tonythebullet
Newbie
Long time lurker, first time poster here. I caught the RF bug thanks to this forum. I have a couple of Electros and a Zorki, which I have been enjoying using since I became obsessed with RFs earlier this year. On a recent trip to the local pawn shop, I spotted a mint condition Minolta Hi-Matic 7s for a price I couldn't turn down. I popped in a roll of Fuji Superia Xtra 400 and went out to capture the pretty fall colours. Here are some initial thoughts in an effort to contribute to the forum.
The camera didn't come with a battery (uses PX625) so I brought my trusted $5 Sekonic Selenium light meter along. I like the fact that the camera can be used in full manual mode. Other rangefinders of similar vintage with manual mode are going for quite a lot, so just this feature alone makes me satisfied with the purchase. My experience with rangefinders has mostly been limited to my two Yashicas, so I will be comparing the two a lot. The viewfinder is nice and bright and I prefer it to that of the Electro. The body is slightly smaller than the Yashica but it feels more solid. The shutter speed and aperture settings are on the lens barrel and I found them easier to change than the Canonet I recently handled. The focusing ring is at the base of the lens barrel like the Yashica but only has one tab at the base so I was able to focus with with one finger. I find the focusing ring on the Yashica to be awkward. I haven't tested the camera with a battery yet so I am not sure how it works in Auto mode or how accurate the exposure meter is. The lens is sharp but does not compare to the Yashinon, which is undoubtedly superior. The optics are prone to glare when shooting directly at the sun. I have yet to test it in low light so it remains to be seen how it performs wide open. Overall, I quite like the Hi-matic. I find it much nicer to handle than the Yashica but have reservations about the optical performance. I have only shot with Supera Xtra, which I consider to be test film as I find the results from it leaving quite a bit to be desired. I need to test it with some real film before I make up my mind. I would recommend the HiMatic to anyone if you can find it in good condition for $20-30.
Here are some sample shots:
The camera didn't come with a battery (uses PX625) so I brought my trusted $5 Sekonic Selenium light meter along. I like the fact that the camera can be used in full manual mode. Other rangefinders of similar vintage with manual mode are going for quite a lot, so just this feature alone makes me satisfied with the purchase. My experience with rangefinders has mostly been limited to my two Yashicas, so I will be comparing the two a lot. The viewfinder is nice and bright and I prefer it to that of the Electro. The body is slightly smaller than the Yashica but it feels more solid. The shutter speed and aperture settings are on the lens barrel and I found them easier to change than the Canonet I recently handled. The focusing ring is at the base of the lens barrel like the Yashica but only has one tab at the base so I was able to focus with with one finger. I find the focusing ring on the Yashica to be awkward. I haven't tested the camera with a battery yet so I am not sure how it works in Auto mode or how accurate the exposure meter is. The lens is sharp but does not compare to the Yashinon, which is undoubtedly superior. The optics are prone to glare when shooting directly at the sun. I have yet to test it in low light so it remains to be seen how it performs wide open. Overall, I quite like the Hi-matic. I find it much nicer to handle than the Yashica but have reservations about the optical performance. I have only shot with Supera Xtra, which I consider to be test film as I find the results from it leaving quite a bit to be desired. I need to test it with some real film before I make up my mind. I would recommend the HiMatic to anyone if you can find it in good condition for $20-30.
Here are some sample shots:
NickTrop
Veteran
These are really nice! Especially the first one. Welcome. I notice you have quite a collection of RFs already. Careful 
They're like peanuts... right? Can't have just one.
They're like peanuts... right? Can't have just one.
Gary E
Well-known
I miss mine dearly and got great photos from it. It has been tucked far away as I've moved temporarily for work. I found a mint black version for $35 years ago, but due to a stupid incident the bottom is no longer mint.
patois
Established
I like. I've been on a hi-matic kick for a while now, they are such great little cameras.
ebolton
Number 7614
I have one, and also a GSN, and agree with your evaluation, mostly. I don't care for the ergonomics of the 7s so much. To me, the 7s feels much more rugged than the GSN. The meter is great on mine, and having metered manual mode is unusual on this class of cameras and a great asset IMO. On mine, the lens is battered but it still produces great shots...I think it's better optically than you credit it for.