Forums
Home » Forums » 35MM SLRs » General 35MM SLR Discussion
4 replies [Last post]
geoguy's picture
Submitted By: geoguy
Joined: Jul 9 2005
Posts:
Get a new camera or repair lens of Minolata X700?
Posted: July 9, 2005 - 8:57pm

I began taking pictures 7 years ago with my Minolta X700 and a Promaster Spectrum 7, 28-70mm, macro 1:4, f/2.8-4.5 lens. I enjoy taking film shots with manual cameras but am by no means an expert in photography nor cameras themselves.

Currently my lens is in need of repair and can be fixed (and the body cleaned and LEDs repaired) for $140. My quandry is whether I should go ahead with the repair or start over with a newer film camera (probably autofocus).

Pros that I see with a newer camera and things I wish my current one had:
--lighter weight
--built-in flash (much more convenient than lugging around the large one I have

Questions I have:
--am I just as well off with my X700?
--should I consider keeping just the body but replacing the lens?
--is this Promaster lens a good one when compared to others? (I really haven't been able to do any comparing nor do I really have the insight to do so)
--do they make smaller flashes for my X700 camera?

Thank you for any help in this seemingly monumental decision!

Top
ronk's picture
Submitted By: ronk
Location: Quensbury, NY
Joined: Mar 15 2005
Posts:
#1
Re: Get a new camera or repair lens of Minolata X700?
Posted: July 10, 2005 - 3:17am

I think it depends upon the individual cost of the lens and camera repair. The lens itself, and I am guessing on this, is probably worth less than $50 retail. Off brands don't hold value from my experience. The X700 at retail at B&H is $169 condition 8+.
If you stayed with Minolta, a new camera, with AF and built in flash would be just over $225. Are these features, and probably a lot more worth the money to YOU?

Top
geoguy's picture
Submitted By: geoguy
Joined: Jul 9 2005
Posts:
#2
Re: Get a new camera or repair lens of Minolata X700?
Posted: July 10, 2005 - 6:43am

Ronk, what kind of camera would you suggest that would be a good buy (quality and price) and would the ~$225 cover a lens? If not, how much could I expect to pay for a new or used lens that is 28-70 f/2.8 with the macro 1:4?

Top
geoguy's picture
Submitted By: geoguy
Joined: Jul 9 2005
Posts:
#3
Re: Get a new camera or repair lens of Minolata X700?
Posted: July 10, 2005 - 9:45am

Also, are there any options for one to check the sharpness (quality) of a lens? Since I don't have the expertise to do so, I was wondering if any photo shops can do something like that.

Thanks

Top
ronk's picture
Submitted By: ronk
Location: Quensbury, NY
Joined: Mar 15 2005
Posts:
#4
Re: Get a new camera or repair lens of Minolata X700?
Posted: July 10, 2005 - 12:04pm

canon Rebels and Nikon N55 are all around $200 with the kit lens, at B&H and i would think at Adorama as well.
hoe good are they? I really don't know from my own experience, perhaps SB or POP has done testing.

Top

 

  •  
  •