MINOLTA HI-MATIC 7s

THE CAMERA:

This is a sweet camera. I just like how it looks and feels in the hand. It was released in 1966 and features a fully automatic programmed mode or semi auto-manual override, by removing it from the A auto setting to what ever shutter or aperture you want, read the EV value on the meter and set the lens to that EV. It also works fully manual as no battery is needed when set off of A auto.

My camera has very little wear cosmetically, just some fellows name and SS number engraved on the bottom. I guess all the experts back in the 60's and 70's telling us to put our SS# on everything had no clue about ID theft. The shutter fires on all settings, the aperture and focus smooth, Auto works.

It even came with a fresh 625 battery and a roll of Kodak Gold 100. I compared the EV meter with the 625 battery (1.5v) and one of my zinc air batteries (1.4v) and there was no significant difference in the reading so I'm going to leave the free 625 battery in it when I check it out. I may switch the batteries out on my test roll intermittently

FIXES:

I removed the top plate and cleaned the rangefinder optics. Pretty impressive in there, second (so far) only to my Canonet QL17 in it's design except for some rotting foam around the rear eye site under the plate. It was still intact so I left it for now. I will have to give it new light seals. I'm using some Presto Felt around the hinge areas and black cotton yarn in the door grooves.

Here is a test photo shot with this camera

MANUAL: Minolta Hi-Matic 7s owners manual

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