New Here, Just bought a Minolta 7s

[SFM]

Hello All,
I just purchased a Minolta 7s. Haven't received it yet. I'm looking for anyone who has experience using this camera and can give advice on what to look for when I get it to be sure it is in working order.
I've never used an RF camera and thought I'd take on a new learning experience and improve my overall photographic skills (or perhaps get some skills).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[reagan]

IMHO, (with limited experience) they're great cameras. Big VF and a nice sharp lens. You'll enjoy it. ... And Welcome to RFF!

 

[davidbivins]

Without knowing your workflow it's difficult to say exactly how to test it. It's a great camera.
Check that it focuses well and that, when the images align, they align vertically and horizontally at the same time. Focus on a pinpoint of light or a complex object.
The lens might "jiggle" a bit. That's pretty normal for this camera. But just a bit.
Checking the meter is more difficult. You can check it against a known, good meter, or you can take it out for a walk and shoot some film and then see the results. With negative film processed by whomever, you won't necessarily see a lot of problems if it's in the ballpark because the processing systems can compensate for mediocre exposure. So you can either develop yourself (if you have that capability) or shoot a short roll of slide film and have it developed. Either way, you can see how much you need to compensate the ASA to get a correctly-exposed auto mode shot. In manual mode, it's irrelevant. You set it yourself and you're done.
The lens is really nice. As long as it works mechanically, it's a good camera. Even if the meter doesn't work, it's a good camera.
PM (private message) me if you need help. I shot with two of these for a while.

 

[Kat]

When something new arrives, I do the ff.:

-put in a battery, test the meter to see if the needle, etc. moves and is accurate
-move around all the things that can--shutter button, advnce lever, rewind lever, rewind button, ISO adjustment, speed and apperture rings, focus rings, etc.
-check if the shutter blades open and close whenever shutter is clicked, and if there's a difference when speed is set high and low
-Look through VF, try to see if the RF is properly aligned
-check the lens against a light source by putting speed at B, apperture wide open, and holding down shutter button just to see if the lens are clean and clear
-open the back and see if it's clean, condition of the seals, any broken teeth or missing sprockets.

 

[SFM]

Thanks for the advice. Still haven't received the camera yet but I'll check it as advised.

 

[rolleiv]

Greetings!

Greetings!

I have a HiMatic 7S and really like the lens. Also, I'm a newbie to the group, like you. Don't forget to check the take-up spool. Put your thumb on it while winding to see if there is tension. Sometimes the clutch spring on these cameras can break.

 

[darkkavenger]

Hello and welcome! I owned an Hi-Matic F and it was a very satisfying and reliable camera... however I offered it to a friend whose camera was broken. 🙂 Be well!

max

 

[shutterfiend]

I bought mine recently for $15 (includes shipping). How much did you pay for yours?
I'm a newbie too. I'm new to rangefinders as well.
The only thing I can say about this camera is that it works better in sunlight or in well-lit areas. f/Stops jump from 1.8 to 2.8 but shrink all the way down to 22. Use ASA 100 film outdoors for best results.

 

[SFM]

I bought two

I bought two

I couldn't resist and bought another 7s. Paid $13.00. I did this as I wanted another one in the off chance there would be something wrong with the first and with these prices I didn't see how I could go wrong. Unless of course I get two duds. Still haven't received the first one (Christmas mail volume).
Thanks all for the input.
By the way I've also seen some pretty high prices for the 7sii. Does it's additional features warrant the prices I've seen on E-Bay- $150.00 +, or is this typical auction frenzy?

 

[David Murphy]

Hello All,
I just purchased a Minolta 7s. Haven't received it yet. I'm looking for anyone who has experience using this camera and can give advice on what to look for when I get it to be sure it is in working order.
I've never used an RF camera and thought I'd take on a new learning experience and improve my overall photographic skills (or perhaps get some skills).

Any feedback would be appreciated.

They have a very sharp lens, and acceptable mechanics. The meters are not worth bothering with in my opinion -- of limited use and reliability. Get a handheld meter or learn to set exposure by experience using the standard guidelines. It's an inexpensive, fun camera that can make excellent pictures.

 

[Kat]

If I'm not mistaken, the 7sII has a high premium for its compact size and cosmetic appearance. Although I don't think they usually go at 150USD, maybe nearer around $80-100.