Zero for Three on Minolta 7 SII

[Wayne R. Scott]

I have been reading about the Minolta 7 SII and various clones. Many people like them very well, so I decided to try them out. I bought 2 different 7 SII and a Vivitar 35 ES. All three of them have the same problem, the aperature blades will not open past about f8. If I am shooting in sunny 16 conditions all is well and good, but I kinda wanted to try them in low light conditons at f1.7.

Any one that is mechanically inclined want a deal on a couple of bodies? I have sent one 7 SII off to be cla'd but I don't think it is economically a good idea for me to invest more money into the other two for re-sale.

Is this a common problem with this series of cameras or have I been unusually unlucky?

The only thing that makes me feel better about being 0 for 3 is that during this same time period I did pick up a Konica Auto S3 and ended my 5 year quest for a black Canon QL-17 GIII at reasonable prices.

I don't normally whine about losing at on line auction roulette because I figure I win enough times to just take the losses in stride, but three like cameras from different sellers all having the same type problem that I have not seen mentioned before brings out my whiny side:).

Wayne

[agi]

Hey Wayne...

I've been looking for a parts 7sii for awhile now as I need the lens ID ring. I'll buy one from you if you're selling.

[rover]

Tough cameras to find a repair person too. Because of the premium price on them compared to a Canonet I waited until one was offered here. I didn't pay a low price, but it was from another member and I trusted it worked. I do hope you can get one working and can enjoy it. The lens is excellent.

I have looked for a Himatic E too, that is 100% electronic though so unless I am 100% sure it works I won't buy one.

[Wayne R. Scott]

Brian,

PM replied. I had thought that instead of tossing a shrimp on the barbie I might toss a 7 SII :).

Wayne

[Kat]

If anybody's got an extra 7sii with a mechanical problem but working meter that I can afford, I might be interested...

[RF'er]

One sold on Ebay the other day for $167.00. A little steep, IMHO. I would be interested in reading what they got for that kind of cash.............. Thom

[Steve Bellayr]

If the camera is in working condition why would anyone want to part with it? Of my last three internet purchases one was a complete unrepairable dud; two were low enought that to repair them I still come out ahead. I guess when you buy sight unseen from unknown persons expect problems and as they say bid accordingly. Never gamble what you can not afford to loose. Best bet is always reputable persons on the forum or reputable dealers. Eventually you will get a good one or something better.

[RF'er]

Just saw one sell on Ebay for $222.50 ???? I thought $167.50 was steep!!

[dazedgonebye]

Just saw one sell on Ebay for $222.50 ???? I thought $167.50 was steep!!

That's just silly money!
I love mine, but I'd sell it for that kind of scratch to be sure.

[agi]

Insanity...was it a black body? I hope so with that price.

[ISO]

Well, that is the big question. Is such a price insanity fro a 7sII ? Everybody who has one loves it. The Rokkor is probably the best lens on a fixed RF camera. Camera has manual overide, no battery needed. Only the VF is not the best. If you are happy with 40mm, why buy another camera?

[RF'er]

NO, it was not a black body. I was bidding on this camera, however, I refuse to go more than $120.00 for one, I just don't think they're worth more than that. There are some fine RF's for less than $100.00 on Ebay all the time. One must be careful, but I have gotten more good examples than I have bad. There's a black body on Ebay now that I'm watching, I expect it will go for big bucks.............Thom

[ISO]

Yes, and this camera is in MINT used condition in original box. GOOD LUCK! I say it will end at $268...

[bmattock]

I've had the same problem with Konica Auto S2's and Vivitar ES's. Never manage to get one that works yet, and my repair efforts have been in vain.

I have been batting 1000 with Sears Auto 35|RF cameras, though they always need refoaming. They're all-black versions of the Ricoh 500G. Nice camera in the same league as the Minolta image-quality-wise, IMHO. About five dollars US.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44186&d=1177346809

[Wayne R. Scott]

Where ya been Bill?

Wayne

[bmattock]

Where ya been Bill?

Wayne

Thought I was dead, but it turned out I was just in Detroit.

[Wayne R. Scott]

I was there once and then I was re-born. I have the second belly button to prove it.

Wayne

[Bill58]

I saw a rare (in Korea) black Vivitar ES in exc. condition (meter condition unknown) for $120 at a shop yesterday--I passed on it. Maybe I shouldn't have?

BTW-you guys w/ severe cases of GAS would go crazy if you went to the so-called "Camera Town" in Seoul--there are about 30 small shops w/ vintage Rfs and SLRs in one place. Two more shopping areas downtown have approx. 10-15 more each.

NOW, you know why I have so many d____ cameras!!!!

Bill

[Steve Bellayr]

I think Minolta hi-matic sII went for over $200 on ebay yesterday. Petri color 35 also goes for big bucks.

[dazedgonebye]

I've had the same problem with Konica Auto S2's and Vivitar ES's. Never manage to get one that works yet, and my repair efforts have been in vain.

I have been batting 1000 with Sears Auto 35|RF cameras, though they always need refoaming. They're all-black versions of the Ricoh 500G. Nice camera in the same league as the Minolta image-quality-wise, IMHO. About five dollars US.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44186&d=1177346809

I've got one of those as well Bill.
Slower lens, but otherwise, quality on par.

[Wayne R. Scott]

I'm 1 for 2 on the Auto S2.

Hmmm. If some one offered me over $150 for my 7 SII they would own themselves a camera. I may just go ahead and get them fixed.

Wayne

[RF'er]

Now here's a strange thing. The black 7s II that I refured to earlier, sold for $167.50. This was a mint camera, with Minolta UV filter, case, original box, manual. Go figure? .........................Thom

As far as Auto S2's, I sold a mint one on Ebay a couple of weeks ago. Guess I should have posted it here. I'm waiting for a mint Auto S to arrive now. I purchased it for resale. After I check it out, I'll post it in the classifieds.

[Rodinal Addict]

I'll bet that if you sent one of those iris impaired to terrys camera, he could get them going right. He used to work at the Minolta factory in Japan, and really knows his stuff.
Terry's Camera Repair Inc
9092 Talbert Ave # 12
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 964-7633

Robin

[RF'er]

Thanks Robin, I have a Hi-Matic 9 with a shutter problem. I will be hooking up with Terry's directly. Terry's is about 2 miles from my house. I didn't know they were there until I read your post.

Thom

[Rodinal Addict]

When you get there ask to see the twin-lens camera that has his initials in it. He actually assembled it at the Minolta factory in the sixties. Later, when he moved to California and opened his shop, someone brought it in for him to repair. He traded for it and now has it in his collection.

Robin