Just picked one of these up randomly at an antique flea market for pretty cheap with 3 lenses and a camera bag. We only really found out how truly cool it was after we bought it and googled it later. I'm a visual learner so reading the manual doesn't do much for me. These two videos are incredibly helpful! Thank you for making them!!
Thank you for this video and part 2. I recently purchased the Minolta Max 7000 for $35 and I was a bit intimidated by it but your videos are so helpful. Like a previous commenter stated, I’m a visual learner and these videos are just what I needed!!! Thank you so much!!
Thanks so much for these videos! Found a box labeled: "Nikon D50 outfit", at the local Goodwill. Took a chance and bought it. Opened the box, and found a Minolta Maxxum 7000, with all kinds of accessories, and a brand new flash, pretty good flash to boot! After your 2 video's, I am NOT disappointed! The camera was immaculate, looks as if it sat in the box, in someones closet and never actually used! I paid $20 bucks American, good deal.
Great video! Just went to my hometown’s flea market, and saw so many point n shoots, super 8’s Polaroids, and the minolta 7000! And they had priced at only $50, then the guy gave it to me for $35!!!!! And it works perfectly. Literal steal of an amazing camera
My father in law gave me this camera for Christmas 2019 and I had no idea how to use it till I just watched this! Thank you so so so much! I can’t wait to take amazing pictures!!!
I bought this camera randomly at my local thrift store, for like no money. So i didnt expect anything much. Then i googled it and found your video and i am soooooo impressed by its functions! Thank u.
I found one of these in the bottom corner of a cupboard in my motorhome last night. I know I've had it around for a few years, but I completely forgot about it. I used to live full time in the RV for approx 3 years, and I vaguely remember coming across this in a thrift store, so I got it and left it in the motorhome... Last night I was looking for my spare speedlight, and thought it might be in the RV, and I ended up coming across the camera. I can't wait to go for a shoot with this!!
I just want you to know. This is really appreciated. Your style, voice, etc, while minimalist is great. You aren't annoying to listen to, I am about to go on a week long road trip and my dad who recently passed away had a maxxum 7000 he always used on our family vacations. I found it and wanted to know how to use it. Thank you, really this is great. People appreciate these things and I am one of them. So don't stop.
Thank you! I hope that you can have a good road trip and reconnect with your late father. I inherited my dad's Mamiya and it's good to use a camera that photographed me as a baby.
Thanks, I was wondering if you can give me some advice. I'm not a "photographer". I'm using this camera woth 50mm minolta lens, the minolta flash for it for night shots. Fuji Velvia 50 rolls for the film. As someone with little knowledge what would you say are the 1-3 easiest/best way i should shoot, in terms of all the settings? any input is greatly appreciated
Thanks, I was wondering if you can give me some advice. I'm not a "photographer". I'm using this camera woth 50mm minolta lens, the minolta flash for it for night shots. Fuji Velvia 50 rolls for the film. As someone with little knowledge what would you say are the 1-3 easiest/best way i should shoot, in terms of all the settings? any input is greatly appreciated Show less REPLY
I do 90% of my shooting in aperture-priority mode and almost all of the balance in full manual. A fractional percentage in shutter-priority. I would say to use Program mode for a roll or two -- let the camera do all the thinking for you -- until you get used to how it handles. Then switch over to aperture-priority (A) mode. That allows you to specify the aperture and the camera will figure out the proper shutter speed. Then you can focus on seeing how aperture and DoF affect images. If you ever want to venture into full manual, it's a great learning tool.
I purchased a Maxim 7000i camera at an estate sale for $20. It's in a case with 2 lenses, several filters and has a sport card installed. I subscribed to your channel and will be watching so I can learn how to use it.
man my uncle passed this camera down to me and all his equipment; it was his treasured item for years. i am not a photographer but would like to start; and this video is incredibly helpful (plus interesting, great blend of history plus technical bits). excited for pt. 2, thanks again
I just picked up one of these with a lens for £10! Excited for it to come and have a play! Great video, you're my go to when learning a new bit of kit!
Thanks a lot David! I bought a Minolta 5000 with 35-80 lens for 10 euro's at a local thriftshop. Put some batteries (4 AAA's) in it at home, and it worked :) It shares a lot of features with the 7000, so this video was very helpfull.
I bought one of these cameras not long after they came out. Mine did have the Exxon x's. This was the first successful auto focus camera. Back then I knew several Minolta users including my brother and they did not jump ship and switch to another brand. These cameras sold like hot cakes. Their trouble later on had to do with betting on the wrong horse, a 3d camera, and they lost a law suit over their autofocus system. (I think to Bell and Howel) I owned the camera until it was stollen several years later. I bought another Maxxum camera but it was not as good even if it did have a multi spot focusing system. It took Cannon several years to come out with a successful auto focus camera. Nikon was even later. The A mount cameras lost favor with the advent of video mode because you can hear the motor running the auto focus in the videos. I don't do many videos so I'm still using my Sony A mount cameras. Thanks for the video. I'd forgotten some of the details on how the camera worked. Also the camera originally came with an internal battery that ran the LCD when no power was coming from the owner supplied batteries. This battery was said to last five years and required a trained technician to replace it. Mine never needed replacing.
Thanks for tutorial. I just picked one up today at a flea market for 10 bucks. Felt a little overwhelmed with it with all the buttons. But with your help I feel like I can handle it.
If you want to start off cheap, get a drug-store grade color film like Fuji Superia. Black and white can also be inexpensive if you'd like to go that route or try developing at home. In that case, Kentmere and Foma are good starter films.
I've had mine for a couple years now, having bought it after finding its design revolutionary in the AF arena. It definitely was a landmark camera, even if the AF is not on par with many later auto-focus makes. Just recently found that the LCD screen segments have a CR2016 disc cell adjacent to the battery compartment under the metal plate nearest the hinge for the film compartment door. Look forward to watching the detailed segment on the other functions in part two.
@@DavidHancock really a small matter unless the LCD segments begin to stammer a bit. Really love mine, even better than my Dynax 7 which is treasure trove of delight if you buy all the chips to unlock the features hidden within. More than what I paid for the whole outfit just for the things I use. Hope to chase some Porta 100 through my 7000 one day very soon, but film stock for that has gotten dry of late, as they quit making it. It's the digital death brought by Eastman that's finding our film stockpiles going dry as a waddi in the Sahara. Very best of luck, and prosperity to you my dear friend.
Yoooo bro just picked one up at the pawn shop didn't know it was a discontinued product but I like it alot and I'm a beginning in photography and I'd half to say this camera has already made wonders
Thanks a lot for these videos. Just got one one these cameras and this is giving a lot of insight I wouldn't have otherwise. This is my first time experimenting with film :)
The four contacts on the bottom are designed for connecting external flashlight holder (Control Grip CG-1000). Actually the similar signals like in hot-shoe. That holder (and the camera metering) can control both flashes (camera hot-shoe and holder hot-shoe). There is the possibility to change power ratio of the flashes from 1:1 to 2:1 (external : camera). With an extension cable it is possible to move the external flash up to app. 8m distance. In all these situations are both of flashes full controlled by camera body including the zooming of reflector or starting flashlight loading 1min before the snapshot if in stand-by and controlled the programmed exposure by program back. There're six AA-batteries in the holder for power-supplying the external flash enabling fast flash-series. However the next generation of cameras (5000i+7000i+8000i) used the new hot-shoe, at least the 8000i has the possibility to use the same external flashlight holder, it means new hot-shoe on the camera but the old one on the holder, all the functionalities keep the same. The most interesting on the Minolta cameras were the very complex and sophisticated system-accessories.
thanks for the video, I saw one earlier at a junk sale for very cheap price, I plan to go back tomorrow to check if it still working. this video and some other made me realize that this is a good camera.
Minolta actually outsold everyone else from 1985 up to 1990 or so with 7000 and 7000i. They lost their comfortable lead with 7xi. Canon first did try to make their old mount auto-focus with Canon T-80, released some months after Minolta 7000 and which failed miserably. They went back to the drawing board and released the new EOS mount camera Canon EOS 650 in 1987, giving Minolta a 2 year head start.
Thank you! I did't realize that Canon was that far behind, nor that Minolta did that well with the A mount. I haven't used the T cameras too much, just the T50 for one roll. I don't know too much about those bodies.
This has been great. Thank you. Do you know if you use an MD lens adapter you still get correct metering with old Minolta lenses? Does the aperture information get passed though? Thank you!
Good question. For those you will need to shoot in aperture-priority mode exclusively as the camera will meter off the light passing through the lens. Any other mode and the exposures will not turn out correctly.
You can do double exposures, you hold the "r" button when taking the first picture. It "releases" the film from the motor drive and won't advance it. I also do this everytime i change batteries in case the internal battery is dead. The changing of batteries will advance the film automatically when fresh ones are put in and the internal battery is dead.
Excellent video. It has been a very good help to use my 7000. One question. The tiny silver button just besides the four golden points for connecting an accessory, is missing. Just shows a tiny hole. Is this relevant? Thank you so much. EDUARDO
Thank you! For the silver button, are you talking about the switch on the side of the lens mount that control auto and manual focus selection? That's the switch when you hold the camera so that you look at the front of it that it on the right side just below the lens release button.
I just got that camera today, along with a flash component and a 70-210mm lens. However the lens isn't an AF lens, and doesn't fit onto the camera. Is there some attachment so that I can use the lens?
Probably not. If it's a Minolta lens that doesn't mount then it has an SR mount, which is older, and there is no way to make an adapter from SR to A mount.
Just got this camera , but have no experience do you have any other video on how to start taking pictures like step by step from loading the film to changing a lens . Thankvyou
just bought a second hand one through ebay which came with a AF ZOOM 28-100 (0.48m/1.6ft MACRO lens. for a person who's a completely Newbie what lens do you recommend I should buy ? should I get a Prime lens or stick with the zoom lens I have until I get a better idea of shooting :) . your videos are amazing btw
Nice and thank you! Go with a standard 50mm f/1.7. They're great lenses and are all you need to learn with. And then if you're really happy with it, in six or eight months look at a 28mm 2.8 and a 135mm 2.8. Those three lenses will do about 95% of the photography you are likely to want to do.
David, Thank you so much for this set of videos. I am moving to japan for the summer and I wanted to bring my Dads old film camera with me. It's the Dynax 7000i Youre videos have been incredibly informative. I'm having an issue however and i'm wondering if you might know what's up with it. When I turn the camera on and try and take a photo, I get a series of beeps and then a flashing HELP signal on the screen. I've replaced the battery, and the film. If you know what the root of this issue is, I'd be more than happy to hear from you. Michael
Hey, Michael, I think that might be very bad. The manual for these apparently says to just call Minolta service, but they're gone. You can almost certainly find a good camera repair shop in Japan, but my guess is that it either has internal corrosion (did the batteries ever leak?), a shorted power board, or a problematic motor or controller. Those are the common issues I've found online for the 7000i with these issues. The guys over at Fix Old Cameras may have other ideas, but I tend to think that heirlooms are worth fixing so maybe waiting until you get to Japan and having it fixed there will the best bet. I'm a bit jealous. Yodobashi Camera is one of the best camera stores. The one in Akihabara is just amazing. And there are all kinds of little camera shops in the vicinity, too.
I have this Minolta Maxxum7000 with three lenses for some years and not being used. I now use Cannon 3ti EOS. Is there an adapter available for me to use the Minolta lenses on the Cannon. And thank you for the video, I had almost forgotton how to use the Minolta.
@@DavidHancockThank you. My Minolta 7000 does not have maxxum text on it . I just need to clean the lens and shoot my first roll of film with it . Also wish I had a prime lens instead of a 80-200mm !
Hi David I’m not sure if you’ll see this but lately I’ve been having some issues this camera. I put in a new 2cr5 battery because that’s the one it takes and it was working the LCD screen was fine. However, after removing it since I know it won’t turn off I tried using it another day and it’s just not working. The LCD isn’t showing the other stuff and it’s just not working. Also, I put film onto it also but it was while the camera was off. I took one shot everything was fine so I don’t know. I even changed the internal battery if that was the issue. I already ordered a new 2cr5 battery also in case. Do you think it could be something else? I got it in extremely good condition so I’m just not sure. Any help would be appreciated and I appreciated these videos a lot also!!!
Hmm. Well, first idea I have is to clean the battery contacts in the camera with distilled white vinegar (in case an old battery leaked on them at some point) on a cotton swab (like a Q-Tip). Then do it with 91% isopropyl alcohol. If that doesn't work, I'd take it to a local camera shop and see if they can check it out.
Thank you. This camera's A mount can accept any Sony or Minolta A mount lens. There are pretty comprehensive lists of those on Wikipedia as well as the camera wikis.
Wikipedia has a complete list of Amount lenses also some early Sony A mounts should work. Not to sure about the later Sony A mount lenses and obviously the new lenses for their mirrorless system will not work. Also Vivatar, Sigma, and Tamarom (not sure I have spelling right) released A mount lenses.
Hello David! I have a Minolta Dynax 7000i that I recently acquired, and I was wondering if you have a tutorial based on that camera? I have the written manaul but I don't feel as though it is practical or easy to understand. Thanks in advance!
I just got one of these with the accessories, bag, Flash, and Telephoto lens just for $15 at a swap meet and everything seems to work! There’s also a unused roll of Kodak 400 ASA film that came with it too (but expired in 2006) so I can test it. Did I do good? I’m glad I got this and not the 9000 because I’m a total noob to 35mm. I’ll admit I’m a youngish guy (Early 30s) and I’m amused with the noise it makes when I click the shutter. Like this is the real deal and not some sound effect! Lol.
@@DavidHancock went though that expired roll and rewound with no Issue! I’m confident to use this to take 35mm pics! But I’ll manually focus it since the AF was early on.
Hey, I just got a Minolta Maxxum 7000i, I don't know if it's the cameras problem or if I'm doing something wrong, but it is not changing from manual mode to automatic mode. The button on the front right side does not stay in place after it slides. Could use some help. Thanks!
hi. just got this camera today, I did load a film and it said film 1 on the screen, but then when I was trying the buttoms out I pressed the ‘P’ (program) and then the film says 0. have I destroyed the film?
I’m trying to find information for exposing correctly with this camera and I can’t seem to find exactly what I need. Do I need to buy a light meter or what’s a way that I can know how to expose my images properly in order to not waste so much film trying?
Video 2 ought to provide the answers you need. You do not need an external light meter. There's a display in the viewfinder that provides the information needed for proper exposure.
Ive been using this camera for a while now after i got it from my grandma (it was my grandpas before he died) and now it wont let me take pictures? It just keeps blinking on zero. It will fast forward the film but not take any photos. Is there a way to fix it or do i need to get it repaired?
Which of the modes are you shooting in? Try this and let me know what happens. If you have film in the camera, this will waste one frame. Set the shutter speed to a second and take the lens off. Look at the front of the camera and take a photo. You should see the shutter open and cloudy. If so, then the problem is likely user error or something other than the shutter. If not, then the shutter has likely failed. Let me know the answer to those two and we'll go from there.
There was a digital back for this camera? Do you have any more information you could send me about that? Super cool, I looked around and could't find any digital back for this. Thanks
I have seen a couple of them. They were, I think, 0.6 megapixel CCD sensors with a crop factor of either 2 or 2.5. (I forget the exact crop factor for sure, so both those figures could be wrong.) I saw one on a camera sell on eBay some months ago, untested and as-is, for $175.
So for some reason when I hit the mode button to switch to single shot or aperture mode it doesn't stay in that mode and my shutter button it'll AF but it wont shoot when the lights green in the viewfinder is there something im doing wrong ?
Hi! I have a Minolta 7000 that hasn't been used in ages. I've got the batteries in, but when I turn it on nothing shows on the LCD - I have yet to load it with the film though. Does the film activate the LCD?
When I try to use AF with my camera, the shutter speed instantly goes to 2000 and the aperture goes to f22. It does this with all focal lengths. Is my AF just broken or am I doing something wrong? (It is an old camera...) Any advice helps thanks
That is really strange and a new one on me. Check the Dyxum Minolta Forums (dyxum.com, I think) and see if someone there knows. There's a significant amount of Minolta knowledge there.
Hello, do you know what does the indicator on the top side between "MINOLTA" logo and the hot shoe means? three small leds (yellow or green... (im a little color blind). Thanks for the video. ;)
yes i do, i found it n my house just last week, so i´m starting to use it, i foud that the leds turns on when the controls are on use, maybe is a low battery indicaror. You can see a small window (about 1.10 cm long and about 3 mm wide right up the "IN" from the MINOLTA logo, check it out, theres three leds. How can i show you a picture? :)
Huh. Interesting. I don't recall that at all from mine. I glanced at the online manual and didn't see anything obvious marked on the what is what page at the front. So I think that you've stumped me with this one.
On top of the camera, as shown in this video your camera has the same small window i was telling you above, i checked the manual too, nothing there haha.
Any 35mm film will work. I'd say to match the film to your intended aesthetic and skill level. How much film have you shot? What kind of images do you want to create? Are you looking to shoot in color or black and white?
That depends on the situation and aesthetic need. Check out my All About Film series for details on specific films. Here's a link to the playlist: th-cam.com/play/PL6MrZtHJOVgGLbm7E6W9sXxGCCbD7c4JR.html
hello! can anyone help me? i want to know if this camera only shoots if it has a film? because i recently bought and i click on the botton and nothing happens (i dont have film yet) (afraid that isn't work) thank youu
This should only work with film yes. The mirror and shutter should work without, but it likely won't make the motor sounds without film, if I recall correctly
To test it, set the lens to infinity and look at something that;s at least two blocks away, like a street lamp, building, etc. Just not the sun, of course. If it's still blurry then there could be an issue.
Hey my Minolta 7000 has been beeping constantly and the features are slowing down (shutter speed is extremely slow even on program mode). Is this a result of low battery power or something else?
Hmm. That might be thick lubricating oils in the mechanisms. Where that's happening, are you outside in the cold (for instance, I had that issue today where my Pentax 6X7 was taking about five seconds for the mirror to rise as it got cold outside.)
I have a minolta 7000. I am having a problem with the shutter release (i think). I push the button to take a picture and it does nothing. Is this something i can fix?
@@daniellemorris4349 Have you gone through the entire roll of film? In that case simply rewind the film and insert a new roll. If you have done that, make sure that the new roll is loaded properly.
I should have film left ive only taken about about 10-15 pictures. And i never got to a point where it started rewinding. I suppose i could just try to rewind it and put in a new one, i just didnt want to out on the film
@@daniellemorris4349 Interesting. If it's more than 12 frames it should still work. I'd try having the camera rewind the film and then loading another roll. If it won't take up and advance the film then there may be an issue with the camera. If it does take up the film then who knows, maybe a weird glitch with the film.
Prior to 2003, there was no Konica Minolta, but instead a Konica and a Minolta. The Minolta 7000 was, therefore, manufactured by Minolta. Only a handful of cameras and a slightly greater number of lenses bore the Konica Minolta name, some of them rebranded Minoltas, none of them Konicas.
Although all batteries will drain if touching contacts, the LCD screen on the 7000 does not use power except when the display changes. This is a characteristic of all LCD screens of the type used on the 7000 and is why batteries last so long for digital watches with LCD displays. When this camera is set on lock, the battery drain should be negligible.
It should be, but as the electronics have aged they've required more juice, even when locked. So they do drain batteries somewhat faster than expected. But yes and you make a good point, the drain isn't going to empty batteries in a matter of weeks in a healthy camera.
Hi David, I'm new in your channel and it seems very helpful and wonderful. I bought a Minolta 7000 it looks in good shape and I would like if you can tell me how to clean it. Thank you very much. Great channel you have!
Thank you! Cleaning a camera is generally pretty easy. Grab some cotton swabs and some 91% rubbing alcohol. I put the alcohol in an old film canister and then dip the swabs into it. Then just rub them over the camera where there's dirt, on the viewfinder glass (what you look through on the camera's back) and wherever there's dirt until it's clean. Clean the mirror, if it's dirty, like a lens but more gently.
I just got this camera and omg I was so lost bc the program reset also reset the film count and I thought I loaded the film wrong and sacrificed my first few pictures to check if I loaded it wrong 😅😅😅
@@DavidHancock I'll just shoot through this film and get it checked at a studio if it is any good 😅 I plan on making it my travel camera as opposed to just my phone so I hope it works. If it just resets the display I'm fine with it but I hope it still winds properly.
Not at all. Start off using it simply, in program mode for a roll or two, to get the feel of the camera. Then try aperture-priority mode to see how the buttons work and, if you'd like to, then full manual mode to take control of the camera.
my favorite camera i hate phone cameras got mine for20 bucks with 502mm lenses flasg and case and filters all moinilitga got a 300 mm tele for r15 excellent condition
@@DavidHancock I recently found one of these in my drawer that I forgot I even had. I cleaned it and put new batteries and film in and it seems to be fully functional. However when I turn the button to the “Lock” position the LCD stays on and I’m not sure if it’s supposed to stay on?
Just picked one of these up randomly at an antique flea market for pretty cheap with 3 lenses and a camera bag. We only really found out how truly cool it was after we bought it and googled it later. I'm a visual learner so reading the manual doesn't do much for me. These two videos are incredibly helpful! Thank you for making them!!
Thank you! And nice find!
Thanks so much for this video! I'm so glad i got this off an auction for 50 bucks as my first film camera :)
Fantastic!
this video, along with its preceding one
still being HELPFUL six years after you made them.
Fantastic work, thank you ..
Thank you!
Thank you for this video and part 2. I recently purchased the Minolta Max 7000 for $35 and I was a bit intimidated by it but your videos are so helpful. Like a previous commenter stated, I’m a visual learner and these videos are just what I needed!!! Thank you so much!!
Thank you!
Picked one with 3 lenes for $25, watching 7 years after original release. Thanks
Fantastic!
this video is so much more digestible than the user manual 😅 thanks so much!
Thank you!
Thanks so much for these videos! Found a box labeled: "Nikon D50 outfit", at the local Goodwill. Took a chance and bought it. Opened the box, and found a Minolta Maxxum 7000, with all kinds of accessories, and a brand new flash, pretty good flash to boot! After your 2 video's, I am NOT disappointed! The camera was immaculate, looks as if it sat in the box, in someones closet and never actually used! I paid $20 bucks American, good deal.
Thank you and that's a great deal!
Great video! Just went to my hometown’s flea market, and saw so many point n shoots, super 8’s Polaroids, and the minolta 7000! And they had priced at only $50, then the guy gave it to me for $35!!!!! And it works perfectly. Literal steal of an amazing camera
Fantastic find!
My father in law gave me this camera for Christmas 2019 and I had no idea how to use it till I just watched this! Thank you so so so much! I can’t wait to take amazing pictures!!!
Nice!
I bought this camera randomly at my local thrift store, for like no money. So i didnt expect anything much. Then i googled it and found your video and i am soooooo impressed by its functions! Thank u.
Thank you! And good find. These can take great photos.
I found one of these in the bottom corner of a cupboard in my motorhome last night. I know I've had it around for a few years, but I completely forgot about it. I used to live full time in the RV for approx 3 years, and I vaguely remember coming across this in a thrift store, so I got it and left it in the motorhome... Last night I was looking for my spare speedlight, and thought it might be in the RV, and I ended up coming across the camera. I can't wait to go for a shoot with this!!
Nice! These are still great to use.
I just want you to know. This is really appreciated. Your style, voice, etc, while minimalist is great. You aren't annoying to listen to, I am about to go on a week long road trip and my dad who recently passed away had a maxxum 7000 he always used on our family vacations. I found it and wanted to know how to use it.
Thank you, really this is great. People appreciate these things and I am one of them.
So don't stop.
Thank you!
I hope that you can have a good road trip and reconnect with your late father. I inherited my dad's Mamiya and it's good to use a camera that photographed me as a baby.
Thanks, I was wondering if you can give me some advice. I'm not a "photographer". I'm using this camera woth 50mm minolta lens, the minolta flash for it for night shots. Fuji Velvia 50 rolls for the film. As someone with little knowledge what would you say are the 1-3 easiest/best way i should shoot, in terms of all the settings?
any input is greatly appreciated
Thanks, I was wondering if you can give me some advice. I'm not a "photographer". I'm using this camera woth 50mm minolta lens, the minolta flash for it for night shots. Fuji Velvia 50 rolls for the film. As someone with little knowledge what would you say are the 1-3 easiest/best way i should shoot, in terms of all the settings?
any input is greatly appreciated
Show less
REPLY
I do 90% of my shooting in aperture-priority mode and almost all of the balance in full manual. A fractional percentage in shutter-priority. I would say to use Program mode for a roll or two -- let the camera do all the thinking for you -- until you get used to how it handles. Then switch over to aperture-priority (A) mode. That allows you to specify the aperture and the camera will figure out the proper shutter speed. Then you can focus on seeing how aperture and DoF affect images. If you ever want to venture into full manual, it's a great learning tool.
awesome thank you, when i'm shooting with a flash do still use just Program mode?
I purchased a Maxim 7000i camera at an estate sale for $20. It's in a case with 2 lenses, several filters and has a sport card installed. I subscribed to your channel and will be watching so I can learn how to use it.
Nice buy and thank you!
man my uncle passed this camera down to me and all his equipment; it was his treasured item for years. i am not a photographer but would like to start; and this video is incredibly helpful (plus interesting, great blend of history plus technical bits). excited for pt. 2, thanks again
Thank you!
I just picked up one of these with a lens for £10! Excited for it to come and have a play!
Great video, you're my go to when learning a new bit of kit!
Thank you and nice find!
Thanks a lot David! I bought a Minolta 5000 with 35-80 lens for 10 euro's at a local thriftshop. Put some batteries (4 AAA's) in it at home, and it worked :)
It shares a lot of features with the 7000, so this video was very helpfull.
Thank you! The 5000 is a very similar camera and a nice one, too. I'm glad this video helped you out.
Great video! I got mines today for my birthday gift , I’m excited to use 🎉
Nice and thank you! These are great cameras.
I bought one of these cameras not long after they came out. Mine did have the Exxon x's. This was the first successful auto focus camera. Back then I knew several Minolta users including my brother and they did not jump ship and switch to another brand. These cameras sold like hot cakes. Their trouble later on had to do with betting on the wrong horse, a 3d camera, and they lost a law suit over their autofocus system. (I think to Bell and Howel) I owned the camera until it was stollen several years later. I bought another Maxxum camera but it was not as good even if it did have a multi spot focusing system. It took Cannon several years to come out with a successful auto focus camera. Nikon was even later. The A mount cameras lost favor with the advent of video mode because you can hear the motor running the auto focus in the videos. I don't do many videos so I'm still using my Sony A mount cameras. Thanks for the video. I'd forgotten some of the details on how the camera worked. Also the camera originally came with an internal battery that ran the LCD when no power was coming from the owner supplied batteries. This battery was said to last five years and required a trained technician to replace it. Mine never needed replacing.
Thanks for tutorial. I just picked one up today at a flea market for 10 bucks. Felt a little overwhelmed with it with all the buttons. But with your help I feel like I can handle it.
Nice find and thank you! These take a bit of time to get used to but once you have the hang of it they make sense.
David Hancock yes I have used a DSLR for 2 years now so I'm interested to see how it is using an SLR. Any recommendations on what type of film to use?
If you want to start off cheap, get a drug-store grade color film like Fuji Superia. Black and white can also be inexpensive if you'd like to go that route or try developing at home. In that case, Kentmere and Foma are good starter films.
David Hancock that's exactly it! I was thinking about using it for Black and Whites mainly.
@@DavidHancock i have a 7000i with a roll of film in it. Just put a new battery but flashes help. Can you help me why ?
I've had mine for a couple years now, having bought it after finding its design revolutionary in the AF arena. It definitely was a landmark camera, even if the AF is not on par with many later auto-focus makes. Just recently found that the LCD screen segments have a CR2016 disc cell adjacent to the battery compartment under the metal plate nearest the hinge for the film compartment door. Look forward to watching the detailed segment on the other functions in part two.
Nice! I didn't know that about the CR2016, I don't think.
@@DavidHancock really a small matter unless the LCD segments begin to stammer a bit. Really love mine, even better than my Dynax 7 which is treasure trove of delight if you buy all the chips to unlock the features hidden within. More than what I paid for the whole outfit just for the things I use. Hope to chase some Porta 100 through my 7000 one day very soon, but film stock for that has gotten dry of late, as they quit making it. It's the digital death brought by Eastman that's finding our film stockpiles going dry as a waddi in the Sahara. Very best of luck, and prosperity to you my dear friend.
you genuinely saved my life
Thank you!
thank you . have just got a Minolta 7000 and just used it today in auto but will be using other modes now. just waiting for film to be put in.
Fantastic! These are fun to use cameras for sure.
Thanks for this video! I got this camera for free today. I've never used a camera like this before so this is a major help!!
I would love to know if you have suggestions for what kinds of film to look for. Ive never used film before so I don't know what there is.
Thank you!
Any 35mm film will work for this camera. To start, look at UltraFine, Kentmere, and Foma as inexpensive but high-quality film stocks.
Acabo de comprar una M 7000 y me ha servido mucho tu video. Muchas gracias. ✌🏻 📸
Muchas gracias y de nada!
Yoooo bro just picked one up at the pawn shop didn't know it was a discontinued product but I like it alot and I'm a beginning in photography and I'd half to say this camera has already made wonders
Nice!
Thanks a lot for these videos. Just got one one these cameras and this is giving a lot of insight I wouldn't have otherwise. This is my first time experimenting with film :)
Thank you and enjoy!
The four contacts on the bottom are designed for connecting external flashlight holder (Control Grip CG-1000). Actually the similar signals like in hot-shoe. That holder (and the camera metering) can control both flashes (camera hot-shoe and holder hot-shoe). There is the possibility to change power ratio of the flashes from 1:1 to 2:1 (external : camera). With an extension cable it is possible to move the external flash up to app. 8m distance. In all these situations are both of flashes full controlled by camera body including the zooming of reflector or starting flashlight loading 1min before the snapshot if in stand-by and controlled the programmed exposure by program back. There're six AA-batteries in the holder for power-supplying the external flash enabling fast flash-series.
However the next generation of cameras (5000i+7000i+8000i) used the new hot-shoe, at least the 8000i has the possibility to use the same external flashlight holder, it means new hot-shoe on the camera but the old one on the holder, all the functionalities keep the same.
The most interesting on the Minolta cameras were the very complex and sophisticated system-accessories.
thanks for the video, I saw one earlier at a junk sale for very cheap price, I plan to go back tomorrow to check if it still working. this video and some other made me realize that this is a good camera.
They're really good cameras, surprisingly good given their age. Definitely fun to use and worth giving a go.
Minolta actually outsold everyone else from 1985 up to 1990 or so with 7000 and 7000i. They lost their comfortable lead with 7xi.
Canon first did try to make their old mount auto-focus with Canon T-80, released some months after Minolta 7000 and which failed miserably. They went back to the drawing board and released the new EOS mount camera Canon EOS 650 in 1987, giving Minolta a 2 year head start.
Thank you! I did't realize that Canon was that far behind, nor that Minolta did that well with the A mount. I haven't used the T cameras too much, just the T50 for one roll. I don't know too much about those bodies.
Thank you for posting this video. Seriously.
Thank you!
This has been great. Thank you. Do you know if you use an MD lens adapter you still get correct metering with old Minolta lenses? Does the aperture information get passed though?
Thank you!
Good question. For those you will need to shoot in aperture-priority mode exclusively as the camera will meter off the light passing through the lens. Any other mode and the exposures will not turn out correctly.
@@DavidHancock That totally makes sense! Thank you.
You can do double exposures, you hold the "r" button when taking the first picture. It "releases" the film from the motor drive and won't advance it. I also do this everytime i change batteries in case the internal battery is dead. The changing of batteries will advance the film automatically when fresh ones are put in and the internal battery is dead.
Oh nice! thank you! I didn't know that,.
David Hancock or try it, I know thats how my 5000 body does it, I havent tried it on my 7000 body
I found this to be a very helpful video. Thank you.
Thank you!
Excellent video. It has been a very good help to use my 7000. One question. The tiny silver button just besides the four golden points for connecting an accessory, is missing. Just shows a tiny hole. Is this relevant? Thank you so much. EDUARDO
Thank you! For the silver button, are you talking about the switch on the side of the lens mount that control auto and manual focus selection? That's the switch when you hold the camera so that you look at the front of it that it on the right side just below the lens release button.
great guide! would manage without it to know how to work the camera. thank you!
Thank you!
I just got that camera today, along with a flash component and a 70-210mm lens. However the lens isn't an AF lens, and doesn't fit onto the camera. Is there some attachment so that I can use the lens?
Probably not. If it's a Minolta lens that doesn't mount then it has an SR mount, which is older, and there is no way to make an adapter from SR to A mount.
Just got this camera , but have no experience do you have any other video on how to start taking pictures like step by step from loading the film to changing a lens . Thankvyou
Check out video 2 in this series. That might answer most of your questions.
just bought a second hand one through ebay which came with a AF ZOOM 28-100 (0.48m/1.6ft MACRO lens. for a person who's a completely Newbie what lens do you recommend I should buy ? should I get a Prime lens or stick with the zoom lens I have until I get a better idea of shooting :) . your videos are amazing btw
Nice and thank you! Go with a standard 50mm f/1.7. They're great lenses and are all you need to learn with. And then if you're really happy with it, in six or eight months look at a 28mm 2.8 and a 135mm 2.8. Those three lenses will do about 95% of the photography you are likely to want to do.
David,
Thank you so much for this set of videos.
I am moving to japan for the summer and I wanted to bring my Dads old film camera with me.
It's the Dynax 7000i
Youre videos have been incredibly informative.
I'm having an issue however and i'm wondering if you might know what's up with it.
When I turn the camera on and try and take a photo, I get a series of beeps and then a flashing HELP signal on the screen.
I've replaced the battery, and the film.
If you know what the root of this issue is, I'd be more than happy to hear from you.
Michael
Hey, Michael,
I think that might be very bad. The manual for these apparently says to just call Minolta service, but they're gone. You can almost certainly find a good camera repair shop in Japan, but my guess is that it either has internal corrosion (did the batteries ever leak?), a shorted power board, or a problematic motor or controller. Those are the common issues I've found online for the 7000i with these issues. The guys over at Fix Old Cameras may have other ideas, but I tend to think that heirlooms are worth fixing so maybe waiting until you get to Japan and having it fixed there will the best bet.
I'm a bit jealous. Yodobashi Camera is one of the best camera stores. The one in Akihabara is just amazing. And there are all kinds of little camera shops in the vicinity, too.
I have this Minolta Maxxum7000 with three lenses for some years and not being used. I now use Cannon 3ti EOS. Is there an adapter available for me to use the Minolta lenses on the Cannon. And thank you for the video, I had almost forgotton how to use the Minolta.
Thank you and to the best of my knowledge there is no Alpha to EF adapter.
@@DavidHancock
Thank you
I have a Minolta 7000 with the nr 2.000.000 written on the back - is that something special ?
That was a limited edition, but I don't know anything about it.
Is it possible to shoot more than one shot in one frame with this ?
One reason I’ve always used a fully manual fm10 .
IIRC yes. Usually the double exposure section is at the end of the video. Check the video's description for a link.
@@DavidHancockThank you.
My Minolta 7000 does not have maxxum text on it . I just need to clean the lens and shoot my first roll of film with it . Also wish I had a prime lens instead of a 80-200mm !
Love your videos can you do a review of the 9000? Thanks
I have a huge backlog right now, but I can see about it when I finish my backlog. I do get a lot of requests for the 9000.
At what temperature room should we store this camera at maxxum 7000
Room temp is fine.
Hi David I’m not sure if you’ll see this but lately I’ve been having some issues this camera. I put in a new 2cr5 battery because that’s the one it takes and it was working the LCD screen was fine. However, after removing it since I know it won’t turn off I tried using it another day and it’s just not working. The LCD isn’t showing the other stuff and it’s just not working. Also, I put film onto it also but it was while the camera was off. I took one shot everything was fine so I don’t know. I even changed the internal battery if that was the issue. I already ordered a new 2cr5 battery also in case. Do you think it could be something else? I got it in extremely good condition so I’m just not sure. Any help would be appreciated and I appreciated these videos a lot also!!!
Hmm. Well, first idea I have is to clean the battery contacts in the camera with distilled white vinegar (in case an old battery leaked on them at some point) on a cotton swab (like a Q-Tip). Then do it with 91% isopropyl alcohol. If that doesn't work, I'd take it to a local camera shop and see if they can check it out.
could you please give me a list of the lenses that are compatible with this amazing camera
nice vid
Thank you.
This camera's A mount can accept any Sony or Minolta A mount lens. There are pretty comprehensive lists of those on Wikipedia as well as the camera wikis.
Wikipedia has a complete list of Amount lenses also some early Sony A mounts should work. Not to sure about the later Sony A mount lenses and obviously the new lenses for their mirrorless system will not work. Also Vivatar, Sigma, and Tamarom (not sure I have spelling right) released A mount lenses.
Hello David! I have a Minolta Dynax 7000i that I recently acquired, and I was wondering if you have a tutorial based on that camera? I have the written manaul but I don't feel as though it is practical or easy to understand.
Thanks in advance!
I never got around to making one for the 7000i. I sold mine a long time ago, so I don't even recall how to use, unfortunately.
I just got one of these with the accessories, bag, Flash, and Telephoto lens just for $15 at a swap meet and everything seems to work! There’s also a unused roll of Kodak 400 ASA film that came with it too (but expired in 2006) so I can test it. Did I do good? I’m glad I got this and not the 9000 because I’m a total noob to 35mm.
I’ll admit I’m a youngish guy (Early 30s) and I’m amused with the noise it makes when I click the shutter. Like this is the real deal and not some sound effect! Lol.
Fantastic deal! Well done. Don't expect tons from the film and if the images come back terribly it is likely not the camera's fault.
@@DavidHancock I don’t think I’m gonna get film that expired half my life ago for development. Just checking to see if it works mechanically.
@@DavidHancock went though that expired roll and rewound with no Issue! I’m confident to use this to take 35mm pics! But I’ll manually focus it since the AF was early on.
@@DavidHancock Ok ready to use my Maxxum 7000 FOR REAL this time! Got some new Fujifilm stock loaded oh yeah!! 👍👍
how can I double expose on the 7000 I haven't seen any videos about it I would really like to know if you can help
The 7000 does not take double exposures.
Hey, I just got a Minolta Maxxum 7000i, I don't know if it's the cameras problem or if I'm doing something wrong, but it is not changing from manual mode to automatic mode. The button on the front right side does not stay in place after it slides. Could use some help. Thanks!
I honestly don't know anything about the 7000i. I don't think I've ever seen one.
hi. just got this camera today, I did load a film and it said film 1 on the screen, but then when I was trying the buttoms out I pressed the ‘P’ (program) and then the film says 0. have I destroyed the film?
I don't think so. I'd say just keep shooting and ensure that the frame count continues to increase. If not, let me know.
I’m trying to find information for exposing correctly with this camera and I can’t seem to find exactly what I need. Do I need to buy a light meter or what’s a way that I can know how to expose my images properly in order to not waste so much film trying?
Video 2 ought to provide the answers you need. You do not need an external light meter. There's a display in the viewfinder that provides the information needed for proper exposure.
Ive been using this camera for a while now after i got it from my grandma (it was my grandpas before he died) and now it wont let me take pictures? It just keeps blinking on zero. It will fast forward the film but not take any photos. Is there a way to fix it or do i need to get it repaired?
Which of the modes are you shooting in?
Try this and let me know what happens. If you have film in the camera, this will waste one frame. Set the shutter speed to a second and take the lens off. Look at the front of the camera and take a photo. You should see the shutter open and cloudy. If so, then the problem is likely user error or something other than the shutter. If not, then the shutter has likely failed.
Let me know the answer to those two and we'll go from there.
There was a digital back for this camera? Do you have any more information you could send me about that? Super cool, I looked around and could't find any digital back for this.
Thanks
I have seen a couple of them. They were, I think, 0.6 megapixel CCD sensors with a crop factor of either 2 or 2.5. (I forget the exact crop factor for sure, so both those figures could be wrong.) I saw one on a camera sell on eBay some months ago, untested and as-is, for $175.
So for some reason when I hit the mode button to switch to single shot or aperture mode it doesn't stay in that mode and my shutter button it'll AF but it wont shoot when the lights green in the viewfinder is there something im doing wrong ?
It's been a long time since I sold this camera, but I might have covered something about shooting modes in Video 2.
@@DavidHancock alright thanks
Hi! I have a Minolta 7000 that hasn't been used in ages. I've got the batteries in, but when I turn it on nothing shows on the LCD - I have yet to load it with the film though. Does the film activate the LCD?
It shouldn't. The LCD should turn on with batteries. Other functions may be disabled without film, however.
I just picked mine up. But it’s having some issues. I hope I can get some help if you can help.
What's it doing or not doing?
@@DavidHancock I will have to get photos of it but where can I find you on social media?
@@SenpaIDGAF I am here and I'm on IG.
High quality content!
Thank you!
Great video❤
When I try to use AF with my camera, the shutter speed instantly goes to 2000 and the aperture goes to f22. It does this with all focal lengths. Is my AF just broken or am I doing something wrong? (It is an old camera...) Any advice helps thanks
That is really strange and a new one on me. Check the Dyxum Minolta Forums (dyxum.com, I think) and see if someone there knows. There's a significant amount of Minolta knowledge there.
Great videos, thank you
Thank you!
Hi there!
Would you recommend buying the 7000 or 7000i for a beginner?
The 7000 is a bit more user-friendly and the interface is a bit easier to learn.
Got the 7000! Thank you:)
I picked my 7000 for 30 bucks with 3 lenses case and good condition. Was that a okay deal?
That's a great deal.
Hello, do you know what does the indicator on the top side between "MINOLTA" logo and the hot shoe means? three small leds (yellow or green... (im a little color blind).
Thanks for the video. ;)
I don't recall this camera having LEDs on top. You have a 7000?
yes i do, i found it n my house just last week, so i´m starting to use it, i foud that the leds turns on when the controls are on use, maybe is a low battery indicaror. You can see a small window (about 1.10 cm long and about 3 mm wide right up the "IN" from the MINOLTA logo, check it out, theres three leds. How can i show you a picture? :)
Huh. Interesting. I don't recall that at all from mine. I glanced at the online manual and didn't see anything obvious marked on the what is what page at the front. So I think that you've stumped me with this one.
Are the LEDs you're asking about inside the viewfinder or on top of the camera's body?
On top of the camera, as shown in this video your camera has the same small window i was telling you above, i checked the manual too, nothing there haha.
Hey David, whats the best film to use for the minolta 7000 in your opinion?
Any 35mm film will work. I'd say to match the film to your intended aesthetic and skill level. How much film have you shot? What kind of images do you want to create? Are you looking to shoot in color or black and white?
David Hancock What kind of film would you use to shoot in both color and b&w?
That depends on the situation and aesthetic need. Check out my All About Film series for details on specific films. Here's a link to the playlist: th-cam.com/play/PL6MrZtHJOVgGLbm7E6W9sXxGCCbD7c4JR.html
i've found fuji superia 400 to be a good all around speed color film with good results. stock up while you can, i believe it's been discontinued
hello! can anyone help me? i want to know if this camera only shoots if it has a film? because i recently bought and i click on the botton and nothing happens (i dont have film yet) (afraid that isn't work)
thank youu
This should only work with film yes. The mirror and shutter should work without, but it likely won't make the motor sounds without film, if I recall correctly
Hi! Please help me. I just got myself a maxxum 7000, and my viewfinder is blurry, i don;t know what to do. PLease reply
To test it, set the lens to infinity and look at something that;s at least two blocks away, like a street lamp, building, etc. Just not the sun, of course. If it's still blurry then there could be an issue.
Hey my Minolta 7000 has been beeping constantly and the features are slowing down (shutter speed is extremely slow even on program mode). Is this a result of low battery power or something else?
Hmm. That might be thick lubricating oils in the mechanisms. Where that's happening, are you outside in the cold (for instance, I had that issue today where my Pentax 6X7 was taking about five seconds for the mirror to rise as it got cold outside.)
Thank you This was great and helpful video props to you. Thanks
Thank you!
great video, thank you!
Thank you!
I have 2 of the 7000's with the Evil Double Cross that EXXON was crying about.
Nice!
Then you got an original 1985 one
I have a minolta 7000. I am having a problem with the shutter release (i think). I push the button to take a picture and it does nothing. Is this something i can fix?
Possibly. Do you have batteries in it?
Yes it was working hust fine then stopped. The display screen still works and the arrows light up but it won't take a picture when pushing the button
@@daniellemorris4349 Have you gone through the entire roll of film? In that case simply rewind the film and insert a new roll. If you have done that, make sure that the new roll is loaded properly.
I should have film left ive only taken about about 10-15 pictures. And i never got to a point where it started rewinding. I suppose i could just try to rewind it and put in a new one, i just didnt want to out on the film
@@daniellemorris4349 Interesting. If it's more than 12 frames it should still work. I'd try having the camera rewind the film and then loading another roll. If it won't take up and advance the film then there may be an issue with the camera. If it does take up the film then who knows, maybe a weird glitch with the film.
My favorite now is the Minolta 600i....
Nice!
The Minolta 5000 and 9000 use the same flash as the Minolta 7000 featured in this review.
Thank you!
Prior to 2003, there was no Konica Minolta, but instead a Konica and a Minolta. The Minolta 7000 was, therefore, manufactured by Minolta.
Only a handful of cameras and a slightly greater number of lenses bore the Konica Minolta name, some of them rebranded Minoltas, none of them Konicas.
Thank you!
Although all batteries will drain if touching contacts, the LCD screen on the 7000 does not use power except when the display changes. This is a characteristic of all LCD screens of the type used on the 7000 and is why batteries last so long for digital watches with LCD displays. When this camera is set on lock, the battery drain should be negligible.
It should be, but as the electronics have aged they've required more juice, even when locked. So they do drain batteries somewhat faster than expected. But yes and you make a good point, the drain isn't going to empty batteries in a matter of weeks in a healthy camera.
Hi David, I'm new in your channel and it seems very helpful and wonderful. I bought a Minolta 7000 it looks in good shape and I would like if you can tell me how to clean it. Thank you very much. Great channel you have!
Thank you! Cleaning a camera is generally pretty easy. Grab some cotton swabs and some 91% rubbing alcohol. I put the alcohol in an old film canister and then dip the swabs into it. Then just rub them over the camera where there's dirt, on the viewfinder glass (what you look through on the camera's back) and wherever there's dirt until it's clean. Clean the mirror, if it's dirty, like a lens but more gently.
you're awesome
Thank you!
woo, glad i have the hotshoe.
Yeah, that Sony hotshoe is annoying.
Why, you can buy flashes with this shoe these days for next to nothing.
Can it shoot video?
No. This is a still image film camera.
Hi I don’t know if you respond to stuff anymore but can you help with me my minlota it has buttons on the back to it’s a program 70
I might be able to but I've never used a Program 70.
@@DavidHancock alright whatever you can find please lmk thank you!
This one or Nikon F-100?
I haven't used the F-100, so I can't say if it's better.
I just got this camera and omg I was so lost bc the program reset also reset the film count and I thought I loaded the film wrong and sacrificed my first few pictures to check if I loaded it wrong 😅😅😅
Oh no! Well, I hope that this video helps some.
@@DavidHancock I'll just shoot through this film and get it checked at a studio if it is any good 😅 I plan on making it my travel camera as opposed to just my phone so I hope it works. If it just resets the display I'm fine with it but I hope it still winds properly.
Mine is coming soon next week and I wonder if it’s too much for a beginner like me...🤯🤯😂
Not at all. Start off using it simply, in program mode for a roll or two, to get the feel of the camera. Then try aperture-priority mode to see how the buttons work and, if you'd like to, then full manual mode to take control of the camera.
No its not. It's really easy to use once you learn. This was the first SLR I owned.
0.3 Mpix is 640x480, not 300x250.
Oh, good catch. Thank you.
my favorite camera i hate phone cameras got mine for20 bucks with 502mm lenses flasg and case and filters all moinilitga got a 300 mm tele for r15 excellent condition
Nice!
LOCK turns the camera off.
Thank you!
@@DavidHancock I recently found one of these in my drawer that I forgot I even had. I cleaned it and put new batteries and film in and it seems to be fully functional. However when I turn the button to the “Lock” position the LCD stays on and I’m not sure if it’s supposed to stay on?
@@alexramos799 I seem to recall that locking the camera will leave some minimal amount of information displayed on the LCD, yes.
@@DavidHancock Thanks
A lot of Minolta's problems came, due to being sued for patent infringement by Honeywell.
Stands to reason.
Just got one for 20 bucks
Nice! That's a great find!