Sigma SA-7a SLR

I found a very cheap Sigma SA-7a autofocus SLR recently and it mates perfectly with the Sigma 28-80 lens which I got in a deal a few months previously. I keep these together because finding either becomes an exercise in frustration. All work beautifully. But ...

For the life of me I cannot figure out why the viewfinder shows an orange-cast over every image. This does not affect the actual photograph but it seems as if the viewfinder / prism / Fresnel somehow have incorporated an orange filter.

Does anyone know why? I do not have the instruction manual, and I have not yet searched Butkus, hoping that this will trigger a simple response from someone acquainted with this situation. Thank you. - David Lyga

David,
The Sigma cameras do not use a pentaprism, but use mirrors in the viewfinder. It seems these mirrors tarnish with age or from chemical exposure. I have two the same way. They still work just fine, but it's very distracting.

OK, that is what I was after, John. The explanation is succinct and understandable, especially with regard to the dumb-down build quality on so many of these 'newer' cameras.

Rick, thank you for the instruction manual: it will come in handy. I did not want to delve into this verbal monstrosity because I thought that a far more simple explanation would follow. It did. Thanks all. - David Lyga

Other than the "tarnished mirror problem" the SA-7 and SA-9 were not bad cameras and had all the whistles and bells of the more expensive brands.

Very true, the SA7 was built on the same body as the SA9, slower top shutter speed of 1/2000th rather than the 1/8000th and slower winder, 1.5 to 2 FPS, but somewhat lighter. Has auto bracket, matrix, center and spot meter, multiple exposer, exposure compensation, and the shutter is controlled by a dial, viewfinder read out is not the best as is the AF, but adequate. I ran 100s of rolls of film through my SA7 and 9. Only complaint is both used a different lithium battery, the SA9 the CV 5, without a battery grip (Sigma did not make a grip) a battery gobbler. The 28 to 80 APO is a very good lens. For long look for red ring 70 to 300 APO.

I have to say that, otherwise, I am rather impressed with this camera. Of course, I would like to 'unload' it for a fair price, like $30, but that might not happen. (In case there is interest: text to 215.820.1560) - David Lyga