Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII fixing and testing

[farlymac]

A few years back I got this 7sII at a junk store in perfect cosmetic condition. It just had a couple of issues, such as a loose viewfinder window, and bad light seals. So, one day in 2021 I opened it up and re-glued all the windows (view, range, and counter), plus replaced the seals. Took it out three times for a test on a roll of Kodak Ektar 100 (why does that stuff always scan so off color?). I think it's the scanner operator just putting everything on automatic and walking away.

Anyhow, the camera performed well though the entire roll was a bit over exposed (again, it could be the scanner operator because all my color film in that batch from five different cameras looks the same). I may be switching labs again.

It's a keeper of a camera, so I won't be selling it, but might gift it further down the road.


Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII on Stand by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Love Rotation by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Southern Over The River by P F McFarland, on Flickr

More to come

PF

 

[farlymac]

Alternate Town Sign by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Hanging In There by P F McFarland, on Flickr


AAA by P F McFarland, on Flickr

For the complete test photos with commentary, please go to Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII Post Repair Test

PF

 

[Zuiko-logist]

Alternate Town Sign by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Hanging In There by P F McFarland, on Flickr


AAA by P F McFarland, on Flickr

For the complete test photos with commentary, please go to Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII Post Repair Test

PF

I like the last one.

Always worth saving a 7Sii.

 

[rover]

Of the fixed lens RF cameras I owned the Hi-Matic 7sII was my favorite. I am a big fan of the Rokkor lenses and the one on this camera is very representative of the family.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I prefer the Minolta 7s-II over the Konica S-3, sold the latter. The viewfinder of the S-3 has a cemented pair, and the cement hazed up. The Minolta does not use a cemented pair, the viewfinder glass can be cleaned.

 

[KoNickon]

Those conveyor trestles are quite something! I'm surprised some daredevils haven't scaled them to tag them with graffiti. This is basically a derelict site? I'm surprised it hasn't been fenced off. Nothing like abandoned industrial sites for great photo opps.

Great pictures too, by the way!

 

[farlymac]

Those conveyor trestles are quite something! I'm surprised some daredevils haven't scaled them to tag them with graffiti. This is basically a derelict site? I'm surprised it hasn't been fenced off. Nothing like abandoned industrial sites for great photo opps.

Great pictures too, by the way!

Alta Vista isn't much of an urban center, it's one of those places where everyone knows everyone else, and what everyone is into. Kind of keeps the shame factor up when folks start acting out. Thanks for the compliment.

PF

 

[farlymac]

I like the last one.

Always worth saving a 7Sii.

Thanks.

PF

 

[farlymac]

Of the fixed lens RF cameras I owned the Hi-Matic 7sII was my favorite. I am a big fan of the Rokkor lenses and the one on this camera is very representative of the family.

I've always been happy using Minolta lenses.

PF

 

[farlymac]

I prefer the Minolta 7s-II over the Konica S-3, sold the latter. The viewfinder of the S-3 has a cemented pair, and the cement hazed up. The Minolta does not use a cemented pair, the viewfinder glass can be cleaned.

I quit my pursuit of the S3 long ago when there was none to be had at a decent price point. I was fine with using a C35. Good to know about that viewfinder issue.

PF

 

[splitimageview]

Excellent set of photos!

These little cameras are really all anyone needs. Oops, is that ok to say? 😀

I tried all the usual suspects including the Vivitar 35ES, Canonet QL17, Olympus 35RC/RD/SP, 7sII, and S3. Can’t go wrong with any of them, assuming of course they are in full working order. 🙂 (Unfortunately every RD I’ve had ended up with sticky shutter syndrome so I’d recommend skipping that one.)

I ultimately kept the little S3, my copy has a great clear VF and strong RF patch.

 

[farlymac]

Excellent set of photos!

These little cameras are really all anyone needs. Oops, is that ok to say? 😀

I tried all the usual suspects including the Vivitar 35ES, Canonet QL17, Olympus 35RC/RD/SP, 7sII, and S3. Can’t go wrong with any of them, assuming of course they are in full working order. 🙂 (Unfortunately every RD I’ve had ended up with sticky shutter syndrome so I’d recommend skipping that one.)

I ultimately kept the little S3, my copy has a great clear VF and strong RF patch.

Thanks.

PF