Sigma SA-7a SLR

[David Lyga]

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

 

[Rick A]

http://www.cameramanuals.org/pdf_files/sigma_sa-7_sa-9.pdf

 

[John Wiegerink]

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.

 

[David Lyga]

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

 

[John Wiegerink]

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.

 

[Paul Howell]

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.

 

[David Lyga]

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