Minolta hi-matic 7s

[Eomund@go.com]

I have just recently accuired a Minolta Hi-Matic 7s and was looking for some opinions on this camera. It is in really good condition. I also accuired a Canonet GIII QL-17, but when I tried adjusting the ASA setting I think I broke it because the film advance lever will not move any more and the shuter release button does nothing. Are these two cameras comparable? Is the minolta worth running a roll of film through?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Eomund@go.com]

Yes. The GIII was working. I was inspecting the working parts of the camera to see that they all worked. I tried moving the ASA lever, which is kind of small, and it moved with some difficulty. I thought that it might have been in that position for a while and was a little "Frozen", but it never loosend up. I also put a battery in it to test the light meter, and read somewhere that if the light is too much for the camera it will lock it up. I do not have that battery any more because I sold a light meter and included the battery with it. I didn't want to get another battery if the camera is broken.

 

[jon_flanders]

I think I broke it because the film advance lever will not move any more and the shuter release button does nothing.
Thanks,
Jeff

If the Canon QL 17 meter is working correctly, some ASA settings will freeze the shutter because the exposure is out of range for the lens diaphragm and shutter speed.

Try a faster ASA , slower shutter speed , bigger diaphragm setting and see what happens.

 

[cbass]

The Hi-Matic 7s is a really nice camera. I've owned two of them in the past and I really enjoyed them both (the shed picture in my gallery was taken with the 7s). I'd still have mine but it was put out of work once the Bessa arrived.

The Hi-Matic has a very sharp and fast lens, and you can operate the camera in full manual mode as long as you don't mind using a handheld meter or Sunny 16. If your meter is working you can get by with a modern 1.5 volt PX 625 battery by compensating the ISO slightly downwards. Here's a tip: if you move the ASA/ISO switch all the way to the end it will de-activate the meter.

These older Hi-Matics will often need to have the light seal material replaced, but that's an easy job that you can do yourself in about 30 minutes. Also, the shutters can sometimes be slowed or frozen by accumulated grit and grime. Again, you can probably remedy this yourself with a little effort. I'm sure other RFF members can advise you on the procedure if needed.

If you've got a clean working Hi-Matic then it should serve you well for many years. It's a dandy shooter, and often overlooked in favor of the more sought-after Canonets, Yashica Electros and Konica Auto S cameras. In my opinion, the Hi-Matic is equal to them all and is an under-rated gem.

Enjoy yours and please post some photos!

 

[Trius]

The only thing I don't like about the 7s is the size and feel. But that is a really personal thing. It IS a good shooter, I just haven't used it as much as I could/should since I have so many other RFs vying for my time. 😀

One of the features I DO like a lot is the film-loaded indicator. Just under the film advance lever is a little window. If film is would on, a red flag appears in the window. Nice touch.

Also, IIRC, the camera does work in metered manual mode.

Earl

 

[cbass]

Also, IIRC, the camera does work in metered manual mode.

Earl, you are 100% correct. I meant to say that the camera will still offer full manual operation even without the battery. With the battery, you do get manual metering (EV-based, if I recall...?).

Sorry for the confusion. 😕

After my last post I got a sudden GAS attack and went cruising on evilbay for a nice Hi-Matic 7/7s/9/11. Gosh, I'm hopeless...

 

[RJBender]

I like the leaf shutter and flash sync at all speeds.

R.J.