Auto Minolta for my wife.....

[CMoore]

....she had one several years ago. It might have had a '3' or '300' in the model number.?
Anyway, what would you guys recommend from Minolta.? They made quite a few with the word 'Max' and with several different numbers.
It is kind of confusing. Is there a 'Max" as well as a 'Maximum'.....and single Vs multiple digits. For example, there seem to be models with a 7 but also a 7000.
I am not talking about the X 370, 570, 700 models, i am talking about the auto focus cameras that were probably all black. She would really like to get something like that again
Like this.....
(thank you)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Minolta-Max...5249658c816d041fe56761&pid=100507&rk=1&rkt=1&

 

[ac12]

Good luck.
I have the same problem trying to get the same camera that my father had.
Which EXAKTA model was it ????

 

[Paul Howell]

I recommend a 600SI classic, has very good meter, choice of Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and manual, nice readout in the viewfinder, dials rather than menu driven, not very expensive, easy to find on Ebay. Other option is the 7000, it was first generation, mid level camera, will work with older 5 pin AF lens, will not work 8 pin power zoom lens, one of brightest viewfinder of the time. If you google Minolta you will several sites that explain the different models generation by generation. Rule of thumb is that Minolta models, the larger the number the higher the quality, first generation was the 9000, a pro level body, the 7000 mid level and 5000 entry level. But each new generation a digit was dropped. The Minolta 9, 7 and 5 were the last generation of film cameras, the 9 the pro level, 7 mid level and 5 entry level. But, the 7si and 9si were a generation earlier and these are all menu driven and needed a set of control cards for advanced features, I would avoid these unless you want to find the cards. Minolta made gear driven and micro motor driven lens, the 9 came out before the 7, some 9s were factory modified to take micro motor driven lens, the 7 takes all Minolta and Sony full frame A mount lens.

 

[mgb74]

I have a 650si and a 800si. These 3rd generation Minolta Maxxum bodies are a great value in the used market. The 650si is the same as the 600si, except has a data back (which I don't use). I prefer the viewfinder display of the 800si and 600si to that of the 700si. The 700si also used cards to provide many of the capabilities of the 800si.

The 600si/650si is great if you want a more traditional user interface. In many respects, my favorite. The drawback of these models is that they use a 2cr5 lithium battery. I buy them online for about $5 each shipped.

If I wanted to step up from the 600si/800si, I'd jump up to the 7. Minolta's numbering logic was a bit odd, so some research is called for.

As to lenses, I prefer the older metal barreled lenses. They just seem much more substantial.

 

[CMoore]

Great Info.
That helps a lot.....Thank You

 

[Paul Howell]

The 800Si has an optional battery grip that uses AA batteries, I believe there was a battery grip for the 600SI as well, but certain. I have a 800Si with the grip, only down side it makes from somewhat large combo.

 

[mgb74]

The 800Si has an optional battery grip that uses AA batteries, I believe there was a battery grip for the 600SI as well, but certain. I have a 800Si with the grip, only down side it makes from somewhat large combo.

VC-700 grip for the 800si and VC-600 for the 600si. Nice to have if the lithium is not available (or if you use the built-in flash a lot). But I agree - adds a lot of bulk.

 

[CMoore]

Pardon me, but i have No Experience with these (or any other) AF Cameras.....is it also possible to manual focus these Minolta that take the A-Mount Lens.?
Thank You

 

[mgb74]

Older manual focus Minolta lenses aren't compatible with the Minolta A-mount. You can manually focus the A-mount lenses; a button on the camera body switches AF to MF. However, like many autofocus lenses, the manual focus ring is small. And no AF lens that I've encountered has that "silky" focus feel of a good MF lens.

A couple of resources, though I can't personally vouch for accuracy:
Dead Link Removed
http://kurtmunger.com/lens_reviews_id21.html

 

[choiliefan]

Sony A-mount lenses will also fit these bodies. Zeiss lenses are also available which are quite appealing.

 

[Paul Howell]

Sony A-mount lenses will also fit these bodies. Zeiss lenses are also available which are quite appealing.

Sony lens will only work with the Minolta 7 and the 9s that were factory modified to work with micro motor drive. The 600SI, 800SI, 7SI and 9SI will not work with Sony A mount lens or any Minolta motor driven lens. On the other hand 7, 9s and Sony bodies will work with all gear driven lens, 5 and 8 pin.

 

[dynachrome]

I have two 600si bodies and I really like them. Recently I got the VC-600 grip. It takes either the lithium battery or 4 AA batteries. The combination is heavier with the AA batteries but if you buy alkaline AAs at place like Costco they are about 25 cents each. I also find that with the grip it is much easier to shoot verticals while keeping the camera steady. The extra shutter button and control wheels are also handy.

 

[Paul Howell]

The 600SI and 800SI work well with M42 lens adaptor, as does the 9000 and 7000, stopped down metering in aperture or manual mode. I keep one of my 9000 bodies along with a Pentax 105 2.8.

 

[choiliefan]

Paul, will the Sony lenses work manually? Best wishes,

 

[Paul Howell]

Full frame Sony and Zeiss A mounts lens will work in manual focus mode with the Minolta 7 and those 9 which were factory converted. Sony bought the patents and factories that produced the last Minolta cropped sensor digital cameras. Minolta kept their lens factories and still make lens for Sony and perhaps others. Sony uses the A mount for its DSLRS and later translucent mirror cameras, but it's mirrorless cameras use a different mount, the E mount. If you want to use Sony A lens or have on hand then look for a Minolta 7, it is hard to know if a 9 has been converted.

I think the best Minolta film camera for Manual Focus is the 9000. The 9000 is the only pro level that does not have a built in winder/motor drive. You can salvage a spit image screen for a junked body and with some work cut it to fit a 9000. I cut down a screen from a Miranda EE for my 9000 that I have set up for M42 lens. So with split image screen, in manual mode and manual film advance it is closest to an old school shooter. The issues over the years that have surfaced is LED bleed on the top panel and failure of the electronic that control lens aperture. First generation Minolta A lens are a bargain, look the 50mm, 28 2.8, 35 to 70 F4 and 80 to 200 F4. Find the G screen may take a while, the optional motor drive or winder seem to show on a regular bases.

 

[benjiboy]

I wish someone would trade an
Auto Minolta for my wife.....
I thought at first glance it was an offer

 

[CMoore]

Your comment is Both STUPID and INSULTING.............you have seen enough of my posts to know i would go for some type of a more traditional SLR:
Minolta XK, XD, STR
Or are you saying my wife is NOT Worth a Pro Grade Minolta...!!!???

 

[CMoore]

BTW......can you guys look at these two.?
It seems like they do not have the same back. Does it matter much.?
Thank You

http://www.ebay.com/itm/11240527170...I112405271706.N101.S1.R1.TR4&autorefresh=true

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Minolta-Max...dy-/222478420256?_trksid=p2349526.m2548.l4275

 

[benjiboy]

Your comment is Both STUPID and INSULTING.............you have seen enough of my posts to know i would go for some type of a more traditional SLR:
Minolta XK, XD, STR
Or are you saying my wife is NOT Worth a Pro Grade Minolta...!!!???

It was a joke, I meant no offence, I'm sorry you took it the wrong way, that was not my intention.

 

[Paul Howell]

Your comment is Both STUPID and INSULTING.............you have seen enough of my posts to know i would go for some type of a more traditional SLR:
Minolta XK, XD, STR

I am some what confused, your first post

I am not talking about the X 370, 570, 700 models, i am talking about the auto focus cameras that were probably all black. She would really like to get something like that again.

The XK, XS and SRT along with 202, 102, and rest of the MD MC mounts are not auto focus. Are looking for a AF or MF camera?

 

[CMoore]

It was a joke, I meant no offence, I'm sorry you took it the wrong way, that was not my intention.

Good Grief, i AM sorry.
I realize you were joking. My post in response to yours was done Completely In Jest.
I know you are a better person than to actually say something like that.

My wife is probably not even worth a Point and Shoot.....

 

[CMoore]

Yeah.....sorry, a post gone completely wrong. You can just forget about any mention of manual focus cameras.

 

[Paul Howell]

In terms of the links, the 600Si is a very good camera, it is my favorite SLR travel camera, light, good meter, not superfast film advance, good enough for daily use. Coupled with 5 pin Minolta lens, 50mm 1.7, 35 to 70 and either a 80 to 200 or 100 to 300 for long lens covers most needs. It will not work with any Minolta, Konica Minolta or Sony micro motor lens lens, but with any 5 or 8 pin gear driven lens and there are ton. On the other hand if you want an auto focus that operates more like a traditional manual focus body, the 9000, it was the pro level camera for many years.

 

[CMoore]

Hey Paul -
So in those two links...what is the difference between those two backs.....does one offer some kind of data option.?
Thanks

 

[Paul Howell]

I think this was addressed earlier, the 650 is the same body with a data back. The 600 and 800 Si did not have the option of installing different backs you had buy a body with the data back. I don't have 650, never had a need for a data back. I shot with Sigma SA 9 for years, it came with a data back never used it. If you have need for a data back or want one for just in case then the 650 is the way to go. I would also think about the vertical battery grip, I don't have one for my 600si, have one my 800, runs on either a lithium or AA batteries. The Minolta 7 came with a large LED readout on the back that allows the user to store all sorts of information, another feature I don't use, I just record in a reporters notebook. The Minolta 7 is compatible with all 5 pin Minolta lens, 8 pin full frame Konica Minolta lens, and full frame Sony and Zeiss full frame lens, gear or micro motor driven. I use mostly first generation 5 pin Minolta lens, a few Sigma lens, and a 400 Tonkia. Early Sigma 5 pin lens will only work with the , 5000, 7000, and 9000 bodies.