The passing of my KM5D

Unfortunately my Konica Minolta 5D from January 2006 passed away this afternoon. After almost 15 1/2 years the cruel First Frame Black issue struck resulting in mostly black or half black frames and a need to cycle the power switch. It still takes a normal photo in less than 1/3 of the shots attempted, but almost never two in a row.

Fortunately I don't need a taxidermist to keep using it as a paperweight , but for sure I'll miss the CCD sensor rendering which was specifically nice for flower macros and lucious landscapes.

Here's the last photo I got out of it:


KM5D + Min 100/2.8 macro D

That's sad news Pieter, but a beautiful way to say goodbye with this picture.

That's sad.
Are you going to pick up another one?
Regards,
Renato

I understand Pieter, I bought mine in 2006 also. It was my main camera up until around 2015. I prized the early anti-shake. All my traveling around took its toll on it. Most of my Yosemite photos are w it. I have a fond place in my heart for it. Had great times w it. I used it so much I just wore it out

It is not a doorstop for me.
As you know, its the Last camera Minolta made. I've only owned Minolta cameras since my first, a Minolta SRT 101, I purchase new in 1969. In that regards it is still a prized possession that I will always keep. up in my shelf
Joseph

Pieter,
All good things come to an end.
The KM5D was my first leap into a-mount DSLR photography, transitioning from my 35mm a-mount period.
I loved it, and at the time its 6MP CCD sensor with in camera anti-shake was in a way class leading.
The large pixels yielded a special image quality, and the ergonomics were intuitive and familiar to Minolta SLR users.
It was keenly priced against the CaNikon opposition, but of course it arrived in the marketplace far too late in the race.
As @Coast says, it was the last of the Minoltas, but of course with Sony's purchase of the Minolta camera division, lots of key personnel as well as patents, tech and smarts came across, and the a100 was little more than a re-worked 5D with a 10MP sensor and a few other tweaks, and the evolution has continued to this day.
Hopefully it will rest in peace in a special place in your home, and your heart.

Renato wrote: From now on, my more expensive Sigma lenses are only going to be used on KM cameras. Regards, Renato

That's a smart move, gear stripping with these older cameras isn't impossible but probably less likely.

If I ever see one in good condition for such a low price in a 2nd hand shop as you found one I might be tempted, I but don't think I would take the risk to buy on-line without a real good impression on the condition of the body given the very (too? ) large number of other working cameras I have.   

pegelli wrote: Renato wrote: From now on, my more expensive Sigma lenses are only going to be used on KM cameras. Regards, Renato That's a smart move, gear stripping with these older cameras isn't impossible but probably less likely. If I ever see one in good condition for such a low price in a 2nd hand shop as you found one I might be tempted, I but don't think I would take the risk to buy on-line without a real good impression on the condition of the body given the very (too? ) large number of other working cameras I have.

Well, here it is, a Dynax 5D with Sony 18-55 for €99 from a reputable store. It might be a bit out of the way for you as Foto Sipkes is in Groningen.