about to purchase maxxum 7.what else?

[Laberin]

can anyone here please give me some advice to what else i should purchase with the minolta maxxum 7?

ex.extra lens,what kind of film,case.

just please give me your porfesional oppinion.

this will be my first camera i have ever purchased myself so please give me all the advice you can spare.

thank you all

-Laberin

[Clemmie]

Ahhh.....that's my boy!

If you're getting it New from B&H - the 7-year Mack service plan, at $24.95, isn't a bad investment. And since B&H is the one dealer that only charges realistic shipping costs, it will pay you to combine as much stuff as you can on the one order.

Lenses - you'll do best to stick with genuine Minolta. The 28-80 and 28-100 'kit lenses' are quite good for a starting lens. To quickly expand your capabilities on a budget, check the Used market (eBay) for a 50mm 1.7 and the 70-210 f/4 - both hard to beat for optical quality, and commonly under $50 each.

I'll also highly recommend a Skylight or UV filter, for each lens you get. Good cheap way to protect the front lens element from damage - and easier to clean.

Case - Until I acquired so many lenses I needed a true system case, I did just fine with what Wal-Mart markets as a 'Camcorder Bag'. It's a good padded case, with padded dividers to keep the camera and lenses from clanking together, and has several pockets for film, filters, etc. About $17, and will handle everything until you go past three lenses. I still pack mine out as a 'day kit' whenever the full system case is just too much to carry.

Film - I usually shoot Fuji Superia, which Wal-Mart carries in 100/200/400/800 speeds. Recently discovered that B&H stocks Konica's VX film, in the same ratings, about 20% cheaper than Superia - so I've been giving that a tryout, with great results.

That's the essentials for getting started. Soon, though, you'll want a few more pieces. Like a good Monopod or Tripod, or both. I recommend Davis & Sanford on both counts, available from B&H. And to go with that tripod, you'll likely want a Remote Control Cord - which comes in two versions: the RC-1000S (16 inch, $37), and RC-1000L (16 feet, $39). Might as well get the long one, as it gives you a lot more flexibility.

[Laberin]

wow.well thank you clemm.i apreciate your input.im glad some one around here knows the maxxum 7.but im still not sure what lense to buy with it. can you narow it down a bit more?i want a good lense for every day shooting.i want quality,and i would prefer it to be black.as well as affordable.thank you again for all your input.

and if anyone else has anymore suggestions.feel free to add your 2 cents

thanks

[92135011]

Fuji Realla film.

get the fastest zoom you have the money for. For those fading winter days, light is scarce. You always get more choice in shots with faster lenses and Flash just doesnt have the same feel

[Clemmie]

Well, it's like I said - the 28-80 or 28-100 kit lenses. Good walking around lens - lightweight - and they can be had in Black, but it takes a little digging. The silver & black versions, which I have, do look quite snazzy paired with a 7, though.

There's also a 35-80 that is good, and may be cheaper. The 28-80 replaced it, but there is still some dealer stock floating around. A few ounces heavier is a 35-80 f/4 (natural companion to the 70-210 f/4) that's also available on the Used market - and these are all Black.

If you want something lighter/smaller with longer reach in the tele, there is a 75-300 D II f/4.5-5.6 - I have this one, and it is good. $169 new at B&H - choice of black or silver/black.