The VMLP is a quest to relive the history and innovation of Minolta SLRs. Accordingly, the next camera up for review should be either the SR-7 with its built-in meter (innovation step) or the older SR-1 (historical). But here we have the XD11. Why? Love. Generally speaking, I prefer autofocusContinue Reading
Minolta made so many SR mount lenses that it is difficult for someone new to the brand to make an intelligent buying decision. There are a few famous lenses, and they get all the press. When I bought my first manual camera in July 2019, the most widely touted lensesContinue Reading
That the Minolta ER (Electronic Eye Reflex) is an oddity goes without saying. Its design says 1960’s hi-tech—like how one would expect George Jetson’s camera to look. It also carries over a 50s sci-fi vibe, so much so that I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if it suddenly shotContinue Reading
To be honest, the only reason I bought the 50mm f2.8 macro lens was was fear of losing or damaging my 100mm f2.8 macro. I’m almost embarrassed to say this now. The 50mm 2.8 is sharp and handy, and it allows one to shoot from only a few inches away.Continue Reading
I have shot seven rolls of film in the last week or so–usually this happens when I have a lot of new ideas to try. But this time, it’s because I got a few new cameras. They are the last purchases for the VMLP; my collecting efforts are complete! TheContinue Reading
The 8000i was close to the last Maxxum I bought. When I initially decided to purchase multiple Minolta cameras (before I conceived of the VMLP), I chose to focus on the “Sevens” (7000, 7000i, 7xi, 700si, 7, and 70). The 8000i entered the picture with the VMLP. Even then, IContinue Reading
This is my first true Lens Love post. My goal is to report my experiences with various lenses, primarily how they work with film. There are many detailed lens reviews available that use digital cameras—and I use those reviews quite often—but digital sensors react to light differently compared to film.Continue Reading
The Minolta SR-3 was the next upper-level Minolta SLR after the SR-2. The SR-2 is a collector’s item because it was Minolta’s first SLR and only about 20,000 were made. The SR-7 is noted for its built-in meter, the first Minolta SLR with this capability. The middle child SR-3 goesContinue Reading
When I set out to do the Vintage Minolta Love Project, the idea was to try as many SLR bodies as I could afford. Thanks to eBay and people cleaning out garages, attics, and closets, I have been able to get the bodies I desired. With lenses, I took aContinue Reading
After deciding I wanted to try Minoltas other than my Maxxum 7000i, I went for the Sevens in the Maxxum line. The Maxxum 70 was the next purchase (it has a meta-origin story—The People by the Side of the Road). In quick succession, the Maxxum 7, 700si, and 7xi followedContinue Reading