A few weeks ago, I read a post recommended by Jim Grey. It talked about the “best” camera in terms of capability, quality, and dependability as compared to the one you use most often. After giving this idea some thought, I realized that I’m in the same boat as the author. My two best cameras, technically speaking, are the Maxxum 9 and Minolta X-1 (XK). They have the highest specs, are built like tanks, and have 98-100% viewfinders. They work great, and yet, I rarely use them. Each was a high-water mark for Minolta pro cameras, but I have never needed pro-level capability for everyday photowalks. As a collector of sorts, I love owning these cameras, but there are few occasions where their capabilities are required. Perhaps that best explains why they usually stay at home.
After six years of using cameras regularly and having a full range of Minolta cameras to choose from, a few are used over and over, while others remain stored away. If forced to explain my choices, I could offer logical explanations. However, I have a feeling they would not be quite accurate—some cameras just feel right, and others don’t.
The 50s folders, the Semi P and Semi III, have, quite unexpectedly, grown on me. They have no focusing aid, no metering capability, and max out at shutter speeds of 1/200 to 1/500. Double exposures and skipped frames still happen occasionally, and yet, I still really enjoy using them. They make sharp images, and creating images with them is oddly relaxing.
Along the same lines, I never expected to like rangefinders. Among the rangefinders, the 7sII, Minolta-35 IIB, and Canon P have captured my affection. The other rangefinders are not bad in any way; they simply don’t feel as good to use.
Between the two P&S models, the AF-C and Freedom Zoom 160, I use the AF-C all the time, while the Freedom Zoom 160 mostly stays on the shelf. Both perform well and make great images. However, I’ve used the Freedom Zoom 160 maybe five times, while the AF-C goes with me on nearly every photowalk—even when I take other cameras.
The X-700 and XD cameras are the most used manual SLRs. I like their size and weight, and both meter well. The lack of an exposure compensation function caused the X-570 to fall out of favor. The aperture display in the viewfinder is a minor point and does not make up for the X-570’s missing EC capability. Oddly, I was testing an XG7 to sell, and it ended up replacing the XG-M in the shooting lineup—it feels better in-hand, and the metering was surprisingly good. Of the SR-T models, the SR-T 102 is used far more than the others.
On the AF side, the Maxxum 7 is the top dog, especially during testing. The Maxxum 7 has perfect metering and AF, which makes it an excellent choice for testing anything—film, lenses, techniques, etc. That being said, the Maxxum 7 has become a special-use camera for occasions when I need to be sure a shot will turn out correctly. It stays at home more than the other Maxxums because I’m afraid something will happen to it while I’m out. (They have doubled in price since 2019.)
The Maxxum 7000, Maxxum 600si, and Maxxum 5 are the workhorses. The Maxxum 5 has most of the capabilities of the Maxxum 7, the Maxxum 7000 has my favorite viewfinder, and the Maxxum 600si is like an autofocus X-700. The other Maxxum models are good cameras, but I prefer these. At one point, the Maxxum 70 had moved up in the rotation, but lately, when using it, I’ve found myself regretting leaving the Maxxum 5 at home.
We are all creatures of habit, and these are the cameras I reach for reflexively. They feel right and act right, and I’ve learned that is what matters most. By specs, they are not Minolta’s best cameras, but they have never failed me, and that is all I ask.
I have an XD-11 and an SRT-102. Got the XD for the smaller/lighter package – even invested in some 49mm filter size lenses – but it turns out I have a lot more confidence in the SRT. My Autocord is also a favorite but I feel a little conspicuous using it.
SR-Ts are very reliable and great cameras. My XDs are tested before each use with film. I shoot a few frames and develop to check.
When go out shooting with two cameras, people notice and move aside. I suppose an Autocord might attract an audience.
Since my collection is on the smaller side (it stays at “about eight” for like forever because I get antsy when I get more than that), the delineation between “best” and “most used” is pretty small. There are the cameras that I like, but because they’re 50’s era manual cameras, I use infrequently (Ricohflex Dia TLR, Yashica YF rangefinder.) They sit on my “special use” shelf, along with my Canon Demi EE17 half-frame. Most used is definitely my Olympus XA because it is pocketable and has the specs/features I like (rangefinder, 35mm f/2.8 lens, aperture priority with +1.5 exposure comp). I also reach for my Canonet QL17 G-III a bunch, as a good compact fixed-lens rangefinder with shutter priority is useful. Most used tend to be smaller, more compact, yet feature-rich cameras.
Now that I’ve used all my cameras except one (XE-7), my attention has shifted from trying new-to-me cameras to making images.
When I go for a photowalk, there is always a specific objective and cameras, film, and lenses are chosen for that objective.
I bought a Canon Q17 GIII, but the meter died within days, so I returned it. Nice, but the 7sII works well. The AF-C offers no user controls, but it has always made great images, and I like the 35mm 2.8 lens.
In the end, utility wins out.
Sounds like you need to check out the Minolta Hi-Matic G2 — it’s the Hi-Matic 7SII’s baby brother. Definitely a take-anywhere camera.
I thought about getting a G2, but I have two AF-Cs now, as well as a backup 7sII.