What is the typical lifespan of a 35mm Minolta camera?

Question

I am looking to buy one that is about 12 years old.  It's $50, and the main draw is that it has a telephoto lense with it.  I would really like to experiment some with a telephoto lense, but this is the only way that I can afford one.  Do you think that it is worth the money?  Thanks

Arthur M · Accepted Answer

12 years old is nothing, provided it wasn't abused by its owner.

I own a 35 year old Canon Canonet QL17 GIII that still works fine. 

$50 is great for a camera and lens. People are plunking down $1000 for that in a DSLR, and then feeling like they save because they don't have to pay for film.  You could take over 3500 pictures and still have more money.  That's a roll a month for 10 years.

Jt C · Answer

If the light meter and shutter are in good working order thats not a bad price. I have 30 year old Nikons I still use from time to time

David M · Answer

I have two Nikkormats from the 1960's that still work fine. As long as it has been taken care of it should be fine for many more years.

What is the typical lifespan of a 35mm Minolta camera?

3 Answers