Minolta Hi-Matic 7s 35mm Rangefinder Film Camera Review / Overview

[@forever2499]

Black body version is really beautiful, love it.

[@gabocosta3373]

I think that camera was painted

[@davidkbailey]

I just acquired one of these today. Your video was remarkably helpful in learning the basics of this camera. Thank you!

[@artromano8919]

Have to say anytime I watch one of your instructional videos, it is comprehensive and I walk away knowing my camera better then the instructions themselves...cheers!

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Art Romano Thanks!

[@RaquelHernandez-dc6wl]

OMG. So new and beautiful, this is so satisfying to Watch. I mean, I Love mine, but looking at this makes me feel so well. And the sounds the camera makes, OMG, this is almost ASMR

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Glad you liked it!

[@abbiegrier207]

so gooood!! I just bought this camera the other day and didn't really know how to use it until now. Thank you for such a thorough and excellent walk through!!

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Abbie Grier Glad you found it helpful!

[@abbym3826]

what film do you use?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

a m Ilford HP5+ black & white, or Fujicolor Superior colour film.

[@abbiegrier207]

Haven't even used this camera yet, but just got film the other day and came back to your video. Relearning so much from you, and I'll probably always use this video as a reference! I so appreciate that you talked about every part of the camera, as well as it's background!

[@justanotherdude4168]

By far the best video about this camera! Thank you!

[@atroche1978]

I've been shooting with a D5600 for about 2 years. While I enjoy the ease of AF and post processing I wanted to try my hand at film and the intricacies of a rangefinder. I just picked up the graphite version of this camera on eBay. I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for this video.

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

This video sold me. I am now the happy owner of a very nice Minolta 7s. I bought on Ebay for $24.99 including shipping charges. The ad said the camera was in near perfect condition. I was skeptical, but for $25 I couldn't resist taking a chance. There isn't a single scratch or wear mark on the camera or lens and the camera case has a couple of minor scratches. I look forward to getting a battery and some 400 ASA black and white film. The camera is no light weight, though it weighs considerably less than my Canon T6s with a lens. I enjoy shooting my Canon, but gosh, compared to the old Minolta it looks like a hunk of plastic completely lacking class. I won't know if the meter works until I get batteries. Cheers from Veneta, Oregon USA

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Congratulations on your new purchase!

[@FrankWalsh]

I love my 7s. Beautiful lens. The metering and automatic exposure system are actually very good. Use a wein cell instead of an alkaline for accurate and consistent metering.

[@MadisMcLembrus]

Or a much cheaper 1.35V hearing aid battery :)

[@FrankWalsh]

Yes, essentially the same thing, but frankly not that much cheaper. You will need an adapter to put it in because finding 625 size hearing aid batteries is not easy, you certainly won't see them having on the display at the corner drug store.

[@MadisMcLembrus]

A pack of 6 PR675 hearing aid batteries costs less than 1 Wein Cell (where I live at least). For adapter you only need a right sized washer.

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Frank Walsh I usually use an adapter in the shape of a PX625 that takes a SR44 battery and reduces the voltage to 1.35v.

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Frank Walsh I usually use an adapter in the shape of a PX625 that takes a SR44 battery and reduces the voltage to 1.35v.

[@yuif8742]

I just bought this camera and I am shooting my first roll of film, I am really excited and cant wait to see them develop

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Camila e.e Did you buy mine, as I sold it recently! Enjoy your new camera and I hope you get some good results.

[@GONZOFAM7]

I don't even own this camera and I watched and enjoyed your video. Good stuff. Thanks.

[@elherni]

All black its the camera most beautiful!!!

[@phoslurperr]

Wow that black version is gorgeous! Shame they couldn't make this smallest and lighter.

[@khoavan9984]

7sII but design is not as good as 7s

[@KingJvpes]

Very sleek. Would you take this over the rollei 35? Or maybe even the cannon cannonet?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

KingJvpes I've not tried a Rollei. The QL17 GIII Canonet is very nice and compact, but the viewfinder is not as big and clear as the 7s.

[@KingJvpes]

Samsung9alaxy interesting! thanks for the reply!

[@Iproductions0]

KingJvpes update? Im now facing the same dilemma

[@therealchickentender]

A fine camera. The Konica Auto S2 is even better for my part. They're quite similar, but the build of the Konica is better and the Hexanon 42mm is nothing short of stunning. I'm genuinely surprised the Konicas are still as cheap as they are considering how much more popular these compact RFs have become in the last few years.

[@khoavan9984]

I heard many people confirm this, I will try it

[@randallstewart175]

In the 1960s-70s, Konica was fairly unsuccessful with its SLR system offerings compared to the other Japanese camera makers, but they sustained the company by issuing a succession of at least eleven versions of this rangefinder model, all quite popular. It was for Konica what the Canonet line was for Canon in the 1970s. They are large, heavy and robust. When popular desires turned to the more compact 35mm RF cameras, like the Canonet, Konica killed the line and replaced it with more compact models, which IMO were of significant lower quality of build and optics.

[@ramtinhayward1]

Do you still have this camera? If so will you be selling it?

[@yonaludagedara1716]

Is the rewinding knob supposed to turn when you wind it?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Yes

[@lunchroomdad]

How does the shutter work on this camera? I just received a used one and the shutter clicks but I don't see it open or close. Does the shutter need batteries?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

The shutter mechanism is purely mechanical and doesn't need batteries. They can "stick" though and so don't open.

[@julie-annethomas3507]

I can’t find a video on a minor’s hi- matic 7. How do you use it? Too old? or

[@cristallefernando4500]

Did you buy this as brand new? Yours looks mint!

[@Samsung9alaxy]

No. I was lucky to get a nice one off eBay?

[@chiifuji2485]

WoW

[@stefanosarri1002]

I have got one silver from my grandpa. I never tasted, but I'll do soon

[@buzzlightyearatatata]

hii i have a questionnn, what battery do u use? Do u use lr44?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

It uses a PX625 battery.

[@honeydew.s]

Can the automatic mode be used even if it doesn't have batteries? I just got one.

[@Samsung9alaxy]

No. The automatic mode needs the light meter which uses batteries.

[@honeydew.s]

@@Samsung9alaxy thanks. So, it means that if I manually adjust the settings then I can use it without battery?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

@@honeydew.s Yes! The shutter is mechanical.

[@Jomotherfucka]

hello i bought this camera and i lost the battery cap. Does it still work without the cover or do i need to buy a new one ? thank you

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Joanna N It will work without a cover, but there must be contact between the plus side of the battery and the metal thread where the cover screws in. It would be difficult to maintain that contact without the cap!

[@Jomotherfucka]

Ok I see... thank you!! So is it normal that my shutter release button works even on manual mode without a battery?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Joanna N Yes! The shutter doesn't need the battery to operate.

[@Jomotherfucka]

Samsung9alaxy perfect, thank you so much :)

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I have extras if you still need one.

[@kittens3029]

My light meter needle is stuck at the top... it doesn't seem to move at all? Any advice?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Remove the battery cap and look at the terminals inside. They should be clean & shiny. If not, you can try cleaning with a cotton wool bud dipped in vinegar. Then, use a fresh PX625 battery and try again. If the needle still doesn't move, then the CDS cells might have died (they don't last forever).

[@mallagundlaramasubramanyam1354]

its great camera very lovely viewfinder in left so nose never distrub good waight that we can take pics in slow shutter night elumination colour lights good for B&W and colour my lovely i took many ... my dauchter's fotos will you sell that black camera to me from ANANTAPUR, AP. INDIA thank you for display..

[@Samsung9alaxy]

mallagundla ramasubramanyam It's already sold! :)