The Minolta Maxxum 7000 - Photography was never the same

#minolta #filmphotography #filmcamera #camerareview #vintagecamera #analogphotography #chattanooga #railroad #museum #tvrm #minolta7000
Take a deep dive into the revolutionary Minolta Maxxum 7000 - the first truly successful auto focus system. And we'll visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to try it out.
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[@selzzaW]

6:16 I appreciate the kitty kneading in the background here

[@vintagecameradigest]

That would be Nips…he goes where he wants. I may need to re-title the channel to “Cameras and Cats” :-)

[@theoldfilmbloke]

Just FOUND YOU! AMAZING how much detail in your reviews ..Put My Efforts to shame also I don't have the Knowledge to edit videos but I try I have many of the Same Cameras as you Given luckily

[@vintagecameradigest]

Wow, thank you! I just subscribed to your channel. Looks like a lot I’m going to be interested in. Cheers!

[@joefaracevideos]

The quality of your presentation and the obvious hard work that you put into this channel are truly impressive. And as a lover of analog cameras, I find that the videos are truly inspirational.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you! I really appreciate that. Thanks so much for tuning in!

[@jackcolon-zy3sn]

That cat is so chunky and it’s making biscuits

[@vintagecameradigest]

Lol! Yes, he’s on the chonk side for sure.

[@sgit1]

As many others have already noted, nice presentation! I have 2 Minolta 7000's and both have a slighted slanted info bar when looking through the viewfinder. I notice yours is spot on.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks! Yes, my info bars are fairly square and plumb. How slanted are yours? Interesting…

[@sgit1]

@@vintagecameradigest It's very noticeable but the information display works.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Weird. I wonder if that’s a known issue?

[@sgit1]

@@vintagecameradigest I've searched the Internet but have not found anyone else mentioning this yet I have 2 cameras with this issue.

[@abnice__]

I’ve had my camera for years and you really helped clarify how to perfect a nice quality and focused photo. thank you. God bless ♥️

[@vintagecameradigest]

You're so welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@Focal_Paradox]

What's truly impressive is that you managed to find a Minolta Maxxum without a leaking LCD panel, with working buttons ... and ... with the body plastic not looking like it was rotting away. I've yet to find one without at least one of these problems. Unlike their manual focus predecessors, these Minolta's have not aged gracefully.

[@vintagecameradigest]

That is absolutely the truth. This one was well cared-for and only as a minimum of hairline cracks in the grip. And whatever rubber Minolta used in the following decade wasn’t much better.

[@Focal_Paradox]

@@vintagecameradigest I pulled my Voigtlander Besa R out of the bag the other day. The back door was like sticky tar, and the front 'leatherette' is ever so slightly tacky to the touch, and appears to made out of textured rubber finish. At least the rubber used in that Minolta era of camera just cracks falls off. The "grippy" rubber coating that camera manufacturers (and other device manufacturers) used after that, is truly obnoxious. Late 70s and early 80's cameras just suffer from the leatherette pealing, an easy fix. I'm not sure who invented that rubberised 'grippy' coating for modern plastic items, but I wish them as much misfortune as their annoying invention deserves to bring them. Followed closely by whoever invented 'shiny piano black' plastic finish. The one that scratches the second you so much as touch it. 😠

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’m with you on that! I have a Maxxum 9xi that the base is so sticky it’s like you dipped it in honey. And Nikon was just as bad with the N90/F90 and later cameras. Like you said, leatherette is an easy fix. The decomposing rubber syndrome is a disaster. And I’ve got a few piano black design features in my car. So, yeah…you’re right again.

[@olegzironka5374]

This was the beginning of the development of autofocus, and in 1985 Japan actually had the Alpha Shock. there was huge competition and all camera manufacturers quickly began to phase out old developments and introduce autofocus systems.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, I imagine it did throw the market into a bit of chaos. And took a couple of years for others to catch up.

[@olegzironka5374]

@@vintagecameradigest From the memoirs of Mr. Kuramoto (Yoshio Kuramoto Born in 1933. At Chiyoda Kogaku Seiko (now Minolta), he was assigned to the engineering department from the design department and, in parallel with the development of rangefinders, was responsible for accessories such as single-lens reflex viewfinders and built-in exposure meters. , magnifiers and motorized devices. He has been involved in all SLR development since the New SR-7 and has been a development leader since the SR-T101 and X1. Deputy head of the camera development department at the time of CLE development. He retired in 1993 after serving as director of the Takatsuki Research Institute and director of the Atsugi Development Center.): “Technologists always have a desire to create good cameras that people will remember. It was a very good time when single-lens reflex cameras were growing and such cameras like CLE. Things are changing, but in development work that comes from manufacturing, the goal is always 'what do we want to do?', and I hope that doesn't change."

[@olegzironka5374]

German production was somewhat behind schedule and in a sleepy state, unlike Japanese camera manufacturers, where competition in technical specifications was simply fierce. And even now it’s difficult to win the hearts of buyers, all manufacturers have everything practically the same, the nuances of photos and videos have been leveled out. For me personally, the manufacturer Minolta is remembered for such cameras as the rangefinder CLE, SLR X-700 (an amazing camera with exposure locking, I have it with 8 lenses from 28mm to 300mm, including 2 zoom lenses 35-70mm/4, and 75-200/ 4.5), A-7000 (autofocus became an industry standard after the release of this camera), digital 7D (their introduction of matrix stabilization in 2004 also became an industry standard in modern digital photographic equipment). I had a Konica Minolta 7D from 2005 to 2007, but when I realized how fast digital was developing, I quickly sold it in 2007 with a 28-75mm/2.8 lens, losing $100 on the sale, and bought it from a Voigtlander dealer in America film limited version 250 years Bessa R3M with lenses 21mm/4, 40mm/1.4, 75mm/2.5. I returned to a digital sensor only last year, I chose a device reminiscent of film times, only the Fujifilm X-H1 fell under my criteria, I use all manual Minolta and Voightlander optics on it. Thank you for your videos, your reviews are very interesting, going back to the past, with historical nuances. From reading the Minolta book, I understand that the same development team, after the fantastic release of the X-700, immediately began working on the new Alpha 7000.

[@vintagecameradigest]

All this is very interesting…what is the Minolta Book you mentioned? Sounds like something I’d enjoy. I also know several photogs who shoot Fujifilm for the same reasons you mention - reminiscent of analog with excellent film emulation abilities. Thanks for sharing this bit of history!

[@olegzironka5374]

​@@vintagecameradigest “All about Minolta Camera”

[@achaycock]

I truly enjoyed this review. I live in the UK and have the Minolta 7000 (no Maxxum or other designation strangely) and a Minolta Maxxum 5000 (apparently over here Minolta could not make up their mind). I have yet to use it because I have not got around to finding any primes for it, but your review was incredibly useful and very clear at explaining how this camera works. The grip has lost its colour, but is not melting. What I would like to add is that the format of your video was engaging and that your shots are beautiful. Truly inspiring and I'm definitely getting out there again with a new perspective.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m truly glad the video offered a bit of inspiration. We all need a little bit here and there. I know I do! What I’ve learned since completion of this video is that in the UK, this camera was known simply as the “7000” - no Dynax. Dynax wouldn’t come until the next generation of these cameras - 7000i. The 5000 came out a year after the 7000 and was meant to be a more entry-level machine. So, we had them here in the US as well. As for the grip issues, these cameras seem to be more afflicted with discolored and brittle rubber than actual stickiness. But later Minoltas might have a degree of both. You can rub most of the chalky color off with a micro-fiber cloth and a little elbow grease. Just be careful. It’s easy to get carried away and end up breaking half the grip off because of the brittle-ness. Ask me how I know. Also, there’s a ton of great primes out there that are still reasonably priced. Now get out there and have fun!

[@miguelcrespo5545]

Your videos are incredible, the production value is off the charts I am so glad I found your channel.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I’m glad you enjoy them!

[@libbysears3383]

The work that went into the video 👏🏼👏🏼

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@skylarsanrio6066]

The cherry on top was the cute orange kitty making biscuits on the couch ❤

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’ve had requests to feature Nips more often, lol

[@mhc2b]

Another great & informative video, and another trip down memory lane for me. I was a Tennessee State employee in the 1980's, and good friends with a fellow employee who had the Minolta Maxxum 7000. She said she was "not" a photographer, but bought the camera to shoot live rock & country concerts she loved going to. Not knowing an "f-stop from a short stop," she set her Maxxum to P mode, the 70-210 lens to AF, and fired away. What amazed me was the outstanding quality of her Wal Mart processed 4x6 prints. Shooting dark stages with spot-lighted performers is a challenge for any camera system, but her 7000 handled the exposure and contrast beautifully. Didn't know there was a train museum in Chattanooga.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Very interesting story there. Since the camera doesn’t have a spot or partial metering mode, I’d expect it to have done worse in those specialized lighting scenarios. But glad to hear it was indeed capable. I find the 7000 completely capable for most subject matter. The obvious exceptions are sports where focus and drive are drudgingly slow (but mostly accurate as I found out). The bright and clear viewfinder is really a plus, I think. And it makes using it pretty fun. And yes, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is off of Cromwell Road. And has daily excursions out and back. One of the excursions now goes all the way to Chickamauga and back. Haven’t done that one, but it’s on my list!

[@mhc2b]

Are you, by any chance, familiar with You Tuber David Saylors? I've subscribed to his channel for a couple of years now. He's from Northwestern Georgia, and shoots a lot in the Chattanooga area. He is also very much into vintage gear. I also see from your images that you've been to Old Car City. I've gone once a year since 2013, usually in November or December. Don't know which I enjoy the most there - Old Car City itself or Wes-Mans restaurant across the street - I start the day with a hearty breakfast at Wes-Man's, photograph until 3ish, then have a hot "meat & three" supper at Wes-Man's before heading home. FWIW - I've been "lost" way back in the woods a couple of times. Dean told me to listen for the sound of vehicles on US 411, then just follow the sound back to the main entrance.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Not familiar with him but will look him up, for sure. Thanks for that tip! As for Old Car City, I should follow your lead on which months to visit and where to eat. I’ve been twice - both times in the summer months. Both bad choices. But that place just amazes me. And I’ll definitely check out the place across the street!

[@mhc2b]

I find Nov & Dec to be the most ideal time to go. Cool, but comfortable weather, no bugs, no critters, and no snakes. I like going during the week - less crowded by far. Jan & Feb are ok, but can often be a bit cold. I don't go Mar thru Oct. The bugs, mosquitoes, snakes, and critters all come alive, as do the weeds & vines. Most importantly, the weather can be unbearably hot & humid. Just not a pleasant time to be out in the woods all day.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I was on the lookout for snakes while i was there. Luckily I didn’t stumble upon one. But it seemed like I could have any second.

[@rarese2340]

Wonderful !! thank you for posting such a detailed and great video

[@vintagecameradigest]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bonyeh]

Thank you for this video! It has taught me a lot already. I've not long purchased a Minolta 7000 from a photographer who bought it new in the 80s - it will be my first film camera (and camera outside of my smartphone). I am lucky as it came also with the Minolta leather case, AF flash + case, and all the manuals. I promptly read the manuals and watched a few videos including yours in order to understand how it works. I've loaded it with new batteries and a roll of film and I hope to soon test it and fingers crossed get some pictures developed. I've a lot to learn yet so thank you for your video!

[@vintagecameradigest]

First of all - congratulations on your first steps into film photography! It’s certainly not anything like photography with a phone. But I hope you’ll find it rewarding enough to continue. Plus, it’s an excellent way to learn a lot more about photography, in general. So, I’m glad you found this helpful! It’s a great camera with a lot of great features. I’d say for the most part they’re comparable to modern cameras. And the lenses are generally excellent and VERY reasonable in price these days. So, wishing you much luck and enjoyment with the 7000. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions! Cheers!

[@311djr]

Another great video and presentation. It amazes me that these 1980ish cameras with the 'new-wave' technology could cram as much into a camera as they did. And it worked then first-time and, for the most part, is still working today. Also amazes me that your focus test came out so good after hearing the focus-search going on. On a side note, I am not a railroad man, but who could not like the Railroad Museum you went to. I've never been there but if I'm in the area, I'll make it one of my stops. Great shots.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, that museum is a great place. Something about those big, powerful, mechanical machines calls out for photographing. And I’m with you on the focus test. I was surprised as well. But there is a caveat - since the camera won’t fire unless it “thinks” it’s in focus, you’ll get a much-reduced frames-per-second. Which, in turn, might mean you miss the best shot in the overall action sequence. So, it’s slow, but fairly accurate. In contrast, the Canon DSLR fired off 10 frames-per-second with 100% accuracy. But I don’t think any film camera could perform to that standard. It will be interesting to put a Canon EOS-1 up against the DSLR. Soon!

[@GOLDDYNACO]

Again, you're spot on with a very good review of a truly modern classic of a camera. Thanks especially for the focus test compared to modern equipment. Yes, the Moinolta is slower, but almost a 40-year-old Minolta should be proud of the proportion of images in focus. BTW; The only thing missing now is a good review of your cute cat, especially with a bell on...

[@vintagecameradigest]

Haha! Yes, I think Nips deserves his own channel. Maybe I can get him to model for me at some point. As for the 7000 - totally surprised by how much I liked it. Even if it WAS loud and the AF was slow, it performed well. And yes, that is impressive for a 1st gen AF camera.

[@LauraMendes-we2np]

Nice episode, been really digging your videos!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you so much! And thanks for tuning in!

[@liveinaweorg]

Enjoyed the history lesson and the clarity of the video, audio and your presentation make it very enjoyable. Got one of those sitting on a shelf next to me (Just 7000 as I'm in the UK). Has the 35-70mm AF lens and doesn't (yet) suffer from the breaking apart of the rubber. Yours looks to be in great condition.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for watching! The one I have was given to me by a professor of biology from the local university. He kept good care of it. It does have some hairline cracks on part of the grip. But it hasn’t started coming apart on me yet. If you get the chance, I encourage you to try out the 50mm 1.7. It’s really nice!

[@f_LightPower]

Интересный обзор, фотографии очень понравились. Спасибо!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you for watching!

[@geraldillo]

I remember this camera very well. The release felt like a bombshell, especially since there had not been much news about Minolta in the past ± 2 years before. It made all the cameras produced before it look outdated, with its futuristic look with buttons instead of dials and all kinds of fancy technology and "auto everything". Everyone wanted to buy it, including me, but I couldn't afford one.

[@vintagecameradigest]

It was indeed a bombshell. I got my X-700 in 1985, I think - just before the 7000 came out. And I was like, now wait a minute…where did this come from?? Minolta did it right with this one, tho. Lots of lenses available. They weren’t just testing the waters. They were more sink or swim. And they didn’t sink.

[@geraldillo]

@@vintagecameradigest I've heard, early on, that Minolta bought this technology from another company. I always thought that this was Yashica but later I heard it was Leica. i don't know which is true, but I the latter one sounds more plausible to me.

[@vintagecameradigest]

You know, I’ve heard that before - that Leica was involved in that AF tech. There may be some truth to that, BUT the AF tech was really developed by Honeywell. Honeywell sued Minolta over use of it in their cameras and won. The court decided that Minolta did indeed infringe upon the Honeywell patent, but didn’t willfully do so. It’s a very interesting case to read about. I also read that all the other camera makers that used the similar AF tech ALSO ended up paying Honeywell for the use of it.

[@geraldillo]

@@vintagecameradigest I've heard about that too. Honeywell is Pentax, isn't it? I wonder where all that money went because Pentax didn't produce much cameras that were noteworthy after their a-series cameras (super a, program a, etc) You might be right about the other manufacturers having to pay licenses but this probably was not the case for Contax. They produced a very interesting auto focus camera the Contax AX which could handle manual focus lenses. The focussing was achieved by moving the film plane! Unfortunately this was not a huge success, but who knows an interesting story for a future video perhaps?

[@vintagecameradigest]

Honeywell was actually only the US importer/distributor for Pentax early on. That secondary branding ceased about the time the Pentax K-series was released. Same thing with Canon/Bell & Howell in the late 60s. But, yes, if Contax had a completely different system, it might not have fallen under the Honeywell patent. And by that time, Contax was just the upscale brand owned by Kyocera - which also owned Yashica from 1983. It would make an interesting episode, for sure, if I felt like I was smart enough to understand all the complicated goings-on about it. Interestingly, when Yaschica joined in on the AF action with the 200AF, it used the same system as the others.

[@georgetur3511]

Good review of the 7000. My wife bought one in the late 80s and we still have it and take occasional pictures with it. One down side to this camera is the lcd screen which can lose pixels, about half of our cameras screen is gone, and there’s no replacement for it.

[@vintagecameradigest]

You’re right. Besides the awful rubber grip issue, their LCDs often have “leaky” pixels. That plagues the 9000, as well. I think most you see these days have some degree of that. It’s really a wonder that we can find any 40-yr-old electronic camera in working condition. I doubt the manufacturers would have guessed any would’ve lasted to this point. But a lot have, amazingly.

[@JonRogne]

I got one around 1994 with a 35-70 f4. I was quite pleased with the quality of the lens and the automatic exposure of the camera, even the flash performance was quite remarkable. But the very first AF enabled camera I purchased was a Chinon CE-5 in 1982 I think, which had contact points on the front for a special AF lens. The lens was an active IR AF lens, and it could message to the camera when the focus was acheived. I never owned that lens, but the camera was OK, with K mount and M and S modes, and an automatic flash mount.

[@vintagecameradigest]

The lens you talk about reminds me of a Vivitar 200 3.5 AF lens I had for my Minolta X-700 at one time. It was a self-contained AF unit. Terribly slow and barely usable for what I wanted it for, which was for sports photography. The optics were decent, though.

[@diegocanas8935]

Master class ..... hi from Colombia

[@vintagecameradigest]

Gracias! Thanks for watching!

[@rpdee7344]

10/7/23 I own Minolta, Konica, Olympus film cameras along with many zoom & prime lenses. I was able to purgchase 7000 off ebay with lenses for a great price along with several Minolta Maxxum AF lenses "A" mount lenses that I still use on a Sony A SLT digitalcamera that can use the AF , I have several lenses that cover the 24-300 mm range and some of the prime, macro and zoom, the best AF lenses seem to be the Minolta AF "beercan" lenses for quality built and sharpness. It nice to see that the film lens can still be used with digital cameras and at an affordable price.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Indeed! These old Minolta A-mounts are an exceptional value compared to modern offerings. The styling is a bit dated, but it’s all about the glass. Thanks for tuning in!

[@sergeyrozum]

Thanks for the great videos, love your presentation. 7000 nice camera and surprisingly comfortable to use. Especially great combo of Minolta 7000 with 28-85 zoom lens and motorized 4000AF flash. But I decided to keep Nikon F501 (n2020).

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for watching! I have a video for the N2020 coming up soon. Next to the Minolta, it was a very conservative and tempered design. Functionally, though, I think they’re quite similar but would appeal to vastly different audiences.

[@rickyzagalo]

Congratulations on this 80's intro, and thanks for this very interesting new video. I got a Maxxum 7000 three years ago and "discover" the delight of that cameras brand and their A-mount lens system. After I got a 9000, the semi-pro sister of the 7000. Next, the Dynax 7, because of the great video "10 best Minolta cameras" by Gary Friedman. This Dynax 7, one of my favourites, is so good to shoot with that I got a Konica Minolta 7D, a "twin" digital version which, in spite of their only 6mpx, makes a great job, even today. I managed to fix the sticky rubber on my old AF Nikons, with a big rub of isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth. In the end, the cloth will be completely black, but the camera is good again to handle again. 👌 Cheers

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Someone actually gave me this camera maybe 5-6 years ago. I played around with it some but never put any film through it until doing the shoot for this episode. I realized I had been missing out. I loved it. It was such a pleasure to use. I’ve since collected a few additional lenses, and a few additional Minolta AF bodies. The a7 is one I’d certainly love to try out, as well as the a9. One day. I’ve also looked at some of the Sony A-mount bodies to use these excellent lenses on. I had not considered the 7D, because I’d forgotten about that in-between time of Konica Minolta being there right at the advent of the digital revolution. I’ll need to give that a closer look. And thanks for the tip about the sticky grips. I’ll definitely try that out the next time I’m faced with it - which might be a Nikon F90 I’ve had my eyes on :-). Thanks for tuning in!

[@rickyzagalo]

@vintagecameradigest On the F80 and F100 Nikons rubber covers, the result I got was perfect and flawless, no more sticky rubber but a dry, clean finish, as it was new. But the F90x is a rubberised film on the back door, and the result compketely different, good to handle and use the camera, but not so nice, because what the micro-fiber cloth does is peeling that thin film. In the end, we get a clean, non-sticky, black shining plastic back door. Not ugly, it suits, but does not match the front and side semiglossy covers. I keep it like that for some time but, one day, I draw a rectangular sticker on Powerpoint, with the Program icons band image, printed it on semigloss black sheet at a Copy Center, than was just a matter of "fine tuning" with a x-acto and, presto, again a very nice Nikon F90x 🤸. I hope this, somehow, helps you to bring your cameras to their full glory. Waiting for your next video, my best regards

[@vintagecameradigest]

Definitely trying that on the next sticky mess I find. I have noticed in online auctions of the F90/N90 that the backs are usually a disaster. Knowing Nikon’s penchant for quality and durability, that rubberized back leaves me completely puzzled. How long did that think that was actually going to last? That’s a heavily “touched” area on any camera. It’s hard to believe that design made it through Nikon R&D. In any case, I’m going to try your tip on a sticky Minolta 9xi!

[@christophersmithphotograph2275]

Great video, thx for making it! Fun camera I do like mine :)

[@vintagecameradigest]

A SURPRISINGLY fun camera! I should have tried one much earlier than I did. Even though it has few limitations compared to what modern cameras offer, it’s a lot of camera packed into that body. If mine were to fail tomorrow, I’d be on ebay getting another before sundown! Thanks for watching!

[@christophersmithphotograph2275]

@@vintagecameradigest I’ve got three of them lol.

[@Olyvia..]

i like the new intro, there seems to be a little audio issue with it though, it sounds oddly flat (like the old MP3 players from the 2000s)

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think it’s just that particular piece of music. It does have sort of a retro lo-fi vibe to it. I try to swap out the music and graphics (and wall art) to reflect the decade of whatever camera is being featured. Just another illustration of my quirkiness, lol.

[@donball9777]

great work. I enjoy using my dynex. its good retro fun.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Good fun for sure!

[@brentbrown51]

Thanks! Good stuff. Among my Minolta cameras, I have two Maxxum 400si rigs and one a7. I enjoy shooting with each, especially the a7. Hope you review that guy. Cheers!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for tuning in! Using this camera sent me down the rabbit hole of checking out other Maxxum bodies. Since then I’ve picked up a 9xi, an 8000i and a 7000i. And the a7 along with the a9 are definitely on my wish list!

[@haydenobryanphotography]

Great video on the 7000! I love my 9000 and plan doing a video on it soon. - Hayden

[@vintagecameradigest]

I’ll have to check it out when you do. I have one, but it’s not in the best shape and it pains me to use it. I’ll need you to inspire me, so bring it on!

[@haydenobryanphotography]

@@vintagecameradigest I'll do my best!

[@brucelroy72]

Any video on the 9000 yet

[@haydenobryanphotography]

@@brucelroy72 It's coming up soon! I've got some other content planned first. So it'll be a few weeks.

[@8Nguy1948]

I paid $15.00 for mine with 2 lenses , carrying case, film and a super flash attachment of some kind. I have yet to try it out as I am new to photography and didn't even know what the terms that you used meant .

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for watching! Sounds like you got a pretty good deal for $15. Especially with the two lenses. I hope you get to try it out soon. If you set the Mode to “P” or Program, the camera does most of the hard work for you. You can then direct most of your attention to the subject and general composition. And the other modes are there for when you get more comfortable with it. You know, one of my close friends watched one of my videos recently and basically said the same thing - they wished they knew more about the terminology. So I think it may be good info for an episode soon. Cheers!

[@8Nguy1948]

I look forward to seeing that video. Thanks again for your help.

[@8Nguy1948]

Update. I was playing with the different modes, and when I pushed the P button to put it back in program mode , the camera went berserk. The film counter went t0 , and if I used the aperture priority mode , the shutter speed went to 2000 and started flashing & an amber light showed up on the front of the camera, right above the Minolta letters. Do you have any idea what went wrong?

[@johnsomers8269]

I worked in a photo store and lab when this camera was introduced. We were all amazed how the auto focus could "follow" the subject! What happened to your lip?

[@vintagecameradigest]

It was amazing for the time, no doubt. A couple of years later, though, I was back in the market for a new camera. Went to the local Wal-Mart (when they had a right respectable photo/electronics dept) and tried the Maxxum 7000 and the “new” Canon EOS 650. The speed at which the Canon focused won me over. Been a Canon user ever since. BTW - I think my lighting needed a tweak on this one. Weird shadow on my chin.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

As I said before, there was "only" Minolta 7000 in Europe, Dynax was the next generation. If I remember correctly, Minolta sold over 3 MILION copies of Minolta 7000 (Maxxum) alone. And I gotta say, your copy is in immaculate condition. Usually the top LCD panel is the first to go...

[@vintagecameradigest]

I see a lot of these with leaky LCDs - the 9000, too. I’m not surprised that many were sold. I knew it was a LOT. One thing I haven’t done for this camera is lookup the price point at which they were being sold. My assumption would be that they weren’t cheap. Because it’s a well-appointed camera. And, I remember you saying there was no “Dynax” until the “i” series. Unfortunately, I’d already filmed this part. But going forward I know better. I appreciate the feedback!

[@tomislavmiletic_]

​@@vintagecameradigest I paid 990 DEM in West Germany for my 9000 model with the 50/1,8 what was about $500, back in 1987, and 7000 was just a tad cheeper...

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think that would sound about right for the 9000 - being pro-oriented. Glad you remembered that!

[@RG-rm9jt]

As someone who hasn't shot film in decades, what was the ISO control for? I thought that was only a control for sensor gain on digital cameras?

[@vintagecameradigest]

You would use that to set the camera to the correct film speed.

[@RG-rm9jt]

​@@vintagecameradigestoh that makes perfect sense... you match it to the film speed so the AE meters correctly!

[@JabariChanceyTV]

#My1stCamera bought it in 1995 for $200!!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Sounds like a good deal! Even in ‘95. I do love the lenses for this system!

[@gfeast4518]

Just got one of these but I have 2 regular manual lenses for a x370. Would I need an af lens, or what would you recommend, I know lenses are expensive, thanks!

[@vintagecameradigest]

Unfortunately, those manual lenses will be of no use on the 7000. Totally different mount. However, the AF 50 1.7 is a pretty affordable lens to start out with. I’ve recently seen them on ebay with prices ranging from $30 USD to $50 USD. So not TOO bad. And the 50mm is one I’ll always recommend, regardless of what brand or system is in question. It’s a lot of bang for not a lot of buck.

[@angelslayer8301]

Hi, i got one and i have, apparently, an error code. It appears when i replace the internal batery. At first it was 0" then it turned to 99". Finally when i take off the battery go back to 0".. Can you help me please ? I love it and it make me mad that i can't use it ! Thank you :)

[@vintagecameradigest]

Sorry you’re having trouble with the 7000. But those two numbers you mention - “0” and “99” seem to be related to a bulb exposure (the setting where the shutter stays for as long as you press the button). In this mode, the camera keeps track of the elapsed seconds - starting at 0 and going to 99 at which point it starts over at 0. So, make sure you don’t have the camera set to bulb mode. I do imagine it’s possible for the camera to display those numbers in relation to an actual error. I just don’t know what they are, unfortunately. What I DO know is that these cameras exist on the used market by the 1000s and all at very reasonable prices. It might be a good idea to look for a backup body just in case you can’t get this one going again. It’s a good camera with all the modern features, but those 40-yr-old electronics can be tricky. If you do decide on replacing it, I’d give a serious look at the 7000i or 8000i. Also very affordable with better AF performance than the original 7000. Let me know how it goes. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

[@angelslayer8301]

@@vintagecameradigest thank you for your answer. I don’t think it’s the bulb mode because i was making photos just before the problem. Now it’s worst there is nothing on screen. I think it’s a problem with a loss of electricity but unfortunately it’s too old to be repared :/ Thank you again for answering me, i’ll let you know if i find a solution.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Sorry to hear that. Hope you’re able to remedy the situation, though, as I think that is a great camera system. Even if it is a bit underrated these days.

[@wang_.]

whys the rubber on yours not all white and dusty?

[@vintagecameradigest]

The original, normal grip was indeed a mess. I replaced it with the grip that takes the larger batteries. And it was in pristine condition. However, the grips on my 7000i, 8000i, 9xi are all chalky.

[@vuongchibach8994]

1 more cool thing in this video is your cat 🤠

[@vintagecameradigest]

Lol - yes, Nips is a bit of a ham :-)

[@cubdukat]

The camera that made Minolta...the camera that killed Minolta...

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think you could argue for that, honestly.

[@orestes1984]

A mount is highly underrated, super cheap by comparison to the other majors for the time which were Nikon and Canon, Pentax while the A mount lenses are just as good as both Canon, Nikon and Pentax. Unlike Pentax, Minolta cameras operate as well as Nikon and Canon. The problem with the 7000 in particular is the amount of electronics for the 1980s.... This particular camera is far too complex and ahead of it's time. If I were to recommend an A mount camera I'd go for something more modern, but still cheap, like the Minolta Dynax/Maxxum/Alpha 7 which operates a lot more like modern Nikon/Canon cameras, and doesn't have the amount of buttons on this camera which requires a degree in nuclear physics to understand.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Yes, I’ve been eyeing an Alpha 7. Looks like a great camera for these lenses.

[@orestes1984]

@@vintagecameradigest Not only that, the 7 can take Sony's updated lenses, some of which fix the issue with the 7 by being internal motor drive rather than screw drive. The biggest point of failure for the 7 is the failure of the internal screw drive system. If it comes up with error messages when you turn it on, toss it back. I have the Sonnar 24-70 F/2.8 on mine and its honestly one of the best cameras I've ever owned without the Canon or Nikon tax for the F6 or 1N/1V, or the costs of Nikon/Canon/Pentax lenses.

[@vintagecameradigest]

I LOVE a camera that can take modern lenses. Definitely a benefit. And, so the Alpha 7 moves closer to the top of my list. Thanks for the info!

[@orestes1984]

@@vintagecameradigest It's worthwhile remembering the difference here then. The A7 can natively operate any A mount lens including SSM. Meanwhile the A9 has to have had the SSM update. Don't buy an A9 unless it's known to have had the SSM update as you will be lens locked to Minolta lenses. In fact unless you have a need for the weather sealing, and fast shutter, and frame rate the A9 lacks a lot of things that makes the A7 modern. The larger rear LCD is underrated on the A7, it gives you a full matrix meter readout (with film) which is as close as you can get to a live preview on screen, and a depth of field preview on the rear LCD with lenses that support that as the 24-70.... The other benefit is that you can take that same lens with an adapter and use it on any of the mirror less cameras that support it natively while retaining auto focus lessening your lens cost burden. There is a reason why Minolta copied the design philosophy with the digital 7D, and that same body would translate across the lineup right up until the A99 II.

[@vintagecameradigest]

Thanks for clarifying that about the A9 - as I have looked at those, too. But I have read that the A7 is really the better camera. So this just goes to prove it further. And give me good reasons. Much appreciated!

[@roybixby6135]

I'd love to compare my old Nikon F3AF to see if it compares well ... 🦘

[@vintagecameradigest]

Would be interesting for sure. You’re the first person I’ve heard from that actually owned one of those. What was your experience? Would love to hear your take on it, as I doubt I’ll ever have a working version of it in my hands.

[@roybixby6135]

I bought the F3AF many years ago then collected the 2 AF lenses and 16TC. Its AF works fairly well but I haven't shot film in years. Now I'm reaching retirement age i have time to appreciate older camera gear and can afford to collect it. If you are ever in Melbourne Australia you could try the F3AF for yourself... 🦘

[@roybixby6135]

By the way I've collected of the other F3 models but not the titanium F3 and all other Nikon F (except the F6) ..🦘

[@vintagecameradigest]

I think those F3AFs are getting harder to find in working condition. So you’ve got a survivor there. I recently acquired an F3HP, but haven’t had much time to take it out and shoot. But man, it’s nice. It just feels good. I need to just put it in the bag and get out there.

[@Van_Nostrand]

Great presentation! My parents bought a 7000 in 1985. I scoffed at it and thought it was gimmicky since I had an SRT101 and XD11 at the time. I picked one up last year and was really surprised at the quality. Definitely a 1980's feel but is easy to handle and works great!

[@vintagecameradigest]

I know, right? I thought the same as you, until I picked one up (30 years later) and played around with it a bit. Yes, the design is dated, but it has everything we enjoy in our modern digital bodies. Except fast autofocus. But it’s a very usable and familiar camera.