3 comments about Minolta Maxxum 24mm-85mm f3.5-4.5 Zoom Lens.

1. This is a medium quality lens in the Minolta line. It's user ratings are generally 3 out of 5 stars for clarity. I would consider it the lower end of the better range in the Minolta line. I've shot with it and been pleased. If you are buying a minolta camera for it's lens quality, this is the only lens I would buy from Amazon. If you are buying minolta because it's a value compared to other SLR's and just want something better than a point and shoot, you probably want one of the lower end lenses offered on Amazon.



2. Im sorry I would have to disagree with the last comments. I am a semi-professional photographer and unless you want to spend big on 2.8 lenses, this is one of the sharpest lenses around bar none!



3. I bought the Minolta Maxxum 24mm-85mm f3.5-4.5 lens used in excellent condition for my Minolta 7d which came with the 18-70mm D f3.5~5.6 kit lens, which seemed a bit too plastic. The 24mm-85mm feels like a real lens! Although the 24mm-85mm doesn't have as wide angle capability, it is much more consistantly sharp across the zoom range and also from the center to edge of the image. I would rate this lens good to very good across the zoom range and f stops. I also get a brighter viewfinder image with the faster 24-85 lens at the long end. I like this lens and IMO the 24-85mm is optically and mechanically superior to the 18-70mm lens, which I would rate only fair-good. - the glassman

5 comments about Minolta Freedom Zoom 160 Date 35mm Camera Kit w/bag.

1. I bought this camera for my trip to South Africa. I got some amazing shots. Very crisp and clear with brilliant colors. It's very quiet which is good but also pretty bad. It's hard to hear the thing wind so if you press the button and then move the camera, your pictures could easily be messed up because you didn't wait long enough- some of mine did unfortunately. So other than this set back, my photos came out excellent.



2. I purchased this camera after extensively reading the online reviews here and elsewhere. Everyone seemed to love this camera. It did take "decent" photos, however, it was poorly constructed, the "automatic scene recognition system" freaked out my wife who could not tell what the camera was doing. She ended up ignoring the flashing red lights in the view finder. They were quite distracting.

   The camera does not remember its settings after being turned off and then on again.

   The built-in flash turned black after only a few months of use.

   Finally, we took it on a hike, my wife had it in her hand, and lost her balance. Barely tapped it (with her hand reciving most of the blow) on the ground. Now it won't turn off and the lens shutter won't close.

   It is a basically a pile of trash now, and not worth the $188 that we paid for it.

   I'll think twice before believing on-line reviews and/or before buying another Minolta.




3. A fantastic camera at an unbelievable price. I've taken pictures throughtout Europe, Australia and New zealand in all kinds of weather and light conditions with always the same excellent results. A great camera to take take on a hurry up and keep moving tour. It takes wonderful landscapes, animal and people pictures. Even does well from a moving boat or car. The auto focus is incredible. Just point and shoot, the camera will lock on focus. We're now off to South America.



4. I love this camera for ease of use, and crisp, clear pictures. My biggest problem though are red eyes. I use the red eye reduction most of the time and eyes are always red. Maybe someone has a suggestion to fix this problem?



5. Bearing in mind that I really just wanted a basic point-and-shoot camera, I have to say that I didn't think this camera delivered all that it was supposed to. I ran some test rolls of 400 (manufacturer-recommended speed) and wasn't happy with the results--blurry backgrounds when I wasn't using focus lock on the foreground, and washed-out colors (which might be the film, but might be the camera). Also, I wish I had listened a little more to the reviewer who mentioned how the moving red focus boxes in the viewfinder "freaked" his wife out. I was also bothered by the moving focus boxes, couldn't figure out what they were telling me, and just wanted to take a good picture. The final blow: My mom's 20-year-old Canon Sure Shot takes great pictures, better than this Minolta and she really just picks up the camera and presses the button--not even worrying about the occasional use of fill-in flash.
   
   If you're looking for a slight upgrade from your regular point and shoot, this camera may be for you (shoot some test rolls, and maybe look at one in a store somewhere first before ordering from Amazon), but it wasn't the best fit for me. I'm giving it 2 stars because some of the problems I have might be due to user error.

5 comments about Minolta Maxxum 7 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I recently upgraded from Dynax 5 to Dynax 7 (Or what you folks over sea call it - Maxxum:), and I really found all the features I missed in my Dynax 5. It's auto focus is very responsive and fast, metering really performs well in most situations, controls are intuitive and easy to use, big LCD provides a lot of things to tweak with, exposure memory for 7 rolls is really useful too.
   I do not use Minolta lenses however, Sigma EX series are the ones to use if you want quality for affordable price.
   Ah, and my favourite Sigma lens is the 24-70/2.8 EX DG, it really is awesome, and has 'D' mount for Minolta too :)
   Theres only one thing about Maxxum 7 I do not enjoy...the weight...it really should have been heavier!



2. The best autofocus period. Out performs nikon & canon. Can focus in near darkness. It really performs better than expected. I like the information lcd on the back. I like it better than the F100. Judging from what I have experienced it should be very dependable.



3. This is an excellent contemporary high-tech camera. I tend to shoot in aperature controlled mode, and it is very easy to change aperatures, to bracket exposures so you get three to seven shots in rapid fire with slightly different settings, and to see differing depths of field. Depending on the lens, it can also be relatively easy to modify the auto focus (so, for example, you move the center of the focus in front of or behind your subject to get the right part of the scene in focus), but note that some lenses will clutch and not be able to be hand-manipulated, leading to a need to switch to manual focus with those lenses in some cases.

   What really sells this camera, though, is the wireless flash. Do not underestimate how much this can improve your flash pictures. It is very easy to use -- I literally have shown my 3 year old, who was very curious, how to do, and got some good shots of him in the process. If you buy this camera, you should buy at least one of the Minolta "D" flashes.

   As you take bracketed shots in continuous focus mode, the camera does a good job of remaining in focus. For those of us with glasses, there is a diopter adjustment in the viewfinder that adjusts the viewfinder to our own current prescription. On manual focus, this has a real impact on my photos, where my focus was previously a bit soft much of the time.

   I end up with a couple of minor complaints -- the selector button that lets you choose which sensor to use in focusing is placed right where my nose can hit it, and I've had to learn to take care not to accidentally change the setting with my nose. Also, I'd like to see the new anti-shake technology that is being incorporated in Minolta's new digital 7 incorporated into the 7. I suspect it is just time until this happens.

   All in all, an extraordinary camera.




4. This is by far the best camera I have ever owned in my life, be it point and shoot, film or digital. I'm in the Marine Corps and took this camera with me in Iraq and countless other places and it went through some of the most extreme weather imaginable and kept on working. The camera is not labeled as splash-proof, but it should be -- I accidentally dropped this camera in a puddle of water and pulled it out and it was still working. I never had it fail on me one time. The LCD display on the back is huge and amazingly informative. The backlight on the LCD is very handy as well. The autofocus is also amazingly fast and accurate. It's a professional quality camera with beginner level accessibility.



5. I got this camera new before Minolta bugged out of the camera business. Minolta was always a trends setter and the other big 2 scrambled to catch up. Minolta was terrible in the marketing department because all I remember was Canon commercials, I never saw a Minolta one = too bad. The Maxxum 7 is a super camera and out-of-this-world with the vertical control grip. It's plastic structure belies it's capabilities and it's what the Maxxum 9 (armored/combat camera) should have been. I'm still learning what this thing can do! So many intuitive switches make it like a semi-automatic camera for the enthusiast . One cannot go wrong if they get this camera if they have access to the old 1980s Maxxum lenses from a pawn shop and/or the new-in-the-box Sony ones also. Just baby the camera as Sony is hard to deal with when it comes to Maxxum repair work, along with other things they make new. When I was at a bridal show awhile back, someone thought it was a digital camera as it has a LCD screen on the back of the film door! ::Funny!:: I also have a 7D w/ the hard to find vertical control grip in my stewardship and the Maxxum 7 compliments it quite well and
   Jesus has been good to me in this regard:Thanx Lord!
   You can't go wrong with this film camera!
   AWESOME! AWESOME!! AWESOME!!!
   Get some black and white film and have fun...
   
   

3 comments about Minolta Vectis 300L APS Camera.

1. Very disappointed in this camera. It does not have mid-roll change and the flash is very weak and it does not cover the entire zoom range. Most of the pictures taken indoor using the zoom lenses came out very dark. Picture quality for outdoor day time shots came out decent.



2. After only a few rolls of usage my camera broke down. So far this is the 4th factory visit of my Vectis with the same problem. Indoor picture quality is horrible, but outdoor is very good. I bought for $299.00 when it first came out. Even at Amazon's low price I would not recommend this camera to anyone.



3. A first this appeared to be a good little camera brimming with functions. It takes nice clear pictures outdoor, but the flash is weak. The zoom is clumsy, jumping from one extreme to the other, giving more of an effect of 4 fixed focal lengths rather than a fluid zoom.

   It's now broken haven taken the lightest of knocks on my last holiday. I don't know whether its worth repairing or whether I should take this a sign for a change. The battery life is poor (always keep a spare handy) and there's no mid-roll change.

   Having said that, for the price, with minolta excellent optics and lenses, you could do a lot worse. It's light, compact and easy to use, with an excellent data-back.

No comments about KONICA MINOLTA Zoom 60C Compact 35mm Camera.

2 comments about Konica Minolta Maxxum 50 Date 28-100 35mm SLR Camera.

1. INTRO: I have had the Minolta Maxxum 50 for about a year now, and it has been completely trustworthy. All of the buttons, switches, knobs, etc. seem to be durable, and the camera as a whole seems very durable. I've used this camera for both color and black and white film, and both develop perfectly. The exposure on this camera almost always is right, only on a few pictures has it been over or under-exposed (I think a filter would have fixed those). Recently, I bought a 70-300mm, 4-5.6 lens for it and it has handled that well. Picture quality is still good with a non-Minolta brand. Altogether, the Maxxum 50 is a very good camera for the money, I bought it for 200 dollars in 2005, and is still worth the money today.
   
   BIG UPS
   -Usually good picture quality
   -Very Durable
   
   UPS
   -Comfortable to hold
   -Easy to work and learn
   -Automatic mode works well
   
   DOWNS
   -Flash on the camera is fairly mediocre
   -Pictures are sometimes dull on cloudy days (Still need a filter)
   
   BIG DOWNS
   Don't think there are any
   
   CONCLUSION: If you are ready to spend money on film and development, this camera is great for a beginner, or semi-pro. Even a child could learn the simple features of the camera, yet it can be manually adjusted. This is a good buy for $230 dollars or less.



2. I bought this camera for my father for christmas and he LOVES it. I personally have a Minolta Maxxum 5 SLR and LOVE it, that's why I bought this one. takes GREAT pics once you get used to the auto focus.

5 comments about Konica Minolta Maxxum 70 35mm SLR Camera with 28-100mm Lens.

1. I purchased this package as I'm an avid fan of Minolta Cameras... and have to say I'm disappointed with the lenses. Either during wide-angle or 100% zoom, the corners of each photo have the lens in them.
   
   I'm in the process of contacting Minolta about the issue because I love the camera but can't take the chance of losing good photos with the lenses.



2. First, I would like to comment on previous reviews:
   
   As for the lens shadows: REMOVE THE SUN SHADE from the lens. If you leave the sun shade on during flash/zoom photography, you will get the "shade/shadow effect" you talked about. It's not the lens, it's the shade. This information is included in the manual (always READ THE MANUAL before posting negative reviews!)
   
   To the user disappointed in the manual focus: USE THE FOCUSING INDICATOR. Even in manual focus, the camera will still check for focus. When the small green dot inside the view finder goes solid, you are in focus. Again, this information is in the manual. READ THE MANUAL before posting negative reviews!
   
   Overall, the camera is an excellent value. It is packed with features that were exclusive to cameras costing hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars more just a few short years ago. Prices are dropping due to the change in market focus (everyone wants to go digital.) Where else can you get a feature packed camera like this one for under $300?
   
   For the beginner, a good film camera like this one is a great place to start. Learn the basics and KNOW the camera before making snap judgements. If you take the time to learn the camera and how to take pictures, you will NOT be disappointed by this hardware.



3. The camera has been fantastic! It works marvelously, and the zoom lenses are amazing.
   [...]



4. This camera is light, easy to use yet feature rich. I compared it to digital (still to expensive for comparable resolution to 35mm film) and other SLR cameras. The auto focus is fast and reliable, although in low light it strobes its built in flash to assist with focusing. The built in flash is fairly powerful and convenient because it is always available. The complex metering system has handled difficult lighting situations well.
   
   The focus may also be done manually, with focus assist. The f stop and/or shutter speed can be set manually. In addition to the default fully automatic setting there are 5 built in subject programs designed for portraits, close ups, sports, etc. There is a depth of field preview which I have not found on similar priced cameras.
   
   Overall I am quite happy with this camera. I was also happy to find that it works with my old Minolta compatible Vivitar 100-300 telephoto lens, and my old Minolta dedicated 3200i flash. For the money I highly recommend you consider this 35mm camera.



5. I've been an advanced amateur photographer for some time but still have yet to take the digital plunge. I've had the Minolta 70 for some years now and find it to be a reliable workhorse especially when taking candid shots at parades and city events.
   
   The lenses change quickly, the controls are easy to learn. Yes, there is a manual focus just read the manual and figure it out. It also suppresses auto flash when you can simply hook a flash unit on top.
   
   Minolta has a strange slot for a flash unit when you compare to Nikon or Canon. Once in, it locks in and that's fine with me.
   
   The lenses for the 70 are also compatible with Sony's new Alpha system.
   Sony Alpha A100K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 Lens
   Sony Alpha DSLRA350K 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens
   Konica Minolta 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Digital Zoom Lens for 5D and 7D Digital SLR Cameras
   
   Sony took over Minolta's camera line so you will no longer see Minolta 70 Maxxum. It is now a discontinued model. Best bet is to take your Minolta kit over to Sony.

5 comments about Minolta Maxxum QTsi 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 35-80mm Lens.

1. I started using the QTsi two years ago and I've NEVER used anything else since then (my fully automatic Olympus has been permanently retired from my usage).

   This camera is easy to use, and can be switched to manual control for more challenging and more creative photography options.

   It's perfect for someone with an interest in photography but not a lot of experience as a photographer. The QTsi is a perfect beginner's camera but can be used even by more advanced photographers as well.

   My interest in photography has quadrupled since discovering the ease of use for the QTsi and I thoroughly enjoy working with this camera and trying all sorts of filters and lenses for it.




2. Since I am married to the military, I travel a lot to different countries. This camera is perfect, whether I am taking pictures of Mt. Fuji or my newborn, this camera always delivers great results. The auto focus is slow at times, but you can override that and manually focus on the object.



3. I used this camera for my photography classes in high school and college. I was afraid that this camera wasn't as good as the one priced more. I love this camera. It goes everywhere with me. The pictures are amazing, and you can buy tons of lenses for this camera. I will tell you, out of all the camera's that I own, and have used, this is my favorite.



4. I purchased this camera back in 1999, after I gave birth to my son. This camera is AMAZING! In looking at the digital camera I own and this one, I'm going back to 35MM. I don't have the money to afford a digital camera that could take pictures the way this camera will. It's been a perfect camera with no issues since 1999, other than I need to get some batteries and some Kodak film! Over the years, I have upgraded the lens, to have the ability to take closer pictures. I'll come back here and upload some of the pictures I've taken over the years! This is the perfect camera for someone just starting out in the 35MM world, and your looking for EXCELLENT pictures!



5. I just got finished writing a review on one of my digital cameras.
   I have gone thru several digital cameras in the past few years. I had a $400 Nikon camera which decided to break on me 1 month after the 1 yr warranty. I had a Sony Cybershot (forgot which one) which lasted at least 2 yrs. But the new ones are not even close to the quality of the old ones. A Canon Powershot A530 - which got great reviews... but has a CONSTANT battery low blinking.. That only lasted 5 months. Lastly, a DXG (Kyocera) CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP $50 dig camera. STAY AWAY!
   
   Bottom line. After owning those digital cameras while owning this Minolta. I will never go back to a digital camera again. This truly is the best camera I have ever had. You won't find a better camera that takes such great pictures. Especially the up close shots! Hands down, WORTH buying one. Even used. I got my USED one on ebay about 4-5 yrs ago. and it still works great - never a problem!

5 comments about Minolta Freedom Zoom 125 Panorama Date 35mm Camera w/Remote Control.

1. This camera is great - compact, lightweight, sharp-as-a-tack photos. The colors in the photos are unbelievable - bright, clean, true-to-color. I bought this for my honeymoon and professional photo lab where I took my photos to be developed couldn't believe the quality that came from this little point and shoot. The remote control is very easy to use and a great feature. The only downside to this camera is that the silver case is easily scratched, which gives it a "used" look rather quickly. However, that's a very minor problem when you're getting such amazing photos from it.



2. I bought this camera after the Ricoh I had for 8 years broke. I have taken 5 rolls of pictures in two months and am not happy with any of them. I keep trying, but I can't seem to take a good picture. They are either dark or fuzzy. The red-eye reduction feature takes too long. By the time the camera actually takes the picture, my kids have turned away. But without the red eye reduction, everyone's eyes are big and red. I never had a problem with my Ricoh. Every picture came out perfect so I don't think it's my fault. Anyways, I'm returning this camera and searching for a new Ricoh!



3. I have a Fuji Tiara APS point and shoot that I am extremely happy with. A friend of mine has a Rollei Prego 125 zoom in 35 mm that has also performed well for him. When another friend of mine was looking to replace his old camera with a compact point and shoot model, I went to a store near me that carries at least a couple of dozen different models of point and shoot cameras, to see what was available since I had purchased mine 15 months ago. This field changes so rapidly that even one year is enough to produce substantial changes in the offerings.

   For example, in a recent photo book I just read (Photography for Dummies), the author mentioned the amazing fact that 15 times as many people are buying compact point-and-shoot models as are purchasing the so-called "system cameras," that is, the typical camera with interchangeable lenses offered by all the main camera makers. What this means is that the vast majority of the major maker's research budget is now going into developing small point-and-shoot cameras. And twice as many people as bought point-and-shoots purchased disposible cameras last year. Who would have thought?

   This store didn't have the Fuji Tiara or the Rollei Prego, but they did have this model and also the Minolta Explorer EX, as well as many of the other top point and shoot cameras offered today, such as the Olympus Stylus Epic and Infinity models, which are also great little performers.

   This camera caught my eye as it's one of the smallest cameras out there offering all these features. I usually recommend people not go over 3X in a zoom lens in a small point-and-shoot, but with this little camera, I am willing to make an exception. Although I haven't tested it myself personally, the lens is supposed excellent. It consists of 6 elements in 6 groups, including aspherical elements, and has a 900-step focusing system, all of which are supposed to create a very sharp lens.

   Another useful feature is the passive rather than active focusing system. Active focusing uses infrared to focus, and this creates problems trying to snap a quick shot through a window, or the windshield of your car, because the infrared beam will bounce off the glass six inches in front of your nose, producing a blurred shot. This means you have to enable "infinity lock" before you shoot, which is an extra step that could even cause you to miss the picture. Passive focus systems are usually sensitive to vertical lines, so this isn't a problem with them. This is the only complaint I have with my Fuji Tiara model.

   The new Nikon 125mm point and shoot also uses aspherical optics and is supposed to be very sharp also. If you decide not to go with the Explorer EX, you might want to check out this model.




4. I just bought this camera for a month. I took a roll (400) of pictures but it came out fuzzy. It seemed like the lens can't focus the object right. Plus, it's not as perfect as I thought before I bought it. Anyway, I like the style and the compact size of this camera. I would still recommend it as it comes with a remote control which I think it's worth for the price.

   This is my second review on this camera and it's been six months already. I think the camera is getting better and better. Might be the first roll (400) I didn't use it properly, so that's why they pictures came out fuzzy. Then I started using regular 100 and 200, the pictures are very good actually. I would strongly recommend it.




5. I consider myself an intermediate-level photographer. I bought this camera (3) years ago from The Wiz and have used it quite heavily in that time, taking both indoor and outdoor photos. I've also taken some nighttime photos at Christmas time with excellent results. I've been extremely happy with the image quality -- colors, clarity, vibrancy, sharpness. I've also been happy with the feel of the camera -- sturdy, doesn't feel cheap or clunky. I've taken a number of action shots with superb results except when I inadvertently move the camera. Generally I follow my subjects (children, pets, etc.) around with the camera on and the flash set properly. I keep my finger pressed lightly on the shutter button so the camera is focused on something. For me, this helps eliminates delays in autofocus and lag time between shots. I can take many shots in succession with very minimal and acceptable delay. Basically, in order to enjoy this camera, you have to have realistic expectations. For example, the flash isn't as strong as on SLR cameras, so you need to be mindful of this and use the proper film. In low light, I use 800 Kodak film. I've found this camera to be excellent for every conceivable purpose -- family portraits, close-ups, landscapes, etc. Battery life has been good for me. Each time I take in a roll to be developed, there is rarely a bad picture, and if there is, it is always my fault, not the camera's. There are (2) reasons why I'm not giving this camera (5) stars: 1) The red-eye reduction feature is inadequate. This is the one main drawback for me. I've used the standard techniques for minimizing this. When photographing adults, there's generally no problem. But pets and children can be challenging. Minolta could eliminate this problem by designing the camera with a pop-up flash similar to Nikon's. 2) In order to open the battery compartment, you need the camera cord, which has a special "key" on it to open the compartment. I don't like this since you could lose the cord or break the key.

   Despite the above drawbacks, I highly recommend this camera. It has given me wonderful photographs for (3) years. It's now my back-up camera, as I've now bought one that's better at reducing red-eye. But still, it's a great camera. And if you get a photo CD, you can always try to reduce the red eye that way.

No comments about Konica Minolta Maxxum 70 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).