Minolta Maxxum 7000 Film Camera

this is a very well built camera,solid feels great in your hand.picture quality is excellent with minolta lenses.problem areas are l.c.d. bleed,which means the l.c.d. panel on the camera sometimes bleeds and makes it hard to read,rubber grip turns white with age,this does not affect the operation of the camera.there is also an internal battery which will need replaced at a cost of about $30 overall a great camera which can be found on ebay at reasonable price.

If you find a good one, you have a classic SLR in the best sense, solid, reliable and fun to use.

But my EBay experience warrants a cautionary note. In addition to the problems mentioned in the previous review, these cameras suffer from failure of the aperture control module, which means that the aperture will always be at f22.

This means that most of your pictures will be severly underexposed. In most cases this problem will cost more than the camera is worth to fix. It took me three buys to get a good one. So be fore-warned. Ask the seller about this.

Absolutely the best & most reliable slr STILL on the market, (yes, I'm biased).
Received first on as grad present from my daddy in 1990. 2 professional cleanings in 17 years, no other work to it, and was still working until stolen a few months ago ARGH! My present setup: 2 7000's and 1 7000i

WATCH FOR:
* LCD Bleeding -Ask for photo of display, bleeding shows even when camera is off
* The Aperture Control - can stick on one setting
* Battery compartment - Originally took 4 AAA, optionals created for AA & lithium. Ask if ANY corrosion on battery contacts, occurs when water gets in or camera stored with batteries in it.If so request picture, minimal rusting won't effect. But major corrosion will only get worse & cause power drain or worse.
* Rubber Grip - Can turn white over time
Pros:
* Most accessories still available, instructions for all cameras & accessories can be downloaded for free, extremely durable.
Cons:
* If it breaks, usually cheaper to buy a new one. Internal battery can cost $25 to have professional replace or $7 if you do it yourself.

Feel free to email me with any questions regarding the 7000/7000i or 5000/5000i.

I have been shooting film for about 25 years. I saw these cameras when they first came out and wanted one. I didn't have the money at the time. I bought 5 of these camera bodies over the last couple of months. 2 for me, and 2 for my son, and 1 spare. I set us up with the same kits. 1 camera has an 80 to 300 telephoto lens, and the other has a 35 to 80 lens and a dedicated minolta flash. Unless you are shooting at a long distance this covers you well. The auto focus is great, and simple to operate. Film loading is easy to get use to. Auto exposure is great, as long as you use enough speed to the film. The film advance is motor driven after each frame is exposed. It is loud, but not overly loud. This camera has enough features to it that you would want to read the owners manual, which are out there to purchase. I don't use the data back features. But it is nice to use them if you do that day date stuff. As a total package this camera for me rates GREAT!!!