20 Most Recent Minolta Maxxum 7000 35mm SLR Camera - Page 4 Questions & Answers

I had a similar problem with my 8000i. Parts are getting scarce for these older Maxxums, but you can still get it repaired. Unless you are emotionally attached to this 7000i consider replacing it. You should be able to find another on Ebay for a decent price. You might also consider the subsequent generations which offer better AF performance. The 650xi, 700xi and 800xi are all good cameras and available on Ebay. Lighter versions like the Maxxum 70 and the XTsi are also available. The last of the film Maxxums was the single digit 7. It is generally regarded as the best of the Maxxum series, but still sells on Ebay over 150.00 typically. These subsequent models will take all your maxxum lenses and flashes. These newer models offer many other features and often less weight to carry around.

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I do not know for certain. You might find that answer on the Yahoo Minolta groups.
The Maxxum 7000 was introduced to the US market in 1985. Sold as the Alpha 7000 in Japan and Dynax elsewhere, it was replaced by the 7000i in a couple years. Then the 700, the 700xi, the 700si, the 70 and the 7 was the last film based 7 series. There
They also made 8000i, 800si, etc. The 9 series was the Minolta Professional cameras and they had the toughest bodies, weatherproofing, higher shutter speeds, and more.
Later models introduced better autofocus, better exposure options, wireless flash, faster film advance, etc.

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The problem sounds like the camera did not reset properly after the last exposure. Minolta deigned the camera to keep the aperture fully open except during exposure.
During exposure it snaps the aperture down to the selected opening, then opens it again to allow enough light for proper focusing. If it did not fully open the blades after the shot, much less light would pass through the lens. The viewfinder would be darker and look murky.
Most likely cause? Dried up lubricants in the camera.
Next likely cause? Teeth broken on a plastic gear.
Get it to a camera repair place. Get estimates first.

take off the battery holder and remove the screws on the metal plate. gently lift the plate and replace the battery. remember the different length of the screws.
camera may need a little time to for the circuit to energize.

it might be the internal battery. remove the battery holder and remove the screws on the metal plate. gently lift the plate and replace the battery. remember the different length of the screws.

The problem may be with your lens. If the aperture is not stopping down properly, it will cause over-exposure

No, a lens is not required for the camera to operate. My 1st guess is that the AAA battery holder has some corrosion. The section that pivots has contacts the meet up to the flat section. I have removed the holder section from the pins to get at those contacts. A pencil eraser is a good cleaning tool. Be gentle removing it, the pins are plastic

The shutter may be damaged and need service. Look at the shutter if they look misaligned or even out of track tat is the problem. A repair tech could trouble shoot the camera, but repairs may exceed the cost of replacement.

remove the battery holder. remove the screws from the metal plate. gently raise the plate and remove the battery. remember the different size screw lengths. the battery can be bought at any drug store or camera store.
it may take awhile for systems to turn on.

I am pretty sure that your lenses are just fine for your Digital camera(Minolta or Sony only) as they have the same lens mount. I you choose a KM5 or KM7 digital cameras your lenses will be longer by a factor of 1.4x, same goes for Sony cameras except A850 and A900. They will give you the same magnification ratio as your 7000. Minolta was sold to Sony several years ago, and they have been building a great reputation since. Your AF maxxum lenses will work great on any KM or Sony camera(ADI is available on distance integrated Minolta maxxum lenses only. You can tell by looking at a lens marking which will say "D" if it is compatible with distance integration). I find distance integration an extra not a necessity. If you have some great glass that you love and hold dear, then it would be a great idea to buy Sony. Note that another answer by miket756 is mostly wrong. Yes your lenses will get longer on APS sized sensors, but a 28 mm will never become a 150mm equivalent(thats just stupid). It will look more like 40-50mm on APS-C camera. If you got 2000-2700$ for Alpha850 or Alpha900 than your lenses will retain their mag factors. Good luck.

If that is possible in your camera then tchnge the program from auto
on my one its a little circle with pictures
it olso might be in the menu.

remove the battery holder, then remove the screws on the metal plate, remember different length of screws. gently lift the plate and replace the battery. it may take a while for systems to turn on.

Rodger, I can't help you with a replacement battery holder. If you plan to keep the camera, after all its almost 25 years old, I suggest: Take it to a repair guy. Why? find out what caused the short, and fix that, or you will have the same problem again. Get another one on Ebay as a parts source. Hey, they are old cameras. Otherwise: If the camera came with lenses andstuff, go to Ebay and get another cheap Maxxum and use the lenses on it. It will have a faster autofocus, weigh less and be smaller.

Likely its the film tranport motor. If that goes out, the camera cannot advance film. Try rewinding film. I forget if the 7000 had 1 or 2 such motors. Could also be teeth broken/worn out on the gears, but sounds like a trip to the repair shop is in order. If it will not rewind, put the camera inside a zipped dark jacket. Fold the bottom of the jacket to block light. Put your arms in the sleeves and open the camera back. Pull out the film, rewind it into the can.

Depends on whether it looks like a toy or a camera with adjustable settings like aperture and shutter. I suggest taking it to a camera repair place if its a better model. They may be able to open it another way, then lubricate or replace the latch. If it has not been opened in a long time, it prolly needs Cleaned, Lubricated and Adjust. anyway. Who knows? After shutter speeds are tested & reset, you may be able to actually take pictures with it. Sounds like fun.

120 film is still available at camera stores and online.
Kodak made many that used 120 film, but I don't believe all carried the name Brownie.

Maxxum 7000 are cheap these days. Get a used one on Ebay and keep yours for parts.
Better yet, get a 7000i, 700xi, 650xi, 800xi or a Maxxum 5, 7, or 9. Why? More focus points, faster AF, more options, same lenses. But you will need to replace your flash.
BTW...remove batteries when you aren't put it away.

Does this look familiar?

hi, I have a spare battery holder for minolta 7000 model, if you are still interested.
Best regards
Bob

remove batt. holder, then remove screws on metal plate. carefully lift plate. replace batt. then plate. remember different length of screws. it may take a while for systems to power up.

remove batt. holder, then remove screws on metal plate. carefully lift metal plate then replace batt. remember different length of screws. it may take a while for systems to turn on.