Happy Maxxum 9, but where's digital?

Awhile back, I traded a Nikon F5 for a Minolta Maxxum 9 and am very

pleased with the change. The Minolta is easier to use, far lighter

and more compact, and an all around pleasure.

 

It's traveled around the country with me in a small Lowenpro case

with a 24-80 lens and always performed flawlessly. At the prices I

see for the 9, I wonder why it doesn'[t cut into the F100 market

more. It's a far better body. It feels great in the hand.

 

On the basis of my satgisfaction with Minolta, I wish it had greater

market share in this country (US).

 

I fail to see any real bargains on used Minolta lenses, though. Maybe

I'm looking in the wrong places, i.e. Keh and B&H. I'd love to step

up to the 35 1.4 and 85mm 1.2 lenses. They don't come cheap!

 

Any recommendations for web sites I should visit?

 

And, what about a Minolta Maxxum digital back? I really need a

digital camera, and often cast covetous glances at the D100 and Canon

10D.

 

Has anyone heard about a forthcoming Maxxum digital camera? It's

needed to complete the line.

 

Roger

Roger,<br>

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I love the quality of the Minolta bodies (I use a pair of 7s), and I've got a big investment in lenses... but where are the upgrades? It seems that Minolta is sort of leaving their high-end users behind. It could have something to do with their recent money troubles and the merger, but I don't know. They will be releasing the new SSM lenses sometime soon.<br><bR>

 

As for used lenses, some real bargains pop up on KEH from time to time. I got a 200/2.8 for $390, and a 50/1.7 for $23!! Just keep an eye out and you'll strike gold eventually.

Share your feelings. Using Minolta for the past 15 years and right now shoot with a Maxxum7 (love that camera). I was waiting for a digital Maxxum as well but I recently decided to not wait any longer and also bought the Canon Eos 10d. Great Camera. Bearing in mind the success of the digital SLR`s from Canon and Nikon I don`t understand Minolta.

Recently I got an email from Minolta asking for my input on a Minolta DSLR, so hopefully they are just finalizing the feature set and will announce soon.

 

Still holding hope (but not much longer),

Steve

Pardon the long post, but I have two emails here regarding digital SLRs from Minolta.

I've also heard that the Dimage 7s are being used as a proving ground for a DSLR.

<br><br>

From: Lydia_Kirchel@minoltaeurope.com<br>

Subject: Re: Questions regarding Minolta products

<br><br>

Dear Neil,

<br><br>

we are always happy to hear from satisfied customers.

<br><br>

Sales start of the new SSM lenses (70-200 SSM F2.8) in Europe is in August

and I guess it will be the same in the US. But this is only a guess

<br><br>

Regarding your request about an all-digital SLR with interchangeable lenses

only the following can be said:

<br><br>

As this area is still under developmental consideration, we are unable to comment at

this time.

<br><br>

In general, Minolta strives to meet the requirements of professional photographers as

well as photo hobbyists. As such, we are currently investigating the development of a

digital camera based on a SLR with an interchangeable lens system, but unfortunately

cannot relay any concrete information at the moment.

<br><br>

Kind regards,

Lydia Kirchel

 

<br><br><br>

I came across the following on a forum -- I'm not sure of the validity, but it couldn't

hurt to fill it out and send it off.

<br><br>

<br>

To: photohelp@Minolta.co.uk

Subject: DSLR Questionnaire

<br>

<br>1) How many pixels do you hope to have in a digital SLR camera?

<br>2) Are you prepared to make the sacrifice of losing wide angle?

capability without the additional expense of an ultra wide angle?

<br>3) What price do you anticipate a digital SLR to be, body only?

<br>4) What Minolta equipment do you have presently?

<br>5) What additional equipment do you anticipate buying?

<br>6) What experience have you had to date with either digital cameras or film

scanners?

<br>7) Do you use photography for your living? If so, what improvements to

your business will a digital SLR offer?

<br>8) If you have already had a digital camera what type of digital memory

are you using and what is your maximum card capacity?

<br>9) If you wish to add any additional feedback please do.

Everybody around me use either Canon or Nikon, and they are already on the digital boat. I love my Maxxum 7 but I can see the benefits of digital are numerous.

 

The only reason I haven't dropped my entire Minolta system and switched to another brand is because Minolta seems to please their customers far beyond their expectations...it's just that they do it a little too late.

 

I'm basing that reasoning on the Maxxum 9, and specially the Maxxum 7. They were released way after Canon and Nikon had released their two high-end cameras, and in my opinion, the Minoltas are far better.

So, I hope that in the next year or so, Minolta will finally release a DSLR, and it will be a magnificent pleasure, truly a drool-generator for Canoners and Nikoners :-)