Recently, I discovered a Minolta 7000i with a 50mm f/1.4 lens for the price of a cup of coffee and a bagel. The lens is worth far more than the camera, making this an incredible find for any photography enthusiast. I had one of the cameras already, but I gave it to a friend who needed it more and found myself in search of a replacement auto-focus Minolta Maxxum camera for my various lenses. This particular camera came with an amazing lens, the infamous 50mm f/1.4, known for its versatility and rich image quality. The camera arrived a few weeks later. After some cleaning and a new battery, it worked perfectly, like new, showing no signs of its vintage age.

Eager to test it out, I grabbed a roll of Kentmere 100 and headed out to take some test shots that you can see below, relishing the feeling of anticipation that comes with trying out new gear. Please reference my previous post about being a blind photographer, which explores the unique challenges and joys I experience in this creative pursuit. The next day, I finished off the roll and developed it in 510Pyro, a process that I have honed over time, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. A blind guy developing film? Yes, I do that, too! It’s a testament to the power of dedication and the love for my craft, as I navigate the world of photography in my own unique way.

The next morning, I started scanning the film and was genuinely happy with the results, feeling a rush of satisfaction as each image came to life on my screen. The Minolta Maxxum 50mm f/1.4 lens provided amazing results both at infinity and close up, allowing for a range of creative expression that I didn’t think was possible until I experienced it firsthand. The bokeh was buttery smooth, just as expected, adding a professional touch to my photographs that elevated them beyond the ordinary. Due to it being such a fast lens, it focuses quickly, even in darker environments, enabling me to capture fleeting moments without hesitation.

What say you?