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*Minolta Users* - How was the transition from 800si to Maxxum 7??
Hi all,
I haven't written to this board for a long time although I have been browsing. I currently have an 800si and am thinking of switching to a Maxxum 7. I really like the added features, like the 9 AF sensors, distance technology, rear LCD, etc. It's also *much* lighter that my 800si and lens. I played around with a Maxxum 7 (and vertical grip) at my local camera store. I loved the rear LCD screen, the AF sensors and AF speed. Also, the vertical grip seems more natural and the overall lightness of the camera is great. I found some things about the Maxxum 7 that may make it tough for me to transition from the 800si: 1) With everything having gone to dials, going back to "P" mode is not as easy. With the 800si, I just pressed the "P" button; with the 7 I have to turn the dial off "P" then back to "P". Has this been a hassle to other users? 2) The AF Sensor Selector Pad is a cool feature, but I noticed that, unless I have gargantuan hands, it's impossible to reach in vertical mode with the grip on. This means that if I'm shooting vertical and I want to swith sensors, I have to hold the camera horizontal, choose my sensor, lock it, the go back to vertical. With the 800si all I had to do was press the AF button and scroll wheel to select my AF sensor. This "AF" button was duplicated on the vertical grip, which makes it just as easy to change AF sensors in vertical mode. Has this been a problem with other "converts"? 3) With the dials, it seems like it not as easy to make adjustments "on the fly" with the camera at eye level. With my 800si I can change exposure/flash compensation without moving either hand off its position and while keeping the camera at eye level. Turning the dials seems more cumbersome. These are just my initial impressions. I admit that 10 minutes in a camera store is not enough time, so that's why I want other Minolta users' input. I want the experiences of others who ditched the 800si for the 7 and what they found hard to get used to or found easy to overcome. I know that I'll get a barrage of "what don't you just get digital?" responses, but I really do enjoy film. If I want a digital image, I just scan my slides with my slide scanner. Maybe I'll buy the Digital 7 when it comes out as well :) Thanks for any responses. Viken Karaguesian |
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*Minolta Users* - How was the transition from 800si to Maxxum 7??
1) With everything having gone to dials, going back to "P" mode is not
as easy. With the 800si, I just pressed the "P" button; with the 7 I have to turn the dial off "P" then back to "P". Has this been a hassle to other users? This is a hassle? You live a sheltered life or something? No big deal. 2) The AF Sensor Selector Pad is a cool feature, but I noticed that, unless I have gargantuan hands, it's impossible to reach in vertical mode with the grip on. This means that if I'm shooting vertical and I want to swith sensors, I have to hold the camera horizontal, choose my sensor, lock it, the go back to vertical. With the 800si all I had to do was press the AF button and scroll wheel to select my AF sensor. This "AF" button was duplicated on the vertical grip, which makes it just as easy to change AF sensors in vertical mode. Has this been a problem with other "converts"? I generally use the center sensor only, so no, no problem. Maybe for you though. 3) With the dials, it seems like it not as easy to make adjustments "on the fly" with the camera at eye level. With my 800si I can change exposure/flash compensation without moving either hand off its position and while keeping the camera at eye level. Turning the dials seems more cumbersome. It's easy, once you're used to it. Mike |
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*Minolta Users* - How was the transition from 800si to Maxxum7??
Mike Lipphardt wrote:
1) With everything having gone to dials, going back to "P" mode is not as easy. With the 800si, I just pressed the "P" button; with the 7 I have to turn the dial off "P" then back to "P". Has this been a hassle to other users? This is a hassle? You live a sheltered life or something? No big deal. 2) The AF Sensor Selector Pad is a cool feature, but I noticed that, unless I have gargantuan hands, it's impossible to reach in vertical mode with the grip on. This means that if I'm shooting vertical and I want to swith sensors, I have to hold the camera horizontal, choose my sensor, lock it, the go back to vertical. With the 800si all I had to do was press the AF button and scroll wheel to select my AF sensor. This "AF" button was duplicated on the vertical grip, which makes it just as easy to change AF sensors in vertical mode. Has this been a problem with other "converts"? I generally use the center sensor only, so no, no problem. Maybe for you though. 3) With the dials, it seems like it not as easy to make adjustments "on the fly" with the camera at eye level. With my 800si I can change exposure/flash compensation without moving either hand off its position and while keeping the camera at eye level. Turning the dials seems more cumbersome. It's easy, once you're used to it. I can't see the OP but I agree with Mike vis-a-vis dials and controls. I can do everything I need to do (switch modes (A, S, M), adjust aperture/speed, switch MF/AF, adjust EXP COMP, hold the AEL (for exp lock), change meter mode (spot, ctr-wtd, scene-wtd), move the focus position, etc.) without my eye leaving the viewfinder. (Note I'm talking about the Max 9, but it is similar in these respects to the Max 7). -- --e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.-- |
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