Opinions - Minolta A series lenses

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Neil - 27 Oct 2003 00:57 GMT

I've got the chance to return to 35mm after a 20 year hiatus, however the
budget is very tight ( wife & kids happy with point & shoot ). I used to own
a Yashica FR1 and a boatload of fixed focal length lenses but sold the lot
if the very early 80's to help finance a house purchase ! Still got the
house - I wonder if the camera is still going ?

I've been offered a Minolta 404si with matching A series zooms 28-70mm &
70-210mm for ?100. I've had a play with the camera body and that seems fine
with a standard 50mm lens but the 4 rolls I've shot through the zooms have
yielded disappointing results. Also the AF seemed a bit hesitant which might
be a problem as I had hoped to do some sport (netball/basketball)
photography.

Are the Minolta A series lenses generally considered a bit iffy ? Should I
dig deeper and go for say an entry level EOS or Nikon F65 ?

Thanks

Neil

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Gordon - 27 Oct 2003 17:09 GMT

snip

>I've been offered a Minolta 404si with matching A series zooms 28-70mm &
>70-210mm for £100. I've had a play with the camera body and that seems fine
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
>Neil

Hello Neil,

Minolta only make one lens in the 28-70mm range and that is a 'G' lens
(which would cost you much more than what you are paying). This lens
is exceptionally good for a zoom and is obviously not the lens that
you tried.

Minolta have made 4 lenses in the 70-210mm range and one of these is
only average and was probably the one that you tried. If you provide
more details, I can let you know.

Overall Minolta provide a conservative collection of lenses, which are
of a comparable quality to Canon and Nikon. Due to the fact that they
do not make (as yet!) a digital SLR, all sell at greatly reduced
prices compared to Canon and Nikon. If you are happy with film, then
Minolta certainly provides the best value for money.

Best wishes

Gordon

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Jupiter - 27 Oct 2003 18:00 GMT

Probably nothing to do with the lenses. Minoltas have the AF motor in
the camera body, and hesitancy in focusing is probably due to the
camera rather than the lens. I find my Minoltas lock on to focus very
quickly without 'hunting'. The A lenses are robust items. Maybe a
more 'upmarket' Minolta body would realise their potential better?

>I've got the chance to return to 35mm after a 20 year hiatus, however the
>budget is very tight ( wife & kids happy with point & shoot ). I used to own
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
>Neil

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