Minolta 7 or 9?

[Java]

Thanks for the update on the Lens. I have been looking around dyxum site, but i have to be careful as most of the lens seem to be tested against digi Minolta/Sony cameras. So although they may have CA and not sharp, the lens would be differnet characters on 35mm film. Oh well more reading

I have seen the 28-80 lens, cheap, which are obviously kit lens, but still not to be discounted, the lens I have my eye on is the 24-105 D lens, whihc I think would compliment he Dynax 7 nicely.

 

[winjeel]

That 24-105 lens, if you mean Sony, it'd be just another re-badged Minolta, which apparently isn't so fantastic, at least on digital. Just what I've heard. I'd try it in the store first. I'd also be interested in it, if I heard better of it. At the moment, I'm thinking of making do with my Minolta 28mm f2.8 (cough), and eventually getting a 50mm 1.4 (Minolta or Sony), but aiming for a 28-70mm G... one day (I should think about getting new pair of jeans, first... while I've still got the money). Anyway, if you do get that 24-105mm, let me know how it goes.

 

[flashgumby]

... I have seen the 28-80 lens, cheap, which are obviously kit lens, but still not to be discounted, the lens I have my eye on is the 24-105 D lens, whihc I think would compliment he Dynax 7 nicely.

You're right about the 28-80, it is a kit lens, usually came with the Dynax/Maxxum 5 or lower. It's no better or worse than most manufacturers' kit lenses - it can be good if stopped down, but if you shoot wide open you may be disappointed.

The 24-105 on the other hand, is a good lens - it was what you might call the 'kit lens' for the 7, but don't let that put you off. It is definitely a step up from the 28-80 in all respects. If memory serves me correctly, the 24-105 D was released with the 7 and they were intended to be life-long partners.

My standard zoom is the older 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 RS and I am very happy with it, especially when stopped down a little. I wouldn't expect any less from the 24-105, actually I'd gladly swap mine for the D without hesitation.

Regards,
Gordon

 

[flashgumby]

That 24-105 lens, if you mean Sony, it'd be just another re-badged Minolta, which apparently isn't so fantastic, at least on digital. Just what I've heard. I'd try it in the store first. I'd also be interested in it, if I heard better of it. At the moment, I'm thinking of making do with my Minolta 28mm f2.8 (cough), and eventually getting a 50mm 1.4 (Minolta or Sony), but aiming for a 28-70mm G... one day (I should think about getting new pair of jeans, first... while I've still got the money). Anyway, if you do get that 24-105mm, let me know how it goes.

If you can't afford Armani jeans, forget about the 28-70 G also, I think that lens has quite a long minimum focus distance - 1.5m or thereabouts? That may or may not bother you. Otherwise, as you probably know, it's a first rate lens.

The 24-105 D (Minolta) may not be so fantastic when compared to a G, but compared to other lenses in the same ballpark, it looks much better. My car doesn't stack up to well if I compare it to a Ferrari, but that's hardly a valid (or fair) critique of my car

Regards,
Gordon

 

[winjeel]

I use Photodo to get an idea of the quality of lenses. Though, some scores can be artificially inflated by what I call the "new purchase bliss", where that new lens is stunning, and there's no rain on my parade. It's helpful, but not solid info'.

 

[GregL]

Decisions, decisions... I couldn't figure out which to buy myself so I bought both.
If I were constrained to buy just one, though, I would go with the 7. Nothing against the 9... it is a superb camera and feels in the hand second to none, but unless you need tank-like durability, I think the 7 will fill your needs better, and probably more cheaply. Others have described the advanced features of the 7 in the areas of metering, flash, the incredible LCD exposure and history display on the back, and the ability to use newer Sony SSM lenses, so you have a ready film backup if and when you go digital. I happen to have a 9 with the SSI upgrade (was one of the last in the US to get one) but absent the liklihood you'll find one, or that Sony will eventually offer upgrades (slim on both, IMO), I think the 7 may be best for you.

 

[winjeel]

Well... Here's one to consider... Watching the news tonight, Sony made a statement as to the tough times it's experiencing, but is looking at innovation as the way through, specifically, releasing the A900F, a film camera modelled on the Minolta Alpha 9, but with a screen on the back, similar to the Minolta Alpha 7. It takes a memory stick to store exif info for upto 20 rolls of film (they didn't say what size card). Then they talked of cutting back more of the work force and moving their flat screen division.

Slightly related, the Japanese government, from today, has introduced tax exemptions for eco friendly cars, so Toyota and Honda are feeling more confident this year.

 

[wayne naughton]

Well... Here's one to consider... Watching the news tonight, Sony made a statement as to the tough times it's experiencing, but is looking at innovation as the way through, specifically, releasing the A900F, a film camera modelled on the Minolta Alpha 9, but with a screen on the back, similar to the Minolta Alpha 7. It takes a memory stick to store exif info for upto 20 rolls of film (they didn't say what size card). Then they talked of cutting back more of the work force and moving their flat screen division.....

Gee, that sounds interesting....maybe i WILL end up with another film body....grin.

 

[flashgumby]

Didn't happen to check the date today did you?

Sorry guys, but April 1st is not the time to get hopeful about a new film camera :-(

Regards,
Gordon

 

[winjeel]

Hee hee... Worth a try. But it would be nice.

 

[wayne naughton]

Didn't happen to check the date today did you?

Sorry guys, but April 1st is not the time to get hopeful about a new film camera :-(

Regards,
Gordon

i'm shattered.....grin

 

[winjeel]

Sorry, mate. Hopefully... one day... it'd be true. (Please Sony, please. Just for us!)

 

[Jedidiah Smith]

The 24-105 is a pretty decent lens on the wide to middle end. Doesn't hold a candle to the 100mm macro at the long end. However, if you want a good walkabout lens, that is compact, lightweight, and relatively sharp, it's your number. Not many lenses that go out to 24mm wide will be perfect at 100mm...that's asking too much. But this one is pretty good.
Go here Dead Link Removed and look at some of my slide scans - I know a couple, at least the reflection shot were taken with my 24-105. On the wide end, it is almost as sharp as the 24mm prime, at least when stopped down to f8.
Hope that helps,
Jed

 

[hoffy]

Well... Here's one to consider... Watching the news tonight, Sony made a statement as to the tough times it's experiencing, but is looking at innovation as the way through, specifically, releasing the A900F, a film camera modelled on the Minolta Alpha 9, but with a screen on the back, similar to the Minolta Alpha 7. It takes a memory stick to store exif info for upto 20 rolls of film (they didn't say what size card). Then they talked of cutting back more of the work force and moving their flat screen division.

Slightly related, the Japanese government, from today, has introduced tax exemptions for eco friendly cars, so Toyota and Honda are feeling more confident this year.

Aww, thats awful, considering i am reading it and where I am its nearly the end of the 2nd day of April....

But, it would be a killer camera!

 

[Jack Xavier]

Talk about getting our hopes up.
I only came and read that today

Just make your choices based on the build quality you require or want and the tech you want.
Finding an SSM equipped D9 might be tricky. Which is annoying as it seems there will be a lot
more SSM lenses on the way.

I've not found the same issue someone mentioned with low light focusing. In fact I found my D7 to be better focusing than any of
the Sony/Minoltas other than the A700 which I had a try on. Although never in as dark a condition as I have with my D7.

You can save a bit of weight on the D9 grip, as there were two made, of different metals. The lighter one catching the premium.
I find the data saving and instant access of info on the D7 great though. I have the Dynax 7 Limited so it comes with a good amount for memory. Which is good as I found 7 to be a bit limiting if I was on holiday rather busy with a wedding one day and a trip out the following day for example.

So that's it really, tech over build. And a 1/12000th of a second shutter that is.

 

[Java]

Hope that helps,
Jed

ERR!! No

Now I do want one and I was trying not buy any more film cameras (well lent is nearly over).
Those pictures look really nice and sharp too (even on this crappy moniter).

Xavier: thank you for your thoughts, but I think the Dynax 7 is the one. I have to many heavy cameras and don't need the extra build quality the 9 offers. I believe (mind you no expert in this) that the 7 will work with the SSM lens. But that it is not an issue either because if I was going to get more then ones lens it would have to be a Minolta own brand one. Simply because I would like Minolta Camera with Minolta Lens (bit of a lens snob )
Another reason for not being bothered about the SSM lens is I would not be going down the digital route with this kit. Olympus is my choice for digital.

 

[Jack Xavier]

Yeh, all of the 7s have SSM in them, so that's not a worry. As for buying Minolta only glass... Well I understand. I personally like the late Minolta designs myself, compared to most of the Sony versions. That said a few of the Sony designs have been and might be unreleased Minolta Lens designs. And you may wish to change your opinion if they get the 24-105 F4 constant SSM lens out anytime soon. Might be a great replacement for the 24-105 walkabout lens. So yeh while I like the older designs and they go well with the bodies (especially the G trim lenses matching the gold 7 ) but I won't be denying myself some great glass from Sony if it comes along

Oh and if you want to save weight it might be worth denying yourself the grip. It's incredibly tempting and the addition of being able to load standard AA cells is very useful. But a grip loaded with batteries can add extra weight. On the plus side it's detachable so you're not stuck with the weight if you don't want it. Try and buy it bundled though if you do. You'll save a lot of cash over buying the camera and then the grip. Good luck

 

[winjeel]

I can resist anything but temptation, and 'temptation' has Dynax 7 (aka Alpha 7) written all over it... drool...

 

[Marco B]

Oh and if you want to save weight it might be worth denying yourself the grip. It's incredibly tempting and the addition of being able to load standard AA cells is very useful.

I couldn't do without mine... I shoot about 80% of all my pictures vertical, and it is a bliss to have the vertical grip. In addition, using rechargeable NiMH AA batteries saves on battery cost.

There is one extra good thing about the vertical grip though: contrary to most modern grips used with digital camera's, the Dynax 7 grip doesn't use up the camera's battery compartment. This means you don't have to pop-in and out the camera battery when placing or removing the grip. Better still, you can use BOTH battery sources, the choice of which is controlled by a switch on the vertical grip. (Do note though, that switching to "camera" source will NOT disable the usage of the vertical grip, it just tells the camera to use it's own source of energy).

Much better solution than most other camera's.

There is one other last thing that's nice about the 7 compared to the 9:

- The 7 has a "quick" MF/AF switch button. It's located next to the back turning wheel, ready to be used by your thumb, that allows you to switch between AF and MF modes instantly (I know some modern lenses allow (micro-) adjustments of focus in AF mode as well). It will dislock the AF motor at any point in time, and allow you to start using MF without explicitly using the AF-mode switch on the front on the camera, that would require you to lower the camera from your eye before switching. With the AF/MF button, you can hold the camera to your eye and switch at will...

I use this feature often...

 

[Jack Xavier]

You're right with the grip. I keep mine on most of the time, but then I don't take my 7 out without a camera bag for it so it's not compact Although I never regret it, my slingshot strap clip wasnt fully on once and it popped open while I was running for a small plane on a runway in Spain somewhere. So the bag hit the hard concrete. Luckily all was good.
I take a really old XE-7 slung over my shoulder without a cover or anything even if its raining if I don't want to carry my gear about. However I was looking to get one of those small Kata bags, might tempt me to use a D7 spartan kit As for rechargables you can get CR2 rechargable batteries now aswell, that might be useful to know.

 

[Jedidiah Smith]

Marco - you are right about the quick MF/AF button on the back of the 7. I had forgotten about that feature when comparing them. It is quite handy in the field, especially for fine-tuning an AF that you don't feel has quite gotten it, or when the camera may choose the wrong plane to focus on, and you can quickly correct that.
Good luck on the 7 and 9 choices!
Jed

 

[Rob Skeoch]

Well I bought a 7... just waiting for it to show up. I took a look at my sony lenses and most of them are ssm and I figured I'd never find a 9 that was converted.
I can't wait to try it with some of the zeiss glass.... I have the 135mm F1.8, 24-70 F2.8, 85mm f1.4 and the new 16-35mm.

-rob

 

[Marco B]

Congratulations on your purchase! You won't regret it...

I don't know if you got the manual with it, but if not, here is a description of how to RELOAD a film:

- First, you need to change a number of custom settings. Custom settings are set by opening the small metal plate just beneath the screen on the back of the camera, it hides a number of small buttons, including one designated "Custom"
- Press the "Custom" button. You now enter the custom menu. By using the front rotating dial on the camera, you can navigate all custom settings, by using the back rotating dial you can choose a setting for a custom setting.
- Navigate to custom setting 3, "Film tip" and set it to "Leader LeftOut - SelFrame Trans". This will tell the camera not to rewind completely, but to leave the film leader out when rewinding so that you can reload it.
- Navigate to custom setting 8, "Frame counter", and set it to "Count up". Since you're going to reload it, and will need to set the frame number to wind to, it is far more easy to have the camera count up instead of downwards. You will only need to write down the last frame number visible before rewinding.
- Press the "Custom" button (or the camera's release button) to exit the custom menu.

Now, here's how to RELOAD a film:
- Make sure you've written the last frame number down on the film canister when rewinding it! (Yes, I have occasionally had my film screwed up by forgetting this )

- Reload the film as normal in the camera
- Now open the little metal plate again and press the "Adj" (Adjust) button for more than 3 seconds
- The camera will now go into the reload mode and display a message for you to set the frame number, set it by using the front rotating dial (I think you can also use the back one).

IT IS RECOMMENDED TO ADD 1 EXTRA FRAME TO AVOID PARTIAL DOUBLE EXPOSURES! E.g. if the last frame number visible before rewinding was 18, set it to 19.

- Now press the "Adj" button again, the camera will automatically wind forward.

You're done!

Marco