Konica Minolta 7D- Notes and Update

Today I did some basic maintenance servicing on both of my 7D's. I removed the focusing screens (no tool needed if you know how) and cleaned off  a couple of annoying dust specs/threads out of both viewfinders- both are perfectly clean now. I'm a stickler about my equipment being spotless, so it's nice to do this maintenance myself. I've also cleaned both of the 7D's exterior very thoroughly. More...
 Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D 6MP DSLR Availability and Price


I also made sure to check all the screws etc. all over each body. Both bodies screws were tight and nothing else was wrong with either body. I love shooting with freshly cleaned, perfectly operating bodies that have new fully charged batteries in them- it's a must for me.

Also today, I cleaned both sensors with a new method that involves using the reflection of the sensor to see any big specs, then after those are removed, using a sensor cleaning wand/cloth for a once over. It's a new method for me that makes cleaning the sensor much more simple than ever before. Those are life's little victories worth celebrating indeed!


Autofocus Notes:

I've been observing a very high accuracy with both bodies- more so than my other DSLRS. Both focus extremely accurately with about 4 different lenses I've tried on them so far- it's actually highly impressive. Although the focusing is definitely a bit slower than other camera models, with some practice I find that accuracy seems to actually be more appreciated especially on still life subjects.

My Maxxum 7D and Alpha 7 in great shape! The Maxxum has the Tenpa 1.36x Magnification Eyepiece to aid in macro and portraiture photography- a huge view!

The 7D has a reputation for being a good autofocusing body with very few exhibiting back or front focus issues. I can see why they do. I find that in general, either the 7D will confirm focus or won't but that when it does, you can almost 100% guaranty that it will nail it. I like that about the 7D for several reasons, but mainly because nailing focus ensures that the areas I need sharp in the photo will take the most advantage of its 6MP sensor. With 6mp you really do want to take advantage of every little pixel.

Overall you could say I'm just smitten with this performance.

In General:

I've just been having a ball with the 7D's lately and tomorrow, the smaller brother arrives- the Maxxum 5D I've wanted for a while. I've had one before but not in the condition I wanted, nor with all the original paper work, cables, and box etc.

There's plenty of life left in both of my 7D DSLRS, and the handling is just top rate. I don't think that any DSLR's I've used can beat the 7D's in handling or ergonomics- controls are right where they ought to be.

Today I purchased the service manual for the 7D and plan on getting some available spare parts in the event either camera will need them in the future. The kind of parts I'll be getting are the typical wear and tear items that 7D's are known to need replacing eventually. 

As far as photography goes, I've been out shooting more than I have been in a long time. Partly because the 7D's are such a joy to use, but mainly because I have a serious photography bug going on right now that I'm rather enjoying. I'll be posting some pics later on after I've processed a few.


Cheers!
Carl

P.S. I see no reason not to continue to write articles on cameras I feel are very important in DSLR or SLR history- especially when I am still using them frequently and getting excellent results. There's always more to reveal or talk about when discussing the use of these cameras, so therefore I will exercise the freedom as I see fit in the future as well. After all, I know there are many others out there that use the 7D, and its not bad to read good news (or bad) about cameras we are still using that might be a bit dated.


Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D 6MP DSLR Availability and Price