As Pretty as They Come.

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>Until a couple of days ago, I thought I'd seen every model of the Minolta Hi-Matic range, and then this came along, a <em>black</em> Hi-Matic 7S.</p><div></div>

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>I have a couple of the black-and silver versions of this camera, and I know there's a somewhat rare black version of the Hi-Matic 7SII, but I've never before seen a 7S in black livery. I'm delighted with this camera; the finish is absolutely faultless, the lens is an immaculate 45mm f/1.8 Rokkor-PF with just enough chrome detailing on the barrel to offset the black enamel finish, everything clicks and whirs as smooth as silk and I'd surmise that the camera's seen very little use. I'd have to rate it as a contender for "Best-Looking Camera I Own".<br /><br />Is this moderately rare? Can anyone comment on other black copies they may be acquainted with?</p>

[craigd]

<p>Ooh! Pretty! Never seen one of those before. If they are rare, it may be because everyone who ever bought one refuses to let go of it. And that one's in gorgeous condition; it looks like you just broke the original shrinkwrap on the box two minutes ago.</p>

<p>And need I even mention the typically lovely Drawbridge camera porn... with an interesting scene reflected in the lens...</p>

[rod_larson]

<p>A couple of years ago we were visiting some friends in Maryland. On a shelf on the stairway<br>

they had put all the old cameras their parents had owned. Among the lot was what looked like<br>

a never used black Hi-Matic 7s. I took it down, checked it over, and told my friend we were<br>

going to find a battery and some film and he could give it a try and see how he liked it.</p>

<p>Well, it performed flawlessly and he was very impressed.</p>

[ralf_j.]

<p>Beautiful, elegant, and ready for action. All the way on the other side of the globe, but belonging to capable hands and well experienced eye. Pics please.</p>

[richard_beisigl]

<p>What great looking camera Rick.<br>

All of the thrift stores around here, have nothing but junk cameras, so I am envious of you and others who find great cameras int thrift stores or other places.<br>

How is the "new home" coming along?</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>She's a looker alright! Lucky dude.</p>

[frank_scheitrowsky1]

There is also a 7S ll, which is more compact.

[cary_chin1]

<p>Wow, very pretty camera, kind of wish I had one! I have always loved black vintage cameras.</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>Congratulations.</p>

[chuck_foreman1]

<p>The new Flame is always the hottest! But best of...?? You've got some others that would clearly sweep me of my feest for looks!</p>

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>Thanks for the comments! It would seem that this black version is a fairly rare beast, indeed. The "new home' is a temporary situation for six weeks, <strong>Richard</strong>, until we move again to the proper new home, and I've commandeered a corner of the living space as a photographic area, hence the rather domestic reflections, as <strong>Craig</strong> noted! And you're quite right, <strong>Chuck</strong>, but I'll get over it...</p>

[howardstanbury]

<p>Fabulous - I look forward to seeing some pictures from the camera.</p>

[gnashings]

<p>soooo cool! I've always wanted a black QL17 to go with my "normal" one... but I guess I don't want one bad enough to pay the price... Perhaps someday, and your minolta, looking all elegant and understated makes me think that's very likely to happen. Its a very pretty little camera - congrats.</p>

<p>(did anyone else notice that we congratulate each other on camera purchases kind of like people do when someone has a baby? :) )</p>

[craigd]

<blockquote>

<p>(did anyone else notice that we congratulate each other on camera purchases kind of like people do when someone has a baby? :) )</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I'm not sure I understand your point. Are you suggesting that there's a difference?</p>

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>Thanks, <strong>Peter</strong> and <strong>Craig</strong>, for your customary perceptive observations. Let's face it, most of the fun in this forum comes from "show-offs" such as myself, sharing the pleasure of acquiring something desirable. After all, what fun would there be in sitting a lonely midnight room, all alone with a guttering candle, fondling the latest photographic acquisition? Actually, it might well come to that...</p>

<p>Babies, however, are different; noisier, more demanding and really much more fun. And more expensive than most of my kit. However, I take your point. And thanks <strong>Howard</strong>, I'll see what I can do, in due course.</p>

[gnashings]

<p>Point well taken, Craig :)</p>