Compact and feature-packed rangefinder film camera – that is the simplest description I have for the Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII. If you have been following me, you know I am a huge fan of compact rangefinder cameras because the form factor allows me to be discreet when shooting. Add that my copy of this camera is all black just makes it better. The Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII is the smallest of the Hi-Matic series that is mechanical. Although you can also use a battery to access auto-aperture and the lightmeter.
As with any compact cameras, the design of the Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII is very simple. On top you find the rewind knob, hot-shoe, threaded shutter botton, advance lever and film counter.
On the lens you can access the aperture, shutter speed, self-timer, ISO selector, and focus ring with tab. The back is much simplier with just access to the film back and viewfinder. Although I must say I find the viewfinder small (makes sense for a compact though) and a bit dim compared to my Ricoh 500G. Btw, shutter speed is from 1/8th to 1/500th of a second with Bulb setting while the aperture ranges from f16 to f1.7 with auto aperture mode.
What sets the Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII apart from other compact rangefinders is its lens. Most compact rangefinder lens has an aperture of f2.8, which is reasonable to keep the lens/camera compact. The Hi-Matic 7sII however have a larger aperture at f1.7, almost a 1 1/4 stop improvement. This makes this camera more capable in low-light conditions.
Here are some photos from our recent Cebu trip to visit family. Using this camera on this trip was actually a gamble because these were the first set of films I used after purchasing the camera as untested. Fortunately, all the photos turned out great and there are no defects on the camera. The photos are taken with a Kodak 400 and Fujifilm 200 35mm film.
If you want to save money on buying film cameras or improve your chances on untested cameras you can read my tips here.
As mentioned, the f1.7 lens makes the camera versatile even when you use lower ISO film. Although I would say the sweet spot would still be an ISO 400 film when you plan on shooting day to night.
Here are some photos in low light conditions, handheld.
Did I already mentioned this camera is compact? Just look at the size difference between the Minolta Hi-Matic 7 and the Minolta Hi-Mitac 7sII (pictured below). But camera has a fast lens of f1.9 and f1.7 respectively.
As you can see, I thoroughly enjoyed using this camera. It is a perfect everyday carry because of its size and a capable one too. If I didn’t collect and review film cameras I think this would be my main film camera.
Again, thank you for reading my blog! Comment below if you want to reach out or have any questions regarding photography. Be sure to share, like and wait for the next camera review. Salamat!
King 
Hello! where did you buy your 7sii?
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Hello, I’m based in Manila and thrifted the camera locally 🙂
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