[hlmak]

All too often, when I turn this camera on the display shows the camera ready to use, but after about one second the display disappears and is replaced with an error message. I have to turn the camera on again and sometimes a third time before it starts properly. When the switch is in the on position, it is designed to partially shut down if left inactive for a minute or so. It restarts when you hit the shutter button. Often however, it gives the error message even then. The owners manual says that if the camera gets very hot it will show an error message when you turn it on. The manual says that when it happens, you should let the camera cool,then remove and reinstall the batteries. Well, my camera is sitting in an air conditioned house. It does not get hot. Yet, even after trying what the owners manual suggests, the camera still gives frequent error messages. Anyone else have this problem? Is there a simple solution or is it time to send the camera back to Minolta for repairs? Any help is appreciated.

[znrandy]

請問你部機買了多久, 是否最近才有這問題, 有無轉用了其他牌子既CF CARD. 部機影了多久才出現ERR字樣, 是否關機數分鐘便回覆正常. 當時的戶外或戶內溫度. 我都試過這個問題, 最後結果係在約在溫度31度以上, 猛烈陽光下, 長時間拍攝, 約不停地影40-50幅相, 便會出現這問題. 關機數分鐘便可回覆正常. 呢點係一般對MINOLTA7系既最大弱點,過熱. 如溫度正常, 試下問人借張CF 咭 試一試, 如果問題都不能解決, 我估要拿回代理CHECK!. 希望幫到你.

[hlmak]

謝謝您的回復﹐我部機才用了兩年﹐我已拿去修理﹐Minolta的人說是Len Block的問題﹐要整個換﹐價錢是1800! 殺死人。。。

我想知道﹐只是我不好彩﹐還是Minolta 7Hi的Quality是這樣的﹖

[znrandy]

我估係個別事件, 因好像未見個呢d評語, 不過無保養而又壞了既dc,維俢費甘勁. 真係食之無味,棄之可惜

[hlmak]

不是個別案件,看以下forum會嚇死人﹗

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=4765038

[insane]

hlmak.

Has this problem haunted you for the last two years you have the 7hi, or just starting to really bug you recently becasue increased failure rate? Is it CF card related at all?

I have my 7i for over two years (and over 40000 clicks later). I recalled I had my share of problems initally. But it was compatibility issue. Once I found the right brand of CF cards, my 7i has been uneventful since. Mind you. I still get the occasional hangs every now and then, but nothing like you experienced. All I do is open the battery compartment, and reclose it, and power up. The cold boot will cure any hangs, always.

Few months back, my 7i went dead. Signal was not getting thru to the CCD/LCD/EVF. It was a grey market product and the guy who sold me the 7i was a good honest guy. He took my 7i back to Japan for me. Minolta Japan put in a brand new lens block, fixed up some normal wear tear while they are at it, all for free. It has been working like a charm since. I know I am lucky, but that is besides the point.

The question for you is whether the $1800 worth paying. I think only you can provide the answer. Overall speaking, are you happy with what service your 7hi has been providing you in the past years? If not, go to a different camera or different brand and use that $1800 towards the purchase price of a new camera since after the $1800 repair bill, your 7hi is unlikely to make you a happier man. Other things will continue to bug you. But if your 7hi has been giving you good service afterall, save for the spurious failures, then the $1800 is well spent. Afterall, it is a two-year machine, and the aging effect will show sooner or later.

Personally, I am very happy with my 7i. It does everything I want today, and more. After over two years, it still gives me trills in learning/mastering some of the features it has got. I figure I will never be able to really learn and enjoy my tools if I keep chasing after the latest and the best digicams. My time is better spend instead in mastering what I already have. I am still learning my 7i after two years later, and my Canon G1 after 3 years later, and I am happy soul.

Whatever decision you reach with your 7hi, all the best.