New camera day…

Even though ‘new camera day’ happens rather too regularly, it always gives excitement and anticipation. Thoughts of how will the camera feel and sound, what images and memories will it create - oh and will it actually work after buying another untested camera on eBay!! All will be revealed inside this lovely sized and weighted box…

Minolta Maxxum 70

Well, first impressions are very good of this 2004 Minolta Maxxum 70 - it is in almost mint condition inside and out. I like its size too, it feels nice and compact only weighing 650 grams, but with a good sturdy feel. I’ve not had a lot of love for Minolta SLR’s - I have owned quite a few and used the X-300, 7000AF, 9000 and Dynax 5 & 7000i, but the only one that has stayed is the Dynax 5 - purely for it’s size, but if this Maxxum 70 shoots ok, the Dynax 5 may have to go…

Upon chucking a pair of CR2 batteries in, it powers up and all appears to work perfectly. Wow my £25 was actually well spent this time! The lens is also in great shape and has a very versatile 28-100mm zoom range - a great all-rounder focal length. I don’t feel the need to get a prime to go with it as it won’t get used enough. I do have a 400mm Sigma in the cupboard so that will do for lenses.

LCD is nicely laid out and easy to read, functions are easy to find although I did have to press a few buttons to work out how to change the aperture whilst in manual mode.

Obviously the next step is to rob a half finished roll of film out of another camera and go out for a play.

I’m very happy with my new toy, until the next ‘new camera day’ when the Minolta will probably get filed away in the cupboard!