Replacing my Maxxum 7000 -- opinions required

[Excumbrian]

I have an old Maxxum 7000 which I bought new in 1988. It has been out of action for a while, due to an aperture failure. I had intended to get it repaired, but looking at the prices of used SLRs it doesn't seem worth it.

I have a Tokina 28-50 AF zoom, a Tokina 70-210 AF zoom, and a Tamron 500mm manual focus mirror lens. I would like to keep these and replace the camera body with another compatible Minolta.

My options are:
1: Go with a straight like for like replacement (i.e. another used 7000)
2: Go with a more recent generation Maxxum SLR.

Problem is I don't know much about the more recent Maxxums. I would like the same sort of creative control I had with the 7000 so I don't want a fully automatic camera.

So -- opinions please! Remember that I will be keeping the lenses, so please reassure me that they will be compatible with the body.

Many thanks,
David in British Columbia, Canada

[Roger_Provins]

Remember that I will be keeping the lenses, so please reassure me that they will be compatible with the body.

Many thanks,
David in British Columbia, Canada

Your lenses will fit ANY Minolta AF 35mm SLR camera ever made. The most desirable and accomplished Minolta film SLRs are the Dynax (Maxxum) 9 and 7. I would suggest the latter.

[Fen]

You could also consider going digital and looking at the Sony DSLRs which are Minolta compatible.

[john39]

Hi I had a 3xi then a 7000i and now a 7xi which is far cleverer than I am, so I would recommend a look though camera shops on the internet or ebay, only paid £70 for my 7xi from Ffordes and it seems hardly used
john

[Excumbrian]

There's a lady selling her 7xi locally...recommended?

[Fen]

I used to have the 7xi

Was my fave Minolta body

[Gordon_McGeachie]

Remember that I will be keeping the lenses, so please reassure me that they will be compatible with the body.

Many thanks,
David in British Columbia, Canada

Your lenses will fit ANY Minolta AF 35mm SLR camera ever made. The most desirable and accomplished Minolta film SLRs are the Dynax (Maxxum) 9 and 7. I would suggest the latter.

I have had a few Minolta a/f cameras and would like to suggest the 7000i ( I had 2)and 7xi (I had 1) then I moved up to the Minolta Dynax7d ( which I still use)and now the Sony A700.But there are more models to choose from out there, that I am sure you would be satisfied with.

As said they take the Minolta A mount so you will be okay with your existing glass.

[MickLL]

There's no question in my mind - the Dynax/Maxxum 9 beats them all. It's far and away the best camera that I've ever owned and it's built like a tank.

Having said that the 7 became a bit of a cult and very popular and is excellent. You wouldn't go wrong with either.

I wouldn't really consider any of the other models because those two were the best Minolta made and are so cheap these days that it's not worth lowering your sights.

MickLL

[Excumbrian]

There's no question in my mind - the Dynax/Maxxum 9 beats them all. It's far and away the best camera that I've ever owned and it's built like a tank.

Having said that the 7 became a bit of a cult and very popular and is excellent. You wouldn't go wrong with either.

I wouldn't really consider any of the other models because those two were the best Minolta made and are so cheap these days that it's not worth lowering your sights.

MickLL

not sure about the "so cheap" -- Maxxum 9 just sold for $432 on eFraud

[Gordon_McGeachie]

There's no question in my mind - the Dynax/Maxxum 9 beats them all. It's far and away the best camera that I've ever owned and it's built like a tank.

Having said that the 7 became a bit of a cult and very popular and is excellent. You wouldn't go wrong with either.

I wouldn't really consider any of the other models because those two were the best Minolta made and are so cheap these days that it's not worth lowering your sights.

MickLL

not sure about the "so cheap" -- Maxxum 9 just sold for $432 on eFraud

I regularly check www.mifsuds.com to see what they have in the used Minolta line, they have a good range at the moment

[Excumbrian]

Thanks for all the replies and opinions. Efraud was a little too rich for my blood on the Maxxum 7's and Maxxum 9's, and the 7xi's were going for over $100 -- so I've gone ahead and bought a 7000 body from a dealer in Toronto. Price (auction win) $35, including 180 day warranty. Looking forward to it arriving this week.

Now, can anyone tell me what is the "green" thing to do with my old, non-functioning (but repairable) one?

[Benchista]

Now, can anyone tell me what is the "green" thing to do with my old, non-functioning (but repairable) one?

Stick it on ebay...

[Excumbrian]

Now, can anyone tell me what is the "green" thing to do with my old, non-functioning (but repairable) one?

Stick it on ebay...

Actually that's not that bad a suggestion!

Had to laugh at the hopefulness (or gall) of someone who's advertising THIS...
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...:WNARL:CA:1123

[Excumbrian]

Update:

Discussed disposal of my old non-functioning 7000 with the repair associate in Toronto. She recommended keeping it as a source of spare parts in the event of future repair -- which sounds like a pretty good plan. As long as it's not the aperture diaphragm that's buggered, I guess.