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!

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