Oly RD, Minolta 7sII, Konica S3, Yashica CC

[Russ]

Originally Posted by NickTrop

The Himatic has the exact same (rumor has it, Cosina-built) body as the Konica. There isn't any plastic on the exterior of the body as far as I can tell.

That is very true. But the build quality is quite good.

[ColSebastianMoran]

Originally Posted by NickTrop

GIII locks the trigger when it meters out of range. Deal breaker imo.

The OP wanted to shoot wide open. On the G III, with its shutter preferred auto, that would mean shooting in manual. That might work out quite well for your intended use.

I'll second the suggestion for the GX. Excellent camera, ASA 800, and (unlike the CC) a real iris for the aperture.

[dbarnes]

Used to own a black 7sii and a chrome GIII/QL. The Minolta worked great; the Canon jammed as soon as I replaced its light seals, so I have more experience with the Minolta. I found it light and sharp and the controls were easy to use. The Canon was heavier and I remember that either the aperture or shutter speed ring was rather hard to grasp, the ring being thin.

Neither viewfinder holds a candle to a $250 Bessa R body, which is what I moved on to.

But between the 7sii and the GIII/QL, I'd pick the Minolta for its better controls.

FWIW, the black body 7sii is lovely -- but I covered mine up with black masking tape to keep it from getting scratched. Honestly, I might as well have started with a much cheaper chrome body.

Your mileage may vary.