Need advice on a film camera!

[Diamond Girl]

My husband has a Minolta Maxxum50 film AF camera that he got almost 2 years ago. He had it in his backpack when he recently fell and the camera is now damaged. He has a number of lenses that he used with this camera. We have been searching for a new Maxxum 50 body or even the 70 and we can not find one and since Minolta/Konica was taken over by Sony, these cameras are now discontinued. There are used ones out there, but we prefer new.
Over the weekend I was in a camera shop in Manhattan checking to see if they had any Maxxums available, which they didn't. But the salesperson showed me a Minolta Dynax 800si (body only) which they would sell me for $149. I believe the same lenses can be used since they are bayonet mounts. I know this model came out quite a few years ago and the camera does look brand new, just the box looks old. The original price tag on the box was for $419 and the manual and warranty card is still in the box. I believe this is a good deal and the only reason I am hesitating is because it is a final sale, no returns or exchanges. Any one else think this is a good deal and what is the chance of a brand new camera being defective?
Thanks, I appreciate any/all advice.
Marie

 

[Geoff_M]

I don't think the price alone makes is suspect as being defective. As your mentioned, Minolta is a "dead" brand... add to that the fact that film is also effectively "dead". Given that, I think it's reasonable to find stores that are attempting to unload such inventory at steep discounts. If you're concerned that the model might be DOA, ask the clerk to pop in a battery, pop on one of your husband's lenses, and give it a quick check. See if the camera will AF, meter, and the lens will properly mount. I realize that you can't see the final product with a film camera, but you can slow the shutter down to 1/2 a sec. and see if it "sounds right" and then speed it back up to check the shutter out.

 

[robertchance]

Here's another thought on getting that camera body,, have you tried ebay? With that camera company now out of business, i have a feeling that you will be able to find something there

 

[robertchance]

Ok, i just did an ebay search,, no results,, maybe try a google?

 

[extreme8]

You can use the same lenses on the 800si as he did on the 50.
FYI, these cameras were discontinued well before the Minolta/Sony situation occured.
The 50 is a nice, solid, basic camera, where the 800si is quite a bit more advanced. I have a 700si that's at least 12 years old and it still operates like new. I recall being envious when the 800si came out because of the extra features it offered (I'm sorry I don't remember which features had me salivating - maybe program modes instead of needing program cards?)
I'ts a nice machine and if you're intent on sticking with film It's a good choice. That body when new was double the $400 sticker you see on the box.
If you want to move to digital and still keep your lenses your only choice now is a leftover Minolta 5D ($500-600), A refurb Minolta 7D ($600-700), or a new Sony A100 ($999 MRP).
Good luck

 

[Diamond Girl]

Ok, i just did an ebay search,, no results,, maybe try a google?

Google does produce online stores showing the Maxxum 50. However, when I called, it is no longer available. Same stores that I called over a month ago, still have these cameras showing. Not sure why they haven't updated their websites.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Why not take the opportunity to go digital? I can't think of any advantages to film except for extremely esoteric areas like infrared photography or people that love playing with dark room chemicals.

 

[Diamond Girl]

You can use the same lenses on the 800si as he did on the 50.
FYI, these cameras were discontinued well before the Minolta/Sony situation occured.
The 50 is a nice, solid, basic camera, where the 800si is quite a bit more advanced. I have a 700si that's at least 12 years old and it still operates like new. I recall being envious when the 800si came out because of the extra features it offered (I'm sorry I don't remember which features had me salivating - maybe program modes instead of needing program cards?)
I'ts a nice machine and if you're intent on sticking with film It's a good choice. That body when new was double the $400 sticker you see on the box.
If you want to move to digital and still keep your lenses your only choice now is a leftover Minolta 5D ($500-600), A refurb Minolta 7D ($600-700), or a new Sony A100 ($999 MRP).
Good luck

Thanks for the info and confirming that same lenses can be used on the 800si. I want to surprise my husband by finding him a replacement camera otherwise I would have just asked him. I think I will just take him to this store and do what Geoff_M suggested to give it a quick check. I just hope this camera is not too advanced.

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[Diamond Girl]

Why not take the opportunity to go digital? I can't think of any advantages to film except for extremely esoteric areas like infrared photography or people that love playing with dark room chemicals.

He would like to do this but right now it's basically about the cost.