What Minolta was the top of the line?

[Rob Skeoch]

I realize that Minolta is no longer and that Sony Alpha cameras use the same lens mount since Sony bought Minolta.

I've switched to the Alpha cameras for my digital needs but would like a film camera with the same mount.

I'm switching from Canon and although I use this gear mostly for digital I do own a top of the line Canon Eos IV film camera.

Besides the full frame Alpha bodies I now have their Zeiss 135mm F1.8 and Zeiss Planar 85 F1.4 lens.

My question is what model was Minolta's top of the line/best ever/latest version of a high end film camera.

-rob

[Eric Rose]

IMHO this was the top of the line for Minolta.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography...taxk/index.htm

There were newer cameras that came out but this one is really sweet. As long as you don't want AF.

If AF is important then this one:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography...um7k/index.htm

I've used this camera I IMHO it's a pukie light thing.

[ellisson]

I use a Maxxum 9, one of the last high end film camera produced by Minolta. Excellent build, features and performance. The Maxxum 9 (and the cheaper Maxxum 7) will take the Sony Alpha lenses.

[jd callow]

I used the XE from the 70's and I feel it is on par with the Fe2 (and I prefer both to the bigger bulkier F3 or 4 nikons). I can't comment on the newer minoltas other than the DSLR's

[naaldvoerder]

The Dynax (Maxxum) 9 is a incredible camera. Build like a brick house and rasorsharp to use...

[David Brown]

Originally Posted by Rob Skeoch

I've switched to the Alpha cameras for my digital needs but would like a film camera with the same mount.

My question is what model was Minolta's top of the line/best ever/latest version of a high end film camera.

Minolta film cameras with the same mount are the Maxxum or Dynax models. The Maxxum 9 was the latest top of the line model. The Maxxum 7 runs close behind and is not very expensive on the used market.

As for "best ever", that always starts a discussion and will include manual focus cameras that are not the same mount.

(SHHH ... PM sent about the d*i*g*i* part ... )

[Ian Grant]

Originally Posted by David Brown

As for "best ever", that always starts a discussion and will include manual focus cameras that are not the same mount.

(SHHH ... PM sent about the d*i*g*i* part ... )

SR-1 or even an SRT-101 Even the Chinese copied it.

Ian

[David Brown]

Originally Posted by Ian Grant

SR-1 or even an SRT-101

I know, Ian! It's the x700. No, it's the XD11. No, it's the SRTs.

My solution is to own all of them.

[Wolfeye]

Recommending a Minolta MD-mount camera misses the OP's desire. I'm a longtime Minolta MD user and dallied with Maxxum early this century. I got a Maxxum 5 and 7. Fine cameras. But I could never afford a 9. Even nowadays they go for a lot ($400-500). So when I got back into the game, picking up the incredibly-low priced Sony Alpha 200, I also tried to get a decent film body too. Bought a 5000 and then a 5 body, both defective. I ended up buying a 800si (actually the Japanese version 807si) and am impressed with it. For less than $150 I got many of the features of the 9 and the camera was nearly new. I highly recommend it.

[frank]

If anyone is interested in an XK, let me know.