If you like the 7000, they are extremely cheap used. But you need to buy from a trustworthy party since, from what I understand, bleed in the LCD and the aperture problem you apparently have are very common. You could look at KEH. (My only interest in KEH is as a very happy repeat customer.)
On the other hand, the technology has improved greatly over the 7000 with faster focussing, etc. Any auto focus Maxxum or even the digital Sony Alphas will accept your older Maxxum lenses.

Dave

Dave

Cheers Dave!

There's a lady locally selling a Maxxum 7xi -- haven't seen it in the flesh, but have read the owner's manual on the Minolta web site.

Assuming it's in good shape, ok for less than $100?

Thanks for all the replies and opinions. Efraud was a little too rich for my blood on the Maxxum 7's and Maxxum 9's, and the 7xi's were going for over $100 -- so I've gone ahead and bought a 7000 body from a dealer in Toronto. Price (auction win) $35, including 180 day warranty. Looking forward to it arriving this week.

Now, can anyone tell me what is the "green" thing to do with my old, non-functioning (but repairable) one?

I see you found one -- Many times the LCD problem is solved by replacing the battery which is located in the battery compartment and can be replaced by removing the screw that is inside. As far as what to do with the ... one you have? This may help, repairs if can be made -- expect this may make up your mind?
http://www.camerarepair.com/camera/repairs/337-Minolta-MAXXUM-7000

Good luck in your decision?

at keh they have one for only 0.89 all this one has is lcd bleed like it is reaaly necccerery

Quote:
I have an old Maxxum 7000 which I bought new in 1988. It has been out of action for a while, due to an aperture failure. I had intended to get it repaired, but looking at the prices of used SLRs it doesn't seem worth it.

I have a Tokina 28-50 AF zoom, a Tokina 70-210 AF zoom, and a Tamron 500mm manual focus mirror lens. I would like to keep these and replace the camera body with another compatible Minolta.

My options are:
1: Go with a straight like for like replacement (i.e. another used 7000)
2: Go with a more recent generation Maxxum SLR.

Problem is I don't know much about the more recent Maxxums. I would like the same sort of creative control I had with the 7000 so I don't want a fully automatic camera.

So -- opinions please! Remember that I will be keeping the lenses, so please reassure me that they will be compatible with the body.

Many thanks,
David in BC

try keh or used camera
keh has one for 0.89 cents to as high as 16dollars
as for that model most places will charge extra for near mint model as high as 300dollars

Finding good 7000's out there can be difficult, but they are available and usually cheap. I bought my first 7000 new and then purchased two used one's almost five years later. All three got used for a while and one by one they slowly died. I just got rid of the last one last month. Fortunately expecting this I had bought a new 7000i and one used 7000i. I love these two camera's and they should last me for years. You could try finding a 7000i, some good ones are still out there, even the odd new one.

I still maintain and use a full kit on the x700 as well as a x9 for mugging around. It takes abuse that leaves my digitals in the repair shop for months. I still shoot 35mm with two Ziess Ikon's from the 50's and occasionally with a a lot of fussing around take pictures with a 100 year old Ansco Buster Brown ( if you want old looking pictures try old camera's. It's a lot more fun than Lomo or Holga)

Anyway I hope you find a good replacement. 35mm forever is my motto.

Many thanks to all who have replied. I am having fun with my "new" old 7000 body. It's interesting getting to re-learn some of the techniques! I do find that either:
(1) I'm not as good at photography as I used to be or
(2) it's harder to find good film processors and developers than it used to be

Chances are it's a bit of both. I'm using up my "generic" film and going with Fuji after that, see if it makes a difference. Sadly I think the days of 35mm are very numbered so it may end up being a museum piece...

BTW, I was very happy with the service from Henry's Cameras in Toronto, whence I bought the thing. Recommended for Canadians who want / need to shop in Canada...