and it just radiates 80s

[@iluvzc4ndyz]

I got my Maxxum 7000 last year at a thrift store without knowing the gem I found! Have been using it ever since. I also just bought 2 lenses for it. I’ve been using the AF setting for so long I think I’m ready to start using the manual setting finally. Super easy camera and the AF has been soo helpful.

[@PlsDontWatchThis]

Great Vid! Made me go digging and find my dad's old minolta 5000 and 7000 Maxxum...

[@rarese2340]

Lovely video!!

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Literally the first of its kind! A stepping stone for all the incredible technology we have now in cameras. I ended up with my Grandma’s after she passed, I added more of the name brand Minolta lenses that she probably couldn’t afford new (including the beer can) and it’s surprisingly nice to use. Greatest part is with an adapter (that Sony makes, not some bodge option) the lenses fit my Sony A7iii.

[@flash8051]

Excellent evaluation. Been looking at my folks' 7000 that I inherited years ago. Gotta go buy some film and check it out. The "Mind of Minolta"! 😄

[@Epictronics1]

This camera is so freakin cool. My parents also bought one in 1985 and all my childhood photos sins then look great. And now I picked one up too. Time to set those mechanical Nikon's on the shelf for a bit and enjoy that awesome shutter sound of the 80's: )

[@geolehman]

I got one of these a few weeks back with a bunch of other gear that I was actually looking, so to me, I got this as a bonus. Flaws with mine were few (no internal display, lcd bleed and badly aging plastic). I chipped off the plastic and replaced it with camera leather. Looks awesome. Cleaned up the battery pack and with a $12 lens, it works. A few days ago I bought another parts repair unit with the two zooms he mentions. Batteries were left in it and they leaked. I pried out the old batteries, soaked the holder in vinegar and the camera works perfectly. The lenses were in excellent condition and look superb. $19! These are my 10th and 11th Minoltas (3 I bought to repair and sell).

[@batizalanguages7781]

great review. Thanks!

[@Twobarpsi]

I had this new in the 80s. Still have it.

[@MiracleWinchester]

Minolta Maxxum 7000 is my first love.

[@franktatom1837]

Good video. The Maxxum 7000 is normally looked down upon by photogs that haven't used them, but those of us that have used them know that it is a very capable camera and quite fun to use even with its unusual ergonomics. The line of AF lenses for the Maxxum that were released for these cameras at the same time are excellent and produce good images even on modern digital cameras. In addition, in regard to your comment about 80's electronics being more reliable than later electronics, one of the major selling points for this camera (which was shown in photographs in the full brochure for the 7000) was the use of gold for the major electronic parts and wiring in the camera. Gold will not corrode or tarnish over time and so that is a strong point for these cameras. And, if you prefer dials over buttons, just pick up a Minolta 600si, another bargain camera that is great to use (although it does not seem to have the build quality of the 7000, in my hand).

[@markrussell.]

I had one I worked for United Airlines for decades and when I got mine in 1985 it traveled with me around the world some of the best pictures I ever took was with that camera.

[@JoeKreis]

Just bought two untested off Facebook marketplace for $25 total with a 28-70 and 70-210, not the beer can :'( but after some corrosion clean up they both work great! Super excited to shoot some rolls with them. My first film camera was the srt-101, then I bought a x-570, now the maxxium 7000! Minoltas are so good and since they don't have the same name recognition as Nikon and Cannon they are super cheap!

[@richardardis1405]

Great video bought a 7000 the other day at Goodwill for $19.00!

[@mikebraz25]

I'm such a Minolta fan I used ask folks is there another camera manufacturer. Ha. I know for there was but like you said so under appreciated.

[@deltadave44]

try the 80-200/2.8...absolutely a fantastic lens...I use in on my Minolta a-9 (great camera BTW) and I also use it on my Sony a99...something about how it renders on the a99 is special (I've tried it on my other a--mount bodies...a99ii, a77, a77ii)...it is heavy...no denying that...but worth the effort...thanks for the channel...great work

[@johanchen3485]

A hidden gem.

[@eikotehgrowingmouse]

I've been passing on old film cameras at thrift stores decided to get a 3000i, just need a lense. I got a Canon Elan 7 with kit 3 years ago and started shooting with it recently. Can't wait to see my first film development.

[@arthurnigh6589]

Hello Scott; I bought this camera an estate sale for $20. It came in a case with 2 lenses, a bunch of filters and it has a sport card installed. I hope I can learn how to use it. I'm subscribed to your channel. I will be watching for more videos.

[@Edubarca46]

I couldn't agree with you more, Scott. I got my Minolta Maxxum 7000 FREE from a very dear friend who lives in New York and he turned to digital photo. He also gave me the 100-200 f/4.5 zoom. It is a beautiful piece of equipment and the results are very good. Why so cheap on Ebay? I've read that there are plenty available and it has a bad old age. Mine has still no LCD screen bleeding but the black leather imitation is turning white. Also the original carrying case is extremely bad quality. But apart from these issues, it is really very nice. Something you don't mention and I think it is a con, is the hidden flat battery that has to be changed after several years. It is not easy to change and sometimes it is hard to find a replacement. Greetings from Colombia and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. EDUARDO

[@andrewbrooks2001]

Love the Maxxum (A Mount) lenses. I adapted the 28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 75mm-300&100-300mm, 24-105mm, and the 500mm reflex, to my Sony A7.

[@Breidbarker]

I inherited this camera 5 years ago from my stepmom. She bought it 28 years ago. It was my first time using film. I will never sell it ❤️

[@jackmatthews9390]

I started with x-700s! So Minolta value is well understood here. I have also thought myself to repair film cameras. I own or have owned lots of Minoltas. Battery corrosion aside, I never have repair anything important on 7000s, 7000i, 700si etc. I have had to change the mode LCD on a 9000 and 8000, and a grip or two. That’s it. Glass is solid too. Does need a lens hood in strong light if you like your contrast. So I keep them. I wish my Sony’s were just as robust!?!

[@brentbrown51]

Thanks! Great review. I have a Maxxum a7 and two 400si rigs. Absolutely love them. Also have two SRTs: a 102 and a 201. And a Minolta Hi-Matic AF2. Apparently, I’m a Minolta Fan Boy.

[@Scott_Graham]

I think I have 3 7000’s now. A couple of AF2’s, 2 101’s, a 102, an X700 and an X370 🤓🤓🤓 #MinoltaGang

[@brentbrown51]

@@Scott_Graham Hearing your inventory, I feel like a slacker. #MinoltaGang.

[@EliaMitzell]

Just bought one today! I am in love. It came with a 28-70mm lens and i was wondering how can I know how to buy lenses for this camera?

[@Splandrocity]

I have grabbed up a couple of these too, I've gotten into film recently. One of which with the cross-X Maxxum logo (original Exxon lawsuit model) ha.

[@chickenchaser125cc9]

Just bought one today with 2 lenses for £40 on ebay Can't wait to take it out... Ps no experience whatsoever so I welcome tips on how to use it 😉

[@chevelle921]

i found one on eBay and I’ve been contemplating whether to buy one but this video has sold me

[@Scott_Graham]

Do it!

[@cookablecookie]

Hi Scott, thanks for your video! I came across this camera from a second hand shop - it worked fine for the first 16-17 shots once I got the batteries compartment cleaned out and put new ones in, but have been experiencing an issue with the shutter - it's opening okay but not shutting unless I set it to lock and back on again - any troubleshooting ideas? Thanks again for your video

[@Helvetica09]

I just got one from a thrift shop and I hope it works 😅 I haven't used an analog camera since I was a kid so I hope I figure it out somehow 😭 My issue is that the Program resets also resets the film counter for some reason? I just shot through my first film and am going to have it checked by a photographer. If it works fine imma get it cleaned nicely and have a cool camera 😌

[@filmographyera]

I’m thinking about getting a 5000i to use as a point and shoot for night/indoor photography.

[@mynameisrits]

Just got one for super cheap also picked up a fully manual range finder so I can have the best of both worlds.

[@Scott_Graham]

Living the dream.

[@vangstr]

My favorite is the 5000. Cosmetically less complicated than the 7000. Miles ahead of my old X700.

[@HojoUjamasu]

I found this camera at a thrift store for $10.99. I ended up buying it to see if I could make it work. After grabbing some batteries and film I was super excited to give it a try. Come to find out it seems to have a short in the wiring under the AF lettering, burned my finger a little and pulled the batteries before the thing rlly started to melt. Im going to see if I can find a camera repair place near me to fix it. Hopefully I can get it too work!

[@Scott_Graham]

Probably cheaper to just find another one. Haha.

[@fossil-bit8439]

80s electronics are very heavy duty and have exceptionally fantastic built quality! Especially Sony stuff.

[@jordanvelazquez6321]

My Minolta Maxxum 7000 skips frames sometimes, is there a way to prevent that?

[@marypinkerton3290]

One reason to love them is price that is so much cheaper than you mentioned.I do love Minolta lenses. I have had more expensive lenses that do not perform as well. It is also, less complicated to use.

[@rickbiessman6084]

4:54 That sound 🥹

[@jakeyje]

i just bought a 7000 AF on ebay by accident, and then proceeded to buy a lens so that i can at least give it a go. £15 for both of them and shipping, now to get some film and see what i can do as i’ve never played with cameras before. any advice appreciated

[@markandrewhoran]

Hi Scott, I picked up a Minolta Dynax 500si for 5 bucks at a thrift store here in Denmark about a month ago, and that camera is also pretty amazing. I am just kind of starting out with film cameras again and was just wondering what 50mm lens you would recommend that would fit my camera. I believe it is the same mount as your Maxxum 7000. Thanks for the great channel and all your content!

[@Scott_Graham]

The Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 is a great place to start.

[@markandrewhoran]

@@Scott_Graham Super. thank you !

[@petepictures]

I have Dynax 7xi , but haven't used it much. Have too many cameras to play with.

[@go2wrona12]

I've got and use Sokol camera that my mom bought on her trip to Kiev in 1977.

[@diegocanas8935]

I just bought it for only 80usd it included a 35-70mm lens, macro. Just need the lens caps

[@robertbrown9785]

my stepfather gifted me this camera awhile ago and I find it fascinating- plan to clean it up and start shooting again- I agree that the electronics on it are great despite what the purists think-

[@davidrothstein3661]

Beware the later AF 50mm 1.7. It had plastic helicoids rather than metal (aluminum) on the earlier versions. The entire guts of the lens was plastic except for the large ring gear that drove the helicoids. The plastic was easily distorted, especially if the camera was left in the sun, thus making the lens irreparable. The lens is easy to overhaul but if the plastic parts have lost their shape, the lens is useless--it can't even be focused manually. As near as I can tell you can distinguish the older lens from the newer lens by the manual focus ring. On the older (metal) lens the focus ring was ridged hard plastic. The newer lens had a smooth rubber focus ring. I love Minolta gear (my first serious SLR was an SRT102 that I bought new in 1975 in Japan. Still use it). However the plastic on the Maxxum 7000 was crap, especially the battery grip and the plastic cover plate between the grip and the lens. It began by oxidizing (turning white) probably caused by skin oils and sweat, and then disintegrating. I don’t understand how Minolta could have chosen such bad materials. The other problem is the lousy LCD screen that bleeds until it’s entirely useless. If you find a good specimen that has clear, intact plastic and a clean screen, buy it. They’re great cameras. They all have some white oxidation, but it’s easily cleaned with a soft toothbrush followed by polishing with Ultimate Black by Meguiar, or Back to Black by Mother’s. Then they look and feel fabulous.

[@GearGeekB]

Love mine as well. The 20mm f2.8 is probably my favorite and I use it for twilight real estate photos and it makes great stars stopped down. Check it oot!

[@Zetaphotography]

Im shooting inside a Hotel lobby. I wonder if these camera can handle the low light.

[@violeta8445]

I just got this as my first film camera. Im so confused with settings..

[@helianthe3457]

Same, but youtube is your friend, there is a 2 part guide on the minolta, it helped me understand how to use it!

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

Sure I’ll futz around and figure out how to use my Argus c3, and replace the Pad Of Death in my Yashica E 35 GSN, But I have a Minolta Maxxum 7000, takes 4 AAA batteries and is ready to shoot and take pictures NOW.

Justo got the maxxum 500si :)

[@SUBtrauma]

I was just gifted one tonight. I was excited to have an af slr, but the auto focus doesn't work :/ I went through the manual and everything is set up right. The shutter button doesn't allow a half press. Gunna try cleaning all contacts and if that doesn't work... I guess I just have a 7000 MF

[@Scott_Graham]

Sounds like possible low batteries.

[@SUBtrauma]

@@Scott_Graham I wish it were that simple. Brand new batteries.

[@CasualRicer]

Unfortunately my two 7000s are constantly under exposing and leaving my photos in a pink hue. It's a shame. Spent a good $200 in film processing to test and test after constant "fixes"

[@geolehman]

Fix the aperture magnet in the body. I have seen KZbin videos that say it’s not a hard fix. The lenses position is stopped all the way down and the magnet opens it up. Put the camera in bulb mode, set the aperture all the way open, lens in manual and hold down the shutter release. If the aperture opens all the way, it’s good, if not, it’s probably the magnet.

[@LEGOTROLL1]

In my humble opinion the Pentax K1000 looks best ! ✌️

[@WorldofKB]

i just picked up a whole camera set with lenses of this camera for 30 dollars at a thrift store

[@Crayolapup]

Retro Camera

[@terryroth2855]

That looks like a dandy camera for sure. I still use a couple of X700’s I purchased in the mid 80’s. The 7000 was pretty much over my budget. Thanks for the review.👍👍

[@leodicov]

Hey Scott! Just bought one of these but im not an expert, actually im a beginner. I was wondering how can I know if a 50mm Minolta lens would fit this camera? Im afraid I buy one and doesn't fit

[@Scott_Graham]

As long as it’s Minolta A mount or AF mount it will fit.

[@joegalka3378]

Nikon F4s definitely nicer from the 80's

[@kd9856]

back in the day i bought that brand new and somebody stole it out of my car😡

[@Scott_Graham]

Boooooo

[@ionvasile7929]

Even if it was the shitest camera on earth, i would still keep it and use it if my parents bought it new.

[@kingmezs23]

I really dont understand how the Maxxum series as a whole gets overlooked. The same people poo-poo'ing features are using IPhone's to get the same information the camera itself is computing. And it's not like it can't be a manual experience if you chose. I have a feeling im going to be collecting a backlog of maxxum camera bodies just so I have replacements for when my 450si and soon to come a7 eventually bite the dust. I have a hookup on a 9 I may get as well, this line of cameras got me to fall back in love with the medium after years of shelfing my Pantex p30t after highschool.