The data panel has some black marks in it, can this be fixed? Can I buy a new data panel only and replace? Camera still works great.7000 Maxxum, Can I also buy and replace the discolored rubber pieces. Thank you

did you unlock the camera? are all batteries installed correctly,here is your manual, MINOLTA 7000 MAXXUM Manual Page 5

There is no such button. Instead there's a slide switch on the top of the camera, to the right of the LCD screen, with three positions marked "LOCK", "ON", and "OFF". See this picture for the location of the "Main Switch".

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.

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.

try a camera repair shop for a good used one, no new parts are available. or try ebay. you may have to buy a complete 7000, then keep it for parts.

goneoutthewi,

once the shutter is closed or the shutter open and the mirror is up no light strikes the film except the image. don't forget to use the red markings on the lens as infra-red focuses on a different plane than visible light.

rtjohnson1,
the minolta 7000 was the first auto focus slr. you can still buy a good working 7000 on e-bay for around $40.00 to $50.00, or take a 7000 lens to a camera store and try it on a newer model.

The Minolta Maxxum 7000 uses a Minolta A mount, which is also used on the Sony Alpha series, as they bought out Minolta's technology. All Maxxum lenses should work for the most part on the Sony Alpha series of DSLR's, including the autofocus.

-John

photolou,
if you can find a camera repair shop to fix it reasonably i would. however there are no new parts available so any replacement parts will have to be good used. be sure they warranty their work.

Dear Minolta friends,
I have recently bought a second hand Maxxum 7000 and a AF lens, but found the body not ocntrolling the aperture while shooting. I know 7000 has someting special. Is my problem is due to lens and body compatibility or actually the malfunction of the body. I am sure the AF lens is ok since i have tried it working with another minolta af body.
Can give me an advice?