Is the First Autofocus SLR actually any good?

Minolta Maxxum 7000. Minolta AF 35-70mm f4 and Minolta AF 70-210mm F3.5-4.5 Lenses.
FDesert City by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
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Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/omapan 400 developed in 510-Pyro

[@VideoRAMS.]

Its a real nice camera. I got one two years ago and, curiously, I had the same problems you mentioned (all of them). But anyway is a pleasure to take photos with the MAXXUM 7000. Nice video. Thanks

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks. I think the camera is going to get used a lot (as long as the tiny peice of grit has gone from the film path). I like my autofocus Minoltas. Cheers, Keith

[@Big.E]

As always great video

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks for watching! Cheers, Keith

[@jimgraves4197]

You will be fine developing C41. Like most things in life, it's only scary the first time.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Jim. I hope so! Actually, I'm looking forward to it. Cheers, Keith

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Hi Keith, a great video.
I never understood why Minolta never became a major player, they were always at the cutting edge. Maybe it was too much too soon. Comparing this to the Canon EOS 650 (the first EF mount, 1987) the Minolta kills it. (If you want to do a comparison I have a 650 with a 35-70 that you can borrow.)
Tempted to do C41 but it's the short shelf life of the chemicals that keep putting me off.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Andrew. I think that Minolta brought too many new models, too similar to what they had already released, especially the AF SLRs, but they certainly were often ahead of the field. As for C-41 - I may only do the rolls I already have, but I do want to have a go. Cheers, Keith

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Not a bad first film through the new Minolta, Keith. Now you have me worried as I have a couple of fomapan films sat here.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Andrew. I've had some great results with Fomapan, and just a couple of less good experiences. Luckily I haven't lost any crucial sets of shots. Cheers, Keith

[@jeffslade1892]

The honour for first autofocus SLR goes to the Chinon CE-5 some four years earlier. Its autofocus was not very good and was done in the special lenses which did talk to the camera body, but it did show the way forwards.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Jeff. I know there were other cameras with autofocus before this one. I should have said Minolta were the first company to get it right 🤣 Cheers, Keith

[@swannmannbaggywaggy]

Nice pictures. I know Frameworks! If you have doubts about the camera body you may find some of the later models a good buy, they are all cheap and use the same lenses. I have the 7000i and the 404Si which is like a smaller version of the same thing although a lot more modern.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks. I have a Dynax 500si and a 300si as well. I think the 7000 body is fine and I will be running another film through it soon. Cheers, Keith

[@McSeahorse]

Just a heads up. Alnwick Auctions has absolutely shedloads of cameras in the upcoming catalogue. A fair few Russian paperweights, a smattering of assorted junk, and a couple of boxes I might have a punt at myself.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks for that. I will investigate. Cheers, Keith

[@iainmc9859]

You can of course use any old Sony 'A' mount lenses with it as well. The new 'A' mounts (post E mount) lenses don't have the original 'A' mount fitting, so be careful you don't confuse the two - thanks Sony 😖
Colour chems don't last so well once made up so its worthwhile developing multiple rolls over a weekend rather than one roll a month.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Iain. I will be trying to keep my productivity up by shooting more often. I don't think there is much chance of me buying any lenses newer than mid-80s, but thanks for the heads-up. Cheers, Keith

[@roybixby6135]

Far from the first AF DSLR but the first done right .. 🦘

[@theoldunsshot1005]

Thanks Roy. Of course the systems that came before were encumbered with the focus motor being on the lens, which meant the lenses would be more complicated and expensive. Minolta obviously thought this through. Cheers, Keith