Minolta Dynax 7xi
'The Minolta Dynax 7xi is one of the most innovative AF SLRs available'. With this sentence the manual of the 7xi starts. In fact in 1991 Minolta was so keen on introducing all these innovations, that they entirely forgot about the photographer. The moment you pick up a 7xi and put it to your eye, the camera starts to focus, zooms in or out (with xi lenses) and measures the light. The moment you think you're ready to take the picture, you're in fact totally annoyed by all this activity you didn't ask for. Minolta called this 'fuzzy logic' in their bogus marketeers language. I ask myself: how on earth did Minolta come to think they had to introduce a camera for complete morons? Remember the 7-series was always intended for advanced amateurs. The people who have basic knowledge of photographic principles and whom are very able to figure out technical equipment.
With this camera Minolta put her comfortable position at the top of AF SLR sales at stake. And let me tell you this: Minolta lost. Introducing all kinds of automatics nobody ever asked for and nobody ever needed. Leaving out essential photographic possibilities like a depth-of-field preview button or exposure bracketing, is like shooting your own foot. Yes you can get some by entering little chipcards into the side door. In those days one had to pay Minolta extra for functions every Canon or Nikon had standard.
Besides all this, usability of the 7xi is terrible. An easy large 'P' button for 'everything auto', but beware if you want anything else. You're obliged to remember all kinds of complex button-pushes-and-wheel-turns to get wat you want. Or you'll be forced to fumble around with the tiny buttons in the side door. The only positive thing is that the 7xi feels good in the hand. Physical ergonomics are top. Though many people disliked the 7xi's design. I personally do like it. With its broad shoulders but good ergonomics.
I own two 7xi's. The first in mint condition and good working order, one day stopped working entirely. Nothing had happened! In fact I hadn't used it for a while. It had just died. Out of nothing. Then I bought me a 'new' one, because I like the cameras in my collection to function decently. This works until to day. All this didn't give me the feeling that 7xi's are very relaible, though my problem may be incidental.
As you might understand, todays usability is low. There are many better Minolta options out there for the same (low) price.
With this camera Minolta put her comfortable position at the top of AF SLR sales at stake. And let me tell you this: Minolta lost. Introducing all kinds of automatics nobody ever asked for and nobody ever needed. Leaving out essential photographic possibilities like a depth-of-field preview button or exposure bracketing, is like shooting your own foot. Yes you can get some by entering little chipcards into the side door. In those days one had to pay Minolta extra for functions every Canon or Nikon had standard.
Besides all this, usability of the 7xi is terrible. An easy large 'P' button for 'everything auto', but beware if you want anything else. You're obliged to remember all kinds of complex button-pushes-and-wheel-turns to get wat you want. Or you'll be forced to fumble around with the tiny buttons in the side door. The only positive thing is that the 7xi feels good in the hand. Physical ergonomics are top. Though many people disliked the 7xi's design. I personally do like it. With its broad shoulders but good ergonomics.
I own two 7xi's. The first in mint condition and good working order, one day stopped working entirely. Nothing had happened! In fact I hadn't used it for a while. It had just died. Out of nothing. Then I bought me a 'new' one, because I like the cameras in my collection to function decently. This works until to day. All this didn't give me the feeling that 7xi's are very relaible, though my problem may be incidental.
As you might understand, todays usability is low. There are many better Minolta options out there for the same (low) price.
| maxxum7ximanual-part1.pdf |
| maxxum7ximanual-part2.pdf |
| maxxum7ximanual-part3.pdf |
