Back in the 1980s, I dreamed of owning a Minolta 7000i. At the time, it was far beyond my budget, so I never got one. In February 2019, after deciding I wanted a film camera to record my garden, the first camera I looked for was a Minolta Maxxum 7000i. Other than disposable cameras and my iPhone, I had not used a camera since the early 1990s. In fact, I had no idea that Minolta no longer existed until a short while after grabbing a 7000i from eBay.
That 7000i, which included two lenses, cost around 42.00. I was shocked at the price, and after reading about the rest of Minolta’s AF models, I decided it would be fun to own all the seven-level models, especially given how cheap they were. About a month later, KEH had an excellent Maxxum 70 for less than 30 dollars, which I promptly bought. After reading about the wizardry of the Maxxum 7, I finally won one that came with the grip, a Minolta AF 50mm 1.7, and a Minolta AF 28-105mm. Now that I had three of the Sevens, it only made sense to buy the 7xi, 700si, and 7000. By the summer of 2019, I had all six, and I’ve been shooting them.
Over the ensuing five years, I’ve developed favorites. How this order of favorites developed is not exactly clear, but I do know it is not simply because of technical features, except for the Maxxum 7. Here are my rankings in descending order from least to most liked.
6. Maxxum 7xi
Borrowing a line from the Bard, this 7xi is too clever to be understood. I do not like the interface. The xi models are black boxes. Every time I pick one up, I have to remember how to do everything all over again. If I were shooting in program mode at all times, the interface would not be an issue. But I like shooting “A” priority and often use exposure comp. Every time I have to use an xi model, I have to read the manual. If I were using an xi model regularly, the interface wouldn’t be an issue. However, I don’t, so it is.
5. Maxxum 700si
The 700si won more awards than any other AF Minolta. It handles well, has good focus speed and accurate metering, and works with the Creative Cards. However, for some reason, I rarely use it. Often, I forget I have it until I’m going through my camera collection. There is nothing specifically wrong with it—it just doesn’t stand out in any particular way. I like the Creative Cards, which I suppose were a draw for the 700si, but I seldomly use them. I would attribute my indifference to the modal interface, but I use the 7000i, which also has a modal interface. I don’t dislike the 700si— it’s an “out of sight, out of mind” thing.
4. Maxxum 7000i
I’m a big fan of the 7000i—I get it. Also, the fact I wanted one for years before getting one may have added to the affection given to it. However, it loses to the Maxxum 70 based on features and convenience and to the Maxxum 7 based on everything. The 7000 has a more straightforward interface. All that being said, I have no problem grabbing a 7000i on my way out the door.
3. Maxxum 7000
My initial opinion of the 7000 was based purely on aesthetics, and frankly, I hated it. It looked like a home appliance from the 80s. I bought one only so that I would have a complete set of Sevens. I put off using it until it was time to start the VMLP, and that is when I loaded it with film, and found I really liked using it.
The 7000 is clean and simple—nothing fancy. It has my favorite viewfinder of the group, clear, uncluttered, and bright —like looking out of a window. I read the user manual once and have rarely looked at it again. I often use one to test lenses and film stocks. It is predictable, reliable, and has a button for nearly every major function/feature, which I have grown to appreciate more every day. The 7000 is like a pair of old slippers or a well-worn sweater—it is comfortable, familiar, and does the job well. I probably use the 7000 more than any other Seven.
2. Maxxum 70
Sleek, tiny, and fast, the Maxxum 70 is perfect for touring. Metering is excellent, and focusing is accurate. I like being able to choose focus points and metering modes. The max shutter speed of 1/2000 is annoying at times, but I have ND filters that address that problem. I tend to think of the Maxxum 70 (and Maxxum 5) as a great P&S rather than an SLR and use it like that. It beats out the 7000 purely on size and weight. Oddly, I have only one Maxxum 70, but I have a set of 7000s.
1. Maxxum 7
Perfection always wins, and the Maxxum 7 is perfect. I have never missed a shot with a Maxxum 7. Metering is dead accurate, AF speed is excellent, and there is a clearly labeled button for whatever one desires to do. The back panel LCD provides shot-by-shot exposure info, so it is possible to review settings for past shots. Even better, it has built-in memory for storing exposure data for seven rolls of 36-frame film. The DoF button, when used with D lenses, shows the measured distance to the object and DoF in a diagram on the back panel. One can also view metering data on the back panel. If shooting a roll, you can remove it, put in another roll, then put the first back, and the camera will advance the film to the frame where you left off. When I’m very particular about an image, I use the Maxxum 7. I think everyone should shoot a Maxxum 7 at least once.
Owning a Minolta 7000i was once a dream and is now a reality. Even the cameras I haven’t taken to have been part of a great VMLP experience, which I truly feel blessed to be doing. Well, now you know my favorite Minolta AF Sevens–what are yours?