Minolta Hi-Matic 7SII Review
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- Опубліковано 2 сер 2024
- In this episode, Greg and I review the Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII, a fixed-lens 35mm rangefinder from 1977 which is known for its wonderful optical performance, compact form factor and light weight. We took the camera out on a photo walk in Würzburg around Christmas to shoot some Christmas market scenes on Agfa Precisia 100.
Gear used:
Minolta Hi-Matic 7SII
Film used:
Agfa Precisia 100
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: / analog_insights
I picked up a Mint condition one a week ago. Your video was a huge help in my getting to know the camera. Well done
I have the original Minolta 7S and it's one of my all time favourite cameras. It can actually be shot in all the usual modes; from manual to full program. Which is impressive for the period! Works great too, the light meter is always spot on with mine.
In fact, it's the only camera I've ever come across that is truly worthy of the phrase "poor man's Leica" :-)
Thank you for such amazing content as always. I hope you both have an amazing Christmas and New Year. I hope your channel goes from strength to strength, and that you continue to surprise me with such great videos in the future.
Thanks so much for your kind feedback and wishes. I wish you merry Christmas and happy new year, too! :)
Another wonderful review Max. I have the Hi-Matic 7S, and simply love this camera. Another awesome feature of the 7S and 7SII is the (almost) fool-proof film loading system. The camera has decent optics, and the meter is still accurate (when used with the PX625, I use a Wein Cell). Keep up the fine videos, and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Always love your insights and reviews but I’m really digging this music on this one.
Hot damn, those photos were razor sharp. I watched the video on my Sony HD tv instead of my iPhone and it looked awesome!!. I own the Black 7sII and it’s such a lovely RF. Minolta truly made some phenomenal glass that was marketed for the regular consumer yet could go toe to toe with legendary CaNikon and Leica for that matter. Great job gentlemen.
Thank you for making me aware of so many cameras with my favourite focal lenght! :)
Thanks for yet another great review! I used to lug an old Minolta XK while skiing but wanted a lighter and more compact camera. A Hi-Matic 7sII gave wonderful results until the sirens of Wetzler seduced me. Life is good!
I enjoy your background music very much. Your reviews are excellent.
Very cool, I just bought one a few weeks back. I love this little camera! 🙌🏻😃
Another big + for the excellent review AND great Choice of music samples. Please, keep up your very talented work and Happy Holidays to you all 🎶🤟
*Jazz is Dead*
Baruch Cohen Lol, says who? As long as we r around - Jazz is well and kicking 🎶
@@ArthurSadowsky Perhaps not Dead. But it sure smells funny.
I just bought the one and arrived. Looking forward to use it!
Watching this video as I've just acquired a mint condition 7sII. I would like to complement you on your really excellent professional videos on the various cameras you review, A touch of class is how I'd describe them Well done
Bought one a couple of weeks back in chrome. I’m having it professionally serviced at the moment as it has a tiny amount of fungus on the front and rear element. Also, the aperture ring is very stiff, so having that repaired as well. Finally the rangerfinder is being cleaned and the light meter is being recalibrated to take a modern battery. Cosmetically it’s in excellent condition, just needs a little work internally. Thanks for the review, can’t wait to use the camera in a few weeks!
Sounds great. Have fun with the camera. :)
How I love the look of Agfa films! Really liked to see how you two were enjoying yourselves shooting with the camera. It says it all for the camera :-)
“Agfa” film is most likely to just be rebranded Fuji film.
@@Frisenette Then I like rebranded Fuji film more than original Fuji film :-) I use both and they are quite different. I guess you have Agfa vista in mind, but for instance (the old) Agfa APX is for me in a league of its own. Thanks for your comment!
@Bigfarmer8 APX is just rebranded Kentmere. Might as well go to the source if you like it.
AGFA film doesn't exist any more. It's one of these stick-on licensed brands to lure the naive/uninvestigative consumer.
ADOX Silvermax is the real "new" version of APX.
@@Frisenette @analoge insights / @maxplustwo I know this is mentioned somewhere in the comments earlier, but wouldn't this be a great subject for a, or some, videos? At my company we print with Agfa printers (see for instance www.wandkraft.com) but next time I speak them I will ask them if these are rebranded Epsons :-) Anyway, I know for sure that the Agfa films I shoot with nowadays are not the Agfa films I grew up with (I am more like Greg's age) . I bet Greg has some excellent books on the subject!
Thanks for another great review. I own one of these in black and I’m really quite fond of it still, despite having moved on to m mount rangefinders. The same camera was also branded as a Konica, Vivitar, and others. Just some slight changes to the designs I think. None were as beautiful as the Minolta though, especially in black. Its flaw though is the viewfinder, which you mentioned, but more specifically the brightness of the frame lines, which are uncommonly dim. On the other hand, the lens is so incredible that many people fantasise that it’s the same as the m-rokkor 40/2. I’m sure it’s not (I own both), but it is great nonetheless. One feature I like that I don’t think you mentioned is the focus paddle. This contributes to making the camera comfortable to handle, despite its compact size
👍Great review thanks.
After watching, I dashed into my mancave thinking I had one, turned out to be a Minolta AL-F, hopefully it will give me decent results...when I get round to putting a film through it!
Excellent Review
I have two minolta cameras. Great , sharp lenses and good bild bodies. I agree. Great video !
The 7sII is a great camera, but if it hasn't been done in years, the viewfinder needs to be cleaned! Then you'll be able to appreciate it. The lens is really worth it. I really like the photos I get from this camera, which I was lucky enough to find for 4€ at a garage sale.With its practical carrying case, it's perfect for slinging over your shoulder and taking with you wherever you go!
Great video. I have the older original Hi Matic 7s from 1966. Great little camera. As for the meter the issue with overexposure with this camera and others designed to use old mercury batteries it is a case of the difference in voltage and not a case of the meter being less reliable over time. The simplest way to correct for this issue is to lower the ISO setting by 1 stop. Or if you are getting a CLA done on the camera some shops will offer to adjust the meter voltage for you.
As far as I know, these cameras were made by Cosina and labeled for numerous brands, like Vivitar, and others. I have one called Revue 400 SE, It's all the same device with only minor differences in design elements. Great little camera!
If you don’t want to spend quite as much on a 7SII, get a Hi-Matic 9. Same amazing photo quality and rangefinder form factor, but it is a little bit bigger. Typically cheaper, though.
Thanks for the piece of advice. Might be interesting to some viewers. I wasn't aware of that. :)
Good review of a neat camera. I learned photography with a Hi-Matic in 1978.
Thanks for your kind comment and sharing your story. :)
Very cool review thanks
Noooo, now there is more competition looking for this gem ;) I am searching for a black version (that doesnt cost over 300 bucks) for a while now. But seriously, good and informative video as usual!
Great review! You guys always have the highest quality reviews - PLEASE can you tell me the music you used?
I got one of these for 30 bucks at a flea market in mint condition, can’t wait to use it
Somewhere around 2001, I found a Hi-Matic F (or maybe G) in a thrift store in the town I grew up in in Virginia, for $5. I did some online research and found out about what kind of substitute batteries to buy. Up to that point I had never heard of this model of Minolta. Like most people who use it, I fell in love with the little thing, not knowing then how widespread this example of little Canonet-type cameras was.
I moved to NM for about 5 years, and when I moved back east it got left behind. I'm now looking to find another one for what it's perfect for - as you mentioned - black and white street photography!!
I have one of these in black. Such a great little camera. You can’t get a better camera unless you get a bigger one
My experience is, at least with my Hi-Matic F, that the light meter UNDERexposures with two 675 1.4V hearing aid batteries. The Hi-Matic F is a fully automatic camera, so I correct that by setting the ISO one stop under what my film is actually rated at. ISO 400 film means an ISO 200 setting on the camera. This leads to correct exposures for me. Thanks for the review.
In my Hi-Matic 7sII it is the same, only maybe half a stop, and I decided not to include any corrections.
You can also buy a voltage reducing adapter for use with modern batteries that brings it back into spec.
The Hi-Matic 7SII, at least the later model I owned, had a different meter circuit than the older Hi-Matics and worked perfectly with still-available76-size silver batteries. Another advantage over other models is that if all else fails you can use it in full manual mode, although the aperture ring is hard to set. Before we heap too many plaudits on Minolta, though, let's keep in mind that the Hi-Matic was almost certainly made by a subcontractor - my guess is Chinon. Put one side by side with its contemporary the Konica Auto S3 and you can see that physically they're almost identical, with only slightly different feature sets (e.g. the Konica had a slick fill-flash system and the Minolta had full manual mode, but not vice-versa.)
@@jlwilliams nope, the 7SII is by Cosina.
I'd love to see a review of the Konica Auto S3
I really enjoy watching these reviews. It seems they cover a wide range of cameras from several manufacturers and countries but why never any Russian cameras ? I know they lack lots of things other manufacturers have but they do have a charm and cult following of there own. Also, they have a great selection and lenses at unbeatable prices. Would be nice to hear there take on them
Excellent video once again!
Nikon never made a fixed lens rangefinder back in the 1970s i think. Probably the only ones who didn't?
Good job again Max. I've been shooting a Rollei XF35 for a few months now and have much footage to put together a review but can't find the time. It's refreshing to shoot a camera with auto exposure sometimes
Raychristofer. Great to hear from you again. Hope you are doing well. Best regards and happy Christmas, Greg
@@ianthomas465Hello Greg thank you. Hope you're doing good as well. By the way I've been shooting a Leica iiif for 2 months now with a 50mm summitar and the results are incredible especially with fine grain tmax. I'm actually getting the results I was looking for and I haven't touched my MF cams since. Tell me something in your book review of Ruhrgebiet the images were highly detailed. What kind of camera did ulrick Mack use in those days? I did some research and find he's still alive today he's got a good website.
Raychristofer . Ulrich Mack was using two screw mount Leicas and when I remember correctly he had a 35mm and a 50mm lens (must have been the f 3,5 versions).
I shot a portrait of my girl friend in low light conditions with the 3,5/5cm Elmar on a Ilford XP2 30 years ago and this was pin sharp. Had the negative a few weeks ago in my hands and I am still excited about the quality. Cheers and best regards, Greg
@@ianthomas465 thanks Greg, that's one thing I notice about this camera, I have no qualms shooting at 1/15 or 1/25 handheld. If I tried that with my digital Lumix it wouldn't be sharp.
@@ianthomas465 Hello Greg how are you? I'm curious if you or Max have ever shot infrared. I've been learning it for months now and have some outstanding results. I just uploaded a tutorial on my channel that you may be interested in, I'm using the m645 by the way, you're welcome to check it out if you like. Peace
Great Video! Are you planning on doing some 4x5 shoots in the next time?
The quiet voice is CREEPING ME OUT why hasn't anyone else commented on this lol. Great vid tho thanks.
Good evening Guys. Many thanks for your Kind advice. It's much appreciated! May i take this opportunity to wish you A Merry Christmas and happy New year to you. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn.
Thanks a lot for your kind words. Merry Christmas to you, too. :)
My first good camera was the Canon Cannot QL17. I wish I still had it, but I traded it in for a Minolta x370, which I still have.
I use to own a mint copy of that camera. Sorry I sold it now.
Waiting for you guys to do the video in analog film format as well. ;)
Haha, that's a good one. This would be a rather expensive undertaking as I learned from the guys at Silbersalz when they explained to me how they sometimes produce short marketing videos on film.
Analog Insights I bet it’s expensive all right! Maybe do short BW snippets, eg the product closeups. Would certainly add vibe. ;)
And this film stock of Agfa Precisia 100 is so gorgeaus
Did you increase the saturation in this video? Or are the colors with this camera and Agfa really like this? Maybe its my screen...
The original 7s is far better overall. The lens is equally good and perhaps offers a bit more character and “Minoltaness”.
- The finder is much better. Brighter bigger and with a better patch.
- It has aperture priority vs. shutter on the II.
- The meter is CLC, which is great for high contrast scenes with a bright sky or light from above.
- There is a film load checker.
- It’s feels better to hold.
- Far easier to service.
- And, it can be found for pennies.
The 9 version is good too, but not worth the extra money. Only real difference is the flash compensation, which is moot once you start to use bounce flash or external lights, as you should.
Sure it’s bigger, but if size is specifically why you want a rangefinder, you are misguided.
No rangefinder is going to fit comfortably in your pocket. They will all be just a little too big, because of the protruding lens, and you will scratch, dent and fill them with pocket lint.
The advantage of rangefinders is the decoupling between focusing and viewfinder.
This means better low light abilities handheld (less shake and a contrasty bright finder at all times).
The little extra size of the 7s, comes with some important advantages.
Thank you very much for your comment. It made me buy the original :). All the best.
> found for pennies
Yeah, 20,000 pennies.
I owned this camera for about 2 years and had a very struggle feeling about it, the lens produce decent color and resolution, but seems to be destroyed by the tiny and dim viewfinder, I found it extremely difficult to focus, which made me not confident to use it wide open.
Always a pleasure to watch Your Videos Guys. Any thoughts on the Canon P or The 7 .Trying to get into The Rangefinder Style. My SLR's are Nikon Mostly, are getting a wee bit heavy. At 69 years young with health problems, i still try and carry A FM2N or F3HP with 3 prime lenses. Still, not quite ready for retirement. Form photography that is. Keep up Your Good work. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn.
I have the Canon P with the perfectly matched Canon 50mm 1.4 screw mount lens. I had the lens first mounted on a Voigtlander R2a but it just feels at home on the P. The P is built like a tank and build quality is supposed to be a bit better than the 7. No light meter on the P but the 7's light meter is alleged to not hold up over time in function/accuracy. If you want smaller and lighter option, the Canon QL17 GIII has a fantastic 40mm 1.7 leaf shutter lens. It was my first rangefinder and I still have it and use it. The meter finally died but I just shoot it manual mode. There are many variables to consider in choosing a rangefinder. Most have limited close focus, some rangefinder patches fade or are difficult to see (my Fuji GSW690III) in comparison to others. The smaller and lighter fixed lens rangefinders can be more difficult to hold steady if you have a shaky hand. I think you may like the P. It has helped me put off any desire to try a Leica M2. I wish I had grabbed a Leica when I had the opportunity at $500. They are climbing in price but my Voigtlander R2a has also doubled in price since purchase.
I collect Canon rangefinder cameras and lenses. You should select a good condition Canon P. The later 7 and 7S models have the advantage of built-in metering, but those meters often no longer work. More important, the 7/7S use a much more complicated shutter than the P. It goes out of calibration fairly quickly, and there are no longer parts or knowledgeable repairmen to service them. Regular camera repair shops (and Canon itself) won't touch them. The P, like earlier Canons, uses a fairly conventional shutter patterned on the Leica, and it is easily serviced anywhere.
I bought one of these recently, and unfortunately, mine has a cooked light meter. Decent camera optically but since I wanted something better and faster than my XA, having to manually meter is not ideal. Probably will sell it on to someone and buy something like a Canon AF35.
Nice video.
Where do you get today Agfa Precisa?
Arturo H&M Thanks a lot. Regular drug stores in Germany. :)
Unbelievable!, it's been almost two years since I've seen it in Spain.
If i am using auto mode i dont need to set the aperture?
"Quill, Are you making your voice sound lower?" NO! this is my voice... ;)
I have the black version with the top flash but its not in the mint condition its a bit rusted its , I badly want it to be restored.
Is this similar to the Minolta hi-matic F that I have?
I have the similar Canonet QL17 III in semi-retirement and a cheaper ƒ/2.8 version of that camera. Two things:
1) 40mm is just a wonderful focal length for so many things.
2) The 2.8 (or 1.9, etc) versions of these sorts of cameras are often unfortunately either fully auto only, or _practically_ so. But they are cheep and will let you experience something really cool for way less than the larger $$ the better ones like the 7sII and QL17 III cost.
QL17 III owners probably already know that the optional, dedicated Canolite flash is a hoot. Although you obviously can't bounce it, it's got more reach than so many other compact (built-in ... ) speedlights. And because it works on the Guide Number principal to calculate exposure, flash output is tied to focus distance.
So you either get images in focus/properly exposed, or out of focus/improperly exposed. There's no mystery about your keepers.
I notice in all your videos that with the Minolta 7sII that your shooting without a UV filter, Is their a quality difference with and without a filter, I use a filters on all my cameras just to protect the lens...
Is there an X sync port so that an off camera flash can be used? Sorry if I missed it.
I looked at the manual, and if I understand it I think you get x sync through the hot shoe only. Do you know of a camera similar but with a PC sync port? The Canonet Giii 17 is an option, but is there something the size of the 7sii?
Which is your favourite film camera to date?
Jack Frost Thanks for your comment. This is a difficult question to answer. My personal all time favorite is probably the Leica M3 or M6. Yet, I often have phases where I particularly like a certain camera and use it extensively. At the moment, this is the original Olympus Pen from 1959. There will be a review about this one at some point, too. :)
In the medium format area, it’s the Mamiya RZ67.
I know that Greg and Jules would choose other cameras. :)
Jack Frost. Also thank you. My favourite cameranis the Pentax 67 for medium format and for 35mm it is the Leicaflex SL2 from the 1970ś.
Best regards and merry Xmas, Greg
Olympus XA all the way.. what is this awesome music by the way? Does anyone know?
I was wondering if you heard anything abut a new 35 mm film camera on the way called Reflex, it’s on a kickstart. Https://www.kickstarter.com or find on UA-cam. After 25 years a new breed is about to emerge in analog photography. They are almost ready for reviews and I think you will enjoy it.
Thanks for your comment. This is a wonderful suggestion. I'll try to reach out to them and find out whether a review would be possible. Thanks. :)
Just found one of these in a charity shop for £2
Watch out!! In the next video his voice will get the subsonic stage....😁!!!
My grandpa camera. He said: with this one I stopped f1 cars 😅
It's hard for me to be interested in this camera since I already have a QL17 III. What I can't understand is why this camera cost more than the QL17. I bought both of my QL17's for under $80.
Flying 4 Film Legitimate questions. I think there a several factors that are the reason. The 7sII was the last of the true and long Minolta rangefinder lineup. The Rokkor f1.7 is quite impressive as you have to admit, the photos are quite sharp and does have excellent contrast and colors. Minolta, sadly is no longer producing cameras and as such has an automatic collector factor in it. It’s a relatively good looking little RF, of course it’s subjective but again it’s compact and has an excellent build quality to it. Search online for reviews, most all are quite positive. I think all this leads to a high market value, and some people are in fact willing to pay. All just my opinion of course.
The lens of the QL17 III is not bad, but not spectacular either.
It’s one of those overrated cameras like the Mju II, that were nice for the original sleeper price. But once speculation and hysteria enters the picture forget about them.
There are a tonne of equally good and better alternatives out there that you might trip over for pennies on your travels.
The Minoltas are some of them.
I love lángos, this is hungary?
This or the Olympus RD?
Zane A This really comes down to personal preference. I would probably go for the Olympus 35 RD.
Analog Insights Thanks for the prompt reply, they seem to be pretty close on paper.
Hope you guys are all well in your part of the world, keep up great great work!
@@YesImZane it is not easy to get hold of Olympus 35RD nowadays
@@AnalogInsights I read on the net that the Olympus 35 RD is likely to have sticky shutter problem because of the oil used for the focusing ring... Maybe that’s why they sell for less than the RC...?
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Why are all yt photographers cosplaying as beatniks
What the heck are you wearing??
Jason A What do you mean?
Great video! I have the Canon Canonet QL17 and it is great!