Minolta Hi Matic RF. Which to choose?

[SamPhillips]

I'm new to the Rangefinder game. I want a great RF for a low price (as does everyone). I'm currently looking at Minolta Hi-Matic 7, 7s, and 9. I've heard that the meter is amazing in the 7s, is that the same for the hi matic 9? Is the hi matic 7's meter pretty close to being as good as the one in the 7s? And if you own one of these I'd like here your opinions too.

This is my first post on rangefinderforum so I apologize if there's a beginner thread that I did not see.

Thank you.

 

[Ranchu]

Welcome. I have the 9, I would recommend it. It has program and non metered Manual exposure, and flashmatic, Program up to 1/250th, Manual has 1/500th. The lens is usually a little loose on the body on these 7, 7s, and 9. You have to go pretty far in to tighten it up again. Further than I have wanted to. It doesn't seem to affect anything. Meter seems fine to me, mainly the camera is big. I have a minoltina al-s that I like better, mainly because it's smaller and the shutter release is smoother...

 

[SamPhillips]

Thank you! The meter doesn't work in manual mode? I thought it did. I guess I heard wrong then.

 

[Ranchu]

Cripes. It's been a couple years since I used it. I could be wrong. edit:just looked at the manual, you're right! The meter gives you an EV, which you transfer to the lens in aperture and shutter speed (lens has an EV readout as well as aperture and shutter speed). I used a varta silver oxide battery with the washer/ring thing that comes on a wein cell, meter worked fine set 1/3 stop lower ASA.

 

[AlexBG]

I had a 7 with a broken meter, loved the lens so much nearly splashed out for an s2. The 7, 7s and 9 are quite big so i got a minoltina s (minolta al-s) instead, no battery needed as has a soleniom meter. Working ones go for about £20/£30 on eBay. An al-s (same camera) goes for £100.

Also see here http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66747

 

[Flood]

I have 2 Hi-Matic 7sII and can recommend them. I really like the compact size. The meter works fine with hearing aid batteries and it can be used fully manual, although the meter doesn't work in this configuration.

The 40mm f/1.7 is a great little lens.

 

[peppard]

I am a Rokkor glass fan. I have a number of SLR Minolta cameras and lenses, and I just had a Hi-Matic 9 serviced by David Easterwood (he did a great job, by the way). The camera is big, heavy and substantial: it's very solid and takes great photos. I never use the meter, as I measure incident light or f16. I also have an Hi-Matic F, small, compact, light, but all auto. You need to focus only. The meter iv very accurate, by the way.It's with me all the time because of its size, and the glass is fantastic. You can't really go wrong with the Rokkor glass.

Cheers,
Giorgio

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I have the Minolta 7SII. It had the battery modification. You will need to check on that issue as many cameras from the era used Mercury batteries and need modification. With modification they will use LR44 batteries, which are readily available.

 

[B-9]

My favorite Hi-Matic is the model FP, cheap, small, black, with a gorgeous Rokkor lens!

Honestly, any Hi Matic will give you great photos, even the easily found AF2 (which sports a useful flash)

Also, Wein still sells the mercury cells for these cameras, you can also purchase a ready-made battery adapter at similar cost to use Zinc Air cells.