Well, after much dithering I bought a KM 5D

I have now used it for a long weekend and about 500 shots and I am
very happy. As a long term Minolta user the camera felt comfortable
immediately and without the bulk and weight of the otherwise admirable
7D The choice of 5D was based almost entirely on this as I have plenty
of Minolta lenses and the extra cost of the 7D body against the 5D kit
wasn't too significant in the overall scheme (about 100 UKP or 150 UD$
or euros)

The kit lens is much better than I had expected and results are hardly
distinguishable from earlier Minolta lenses. Even good at wide angle
and macro.

So far all well. Let's hope it doesn't die like my Nikon, beyond
economical repair at 2 years old.