Pro Level Minolta Camera w/ Sophisticated Features and Style

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to shoot with pretty much every notable Maxxum film camera, including the original 5000,  7000 and 9000, many "i" series cameras, the 7xi and 700si, as well as several of the smaller, lighter "si" cameras and the Maxxum 5. The 700si is my undeniable favorite.

It has been a "photographic" example of Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection as Minolta engineers modified, improved and in some cases, dropped features and concepts with each successive line up. Each evolutionary step for the most part brought with it significant improvements in metering, AF performance and ergonomic design, culminating with the introduction of the 700si and its brethren. Years of shooting with a 7000 makes me appreciate the 700si that much more!

The placement of buttons and features on the 700si is as close to perfect as you'll find. The ability to intuitively adjust exposure while composing is easily done, thanks to the excellent and familiar layout. Eye-start autofocus (which is defeatable should you prefer) is a beautiful complement to the other system elements. It's not a necessity, but I believe it does expedite composing and improves the photographers' chances in shooting spontaneous scenes. I wouldn't shoot without it. For those unfamiliar with the system, there are sensors in the grip and eyepiece that activate the AF system as you draw the camera to your eye so that the scene is in perfect focus by the time you begin composing. No need to "half press" the shutter release to activate the AF. Simply shoot once you are composed.

A convenient pop up flash, red-eye suppression, wireless flash capability with 2:1 ratio control (with specific Minolta flash units), and slow synch shooting offer everything most photographers would require for flash photography, and the Minolta expansion card system economically allows the user to further tailor controls or add esoteric features, shooting modes and data storage to the camera.

The technical aspects of the camera leave the photographer with an arsenal of shooting versatility for tackling almost any lighting situation or composition. An internet search will produce many sites that list all the details, but suffice to say that over a decade after its introduction, the camera remains essentially state-of-the-art.

As I've mentioned in my 700si listings, I find the camera to be well built, versatile, ultra responsive, fast and quiet. The controls are sensitive, yet deliberate and the body is a comfortable fit in the hand. The styling is very nice and remains fashionably current.

If you own, or are contemplating a 700si purchase, check out the VC-700 Vertical Grip. This is the must have accessory for this camera. It replicates all the shooting and adjustment controls so that they are in the natural position when you hold the camera vertically. The VC-700 powers the camera with a 2CR5 Lithium battery or allows the use of more economical AA alkalines. Finally, it adds a little more "substance" to the camera when attached. And it looks great! It is an engineering marvel. There's even a clip on the VC-700 for the 700si battery cover (which must be removed from the 700si to attach the VC-700. This is easily done, and more importantly, you won't lose the cover when it is popped into the storage area.)

There is no denying that the Maxxum 7 has even more features and is slightly more technically advanced being a newer release. However, when you start looking at "dollars and sense", I find it hard to justify paying more than double for that little bit extra. If you've taken your film photography to the top tier of professional film photography, you might dispute that opinion. As digital becomes the medium of choice, the 700si has dropped in price to about 1/4 to 1/5 of its original list price, a pleasant side effect of the digital revolution. Now that I have joined the revolution and picked up a 7D, my 700si has found its way into my daughter's camera bag and she has the pleasure of using it.

Consider that the difference in price between a Maxxum 7000 and 700si is about $60 and the fact that the camera body is the heart and soul of your entire system. If you are searching Ebay for a replacement Maxxum film camera or a second body to complement your existing system, it makes sense to get a 700si. One caveat would be for those photographers who want to replace a broken or lost 7000. Because they know their 7000 inside out, are comfortable and satisfied with it, and don't want to tackle the complexity of all the features built in to the 700si, they should likely stick with what they know.

But, if you are a photographer who is ready to take on those extra features and capabilities to enhance your photographic skills, the 700si is for you. You may think that you won't need "all those buttons", but even if you don't, the much better performance and ergonomic conveniences more than justify that small additional cost. And you are getting a well built camera body that is likely in better shape and about 15 years newer than a 7000.

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