Return D7, or Not

[John Stavick]

I just got off the phone not long ago with Minolta Digital Support about the problem of flicker in the EVF when button is half depressed. They asked if this happened in hi resolution or in normal. I said it was in at the higher resolution since I never really shoot in low resolution. Duh, why do they think I bought a 5 megapixel camera?

I was playing with different resolutions after I got off the phone and noticed that it did not flicker at all in lower resolutions. Hmmmm?
They told me to return it for service tech to check it out.
My question is "what do you think?"

I have heard of cameras going back and forth 3 or 4 times untill the problem gets resolved. They send back a worse off camera than what you sent them!
I'm afraid if I send it, I'll end up with one with other problems.

I don't think the warm grip on mine is a real problem as I am using external power pack, and the power pack pretty much takes care of the battery consumption problem.

I feel so stupid for writing this. I feel like I'm pawning off my problem to Dear Abbey. But anyway, "will my life remain the same with some flicker in it"?
Or should I get rid of the flicker?
Whagda' all think?
signed: really confused in Florida

 

[Steven]

John you maybe right but but but. This is going to haunt you until you get it fixed plus if you sell it down the road if will be a problem to he next buyer. Can you exchange it where you purchased it? I have heard good stories and bad ones for service on any digicam but I think most of the time they get it right.--Steven

 

[curly]

John,

Just so I understand, when you press the shutter release half way your getting a flicker in the EVF. While the shutter button is half pressed does it keep on flickering or does it only do it once as soon as you press the shutter release.

When I press my shutter release my EVF flickers only once....unless I release the button and half press again. If this is what your talking about maybe this is normal or maybe mine has a problem too!!!

Stephen

I just got off the phone not long ago with Minolta Digital Support
about the problem of flicker in the EVF when button is half
depressed. They asked if this happened in hi resolution or in
normal. I said it was in at the higher resolution since I never
really shoot in low resolution. Duh, why do they think I bought a 5
megapixel camera?
I was playing with different resolutions after I got off the phone
and noticed that it did not flicker at all in lower resolutions.
Hmmmm?
They told me to return it for service tech to check it out.
My question is "what do you think?"
I have heard of cameras going back and forth 3 or 4 times untill
the problem gets resolved. They send back a worse off camera than
what you sent them!
I'm afraid if I send it, I'll end up with one with other problems.
I don't think the warm grip on mine is a real problem as I am using
external power pack, and the power pack pretty much takes care of
the battery consumption problem.
I feel so stupid for writing this. I feel like I'm pawning off my
problem to Dear Abbey. But anyway, "will my life remain the same
with some flicker in it"?
Or should I get rid of the flicker?
Whagda' all think?
signed: really confused in Florida

-- http://www.fototime.com/inv/60E8797C707018EThanks,StephenPro 90,E-100RS

 

[Roger Day]

John,

I had the flickering problem... I exchanged the camera 2 times where I bought it... Every one had the problem... Once I sent it to Minolta they sent me a working one... Actually sealed in a bag... I have found that you should not have flickering under any conditions... I had no problems with Minolta and they had the new camera back to me in 3 days...

Read thread:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=2104230

Good Luck
Roger Day
Palmdale, CA

I just got off the phone not long ago with Minolta Digital Support
about the problem of flicker in the EVF when button is half
depressed. They asked if this happened in hi resolution or in
normal. I said it was in at the higher resolution since I never
really shoot in low resolution. Duh, why do they think I bought a 5
megapixel camera?
I was playing with different resolutions after I got off the phone
and noticed that it did not flicker at all in lower resolutions.
Hmmmm?
They told me to return it for service tech to check it out.
My question is "what do you think?"
I have heard of cameras going back and forth 3 or 4 times untill
the problem gets resolved. They send back a worse off camera than
what you sent them!
I'm afraid if I send it, I'll end up with one with other problems.
I don't think the warm grip on mine is a real problem as I am using
external power pack, and the power pack pretty much takes care of
the battery consumption problem.
I feel so stupid for writing this. I feel like I'm pawning off my
problem to Dear Abbey. But anyway, "will my life remain the same
with some flicker in it"?
Or should I get rid of the flicker?
Whagda' all think?
signed: really confused in Florida

 

[John Stavick]

John,
I had the flickering problem... I exchanged the camera 2 times
where I bought it... Every one had the problem... Once I sent it to
Minolta they sent me a working one... Actually sealed in a bag... I
have found that you should not have flickering under any
conditions... I had no problems with Minolta and they had the new
camera back to me in 3 days...

Read thread:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=2104230

Good Luck
Roger Day
Palmdale, CA

Roger,

I have nothing but praise for Minolta's service. They even did a firmware update for me on an import (Dynax 7) as a customer relation type deal, and even sent me a Minolta T-Shirt.

I loved this camera when I first got it, but I keep reading all the problems that keep getting hashed over and over, and I'm starting to get like an old woman with a new car listening for a squeak. LOL
I have to agree with you, for $800 it shouldn't flicker at hi or low resolution.
Thanks for your input
John

 

[John Stavick]

John,

Just so I understand, when you press the shutter release half way
your getting a flicker in the EVF. While the shutter button is
half pressed does it keep on flickering or does it only do it once
as soon as you press the shutter release.

When I press my shutter release my EVF flickers only once....unless
I release the button and half press again. If this is what your
talking about maybe this is normal or maybe mine has a problem
too!!!

Stephen

Stephen

No, what I'm saying is pressing the shutter button half way to lock in focus in fine or x-fine mode, the EVF flickers continually while holding the shutter release botton in that position

 

[rikster]

John,
I had the flickering problem... I exchanged the camera 2 times
where I bought it... Every one had the problem... Once I sent it to
Minolta they sent me a working one... Actually sealed in a bag... I
have found that you should not have flickering under any
conditions... I had no problems with Minolta and they had the new
camera back to me in 3 days...

Read thread:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=2104230

Good Luck
Roger Day
Palmdale, CA

Roger,
I have nothing but praise for Minolta's service. They even did a
firmware update for me on an import (Dynax 7) as a customer
relation type deal, and even sent me a Minolta T-Shirt.
I loved this camera when I first got it, but I keep reading all the
problems that keep getting hashed over and over, and I'm starting
to get like an old woman with a new car listening for a squeak. LOL

I have to agree with you, for $800 it shouldn't flicker at hi or
low resolution.
Thanks for your input
John

I would send it back to minolta service center. Where do you live? There is one in New Jersey.

 

[John Stavick]

John,
I had the flickering problem... I exchanged the camera 2 times
where I bought it... Every one had the problem... Once I sent it to
Minolta they sent me a working one... Actually sealed in a bag... I
have found that you should not have flickering under any
conditions... I had no problems with Minolta and they had the new
camera back to me in 3 days...

Read thread:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=2104230

Good Luck
Roger Day
Palmdale, CA

Roger,
I have nothing but praise for Minolta's service. They even did a
firmware update for me on an import (Dynax 7) as a customer
relation type deal, and even sent me a Minolta T-Shirt.
I loved this camera when I first got it, but I keep reading all the
problems that keep getting hashed over and over, and I'm starting
to get like an old woman with a new car listening for a squeak. LOL

I have to agree with you, for $800 it shouldn't flicker at hi or
low resolution.
Thanks for your input
John

I would send it back to minolta service center. Where do you live?
There is one in New Jersey.

I'm in Florida, I use the NJ center. They are super fast. I think I am going to return it and hope for the best. All in all, I'm happy with it, but it's just one of them things, I know it isn't right. I'm filling out the return papers now.

 

[John Stavick]

John,
I had the flickering problem... I exchanged the camera 2 times
where I bought it... Every one had the problem... Once I sent it to
Minolta they sent me a working one... Actually sealed in a bag... I
have found that you should not have flickering under any
conditions... I had no problems with Minolta and they had the new
camera back to me in 3 days...

Read thread:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=2104230

Good Luck
Roger Day
Palmdale, CA

Roger,
I have nothing but praise for Minolta's service. They even did a
firmware update for me on an import (Dynax 7) as a customer
relation type deal, and even sent me a Minolta T-Shirt.
I loved this camera when I first got it, but I keep reading all the
problems that keep getting hashed over and over, and I'm starting
to get like an old woman with a new car listening for a squeak. LOL

I have to agree with you, for $800 it shouldn't flicker at hi or
low resolution.
Thanks for your input
John

I would send it back to minolta service center. Where do you live?
There is one in New Jersey.

I'm in Florida, I use the NJ center. They are super fast. I think I
am going to return it and hope for the best. All in all, I'm happy
with it, but it's just one of them things, I know it isn't right.
I'm filling out the return papers now.

Update,
Shipping today via UPS to NJ.
Will let you know the outcome
John

 

[Specialbiker]

Before sending the camera back to minolta, try to find out, whether you can solve the problems with a set of fresh accus.

The reason for flickering could be low power level within the camera, even when switched to high resolution (=more power consumption).

specialbiker

 

[Pabletto]

The reason for flickering could be low power level within the
camera, even when switched to high resolution (=more power
consumption).

NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!

My very first D7 did the flickering thing, too, regardless of the settings, batteries etc. Sometimes it did it, sometimes it stopped.

This happened with both newly charged cells, different brands of cells (even the ones included in the package) and even when operating on the AC adaptor sometimes. It did not matter whether the flash was on or off or when it was charging.

It happened regardless of the lighting conditions. I would sometimes shoot at 1/1000 at F8 (very bright conditions) and the flickering was still there.

The next camera I purchased did not have the flickering problem. Pure luck I guess?

I also always keep the contacts clean and do never touch the ends of the cells. I even rub them on my shirt or trousers every time before charging and/or placing in the camera.

So, flickering can not have been due to insufficient power supply due to week betteries. As I said, it happened with the MINOLTA AC adapter, too.

--Pablettowww.pbase.com/pettas(samples taken with the MINOLTA DiMAGE 7)Last update 14 December 2001

 

[John Stavick]

The reason for flickering could be low power level within the
camera, even when switched to high resolution (=more power
consumption).

NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!
My very first D7 did the flickering thing, too, regardless of the
settings, batteries etc. Sometimes it did it, sometimes it stopped.
This happened with both newly charged cells, different brands of
cells (even the ones included in the package) and even when
operating on the AC adaptor sometimes. It did not matter whether
the flash was on or off or when it was charging.
It happened regardless of the lighting conditions. I would
sometimes shoot at 1/1000 at F8 (very bright conditions) and the
flickering was still there.
The next camera I purchased did not have the flickering problem.
Pure luck I guess?
I also always keep the contacts clean and do never touch the ends
of the cells. I even rub them on my shirt or trousers every time
before charging and/or placing in the camera.
So, flickering can not have been due to insufficient power supply
due to week betteries. As I said, it happened with the MINOLTA AC
adapter, too.

--
Pabletto

Pabletto,
You are right, I tried different batteries etc.
Cleaned contacts
Tried different types batteries, even the Powerex 7.2V external pack.
Nothing seems to help the situation.
I have it packed up and will ship tomorrow
Thanks for everyone's input, will keep you posted when it returns

 

[Pabletto]

Pabletto,
You are right, I tried different batteries etc.
Cleaned contacts
Tried different types batteries, even the Powerex 7.2V external pack.
Nothing seems to help the situation.

Cleaning the contacts, being careful when handling the cells and using a correct charger will definetely halp you get more shots from your camera, but will under no circumstances stop your flickering problems. It will also prevent sudden shut-downs and crashing of the camera and will limit the need to remove batteries from camera (open batteries compartment) in order to get the camera moving again.
So, it is recommended that you do keep everyting clean.

To me, camera crashing has happened twice only and both times were using the same set of cells. All other cells are working without any problems, even when they are weak enough for the D7. So, problems can occur due to not-so-good or incorrectly charged cells, but I do not think this is where the solution for the flickering-EVF problem lies.

I hope you all flickering-people sort you problem out soon, without as little hassle as possible.--Pablettowww.pbase.com/pettas(samples taken with the MINOLTA DiMAGE 7)Last update 14 December 2001

 

[John Stavick]

Pabletto,
You are right, I tried different batteries etc.
Cleaned contacts
Tried different types batteries, even the Powerex 7.2V external pack.
Nothing seems to help the situation.

Cleaning the contacts, being careful when handling the cells and
using a correct charger will definetely halp you get more shots
from your camera, but will under no circumstances stop your
flickering problems. It will also prevent sudden shut-downs and
crashing of the camera and will limit the need to remove batteries
from camera (open batteries compartment) in order to get the camera
moving again.
So, it is recommended that you do keep everyting clean.
To me, camera crashing has happened twice only and both times were
using the same set of cells. All other cells are working without
any problems, even when they are weak enough for the D7. So,
problems can occur due to not-so-good or incorrectly charged cells,
but I do not think this is where the solution for the
flickering-EVF problem lies.
I hope you all flickering-people sort you problem out soon, without
as little hassle as possible.
--
Pabletto

http://www.pbase.com/pettas
(samples taken with the MINOLTA DiMAGE 7)
Last update 14 December 2001

Thank you, I hope it gets resolved
Mine is in the caring hands of Minolta!
John