Steve'sDigicams

DeadDotCommer · Jun 13, 2004, 6:31 PM

I had a DiMAGE A1 that I liked very much. It autofocused perfectly. I upgraded to a DiMAGE A2 for the greater pixel count. I'm now returning the A2 directly Minolta for repair, because the autofocus just does not work. It takes forever to lock on, and even at that, photos are frequently out of focus. The A1 was far superior at this.

Curiously, I e-mailed Minolta support through the Minolta Web site. Their reply: They sent me a form to return the camera for repair. They didn't deny it; they didn't ask for other info. My conclusion is that Minolta is well aware of this problem.

John G. · Jun 15, 2004, 11:36 AM

OK, I'm going to say it Minolta should follow the procedure of the Automotive industry>>>Make a Recall<<<As an example, SONY is very responsive and listens to customer needs, they have>>> EXTENDED<<< the waranty on the F828 (that model only) from 90 days to 1 year.

Altos · Jun 15, 2004, 2:51 PM

I am assuming that you do not have a concern about cost.

The A2 is not an SLR. But... an equivalent 300D will cost at least $1400US, not

$750 (A2). The 300D is a fine camera but the teaser kit lens is just that, a

teaser lens. After spending the $999 on the "kit" you need to shell out another

$400 for something that approximates the lens length of the A2.

It's apples and oranges. Neither one is better than the other. Just different

by intent, design, cost, utility and market focus.

NHL · Jun 15, 2004, 3:19 PM

John G. wrote:

Quote:

... As an example SONY is responsive/listens to customers needs and has EXTENDED the waranty on the F828 (that model only) from 90 days to 1 year.

The A2 (and all models) is guaranteed for a year already... if anything Sony is behind!
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...P52-2352&Tab=7

John G. · Jun 15, 2004, 10:03 PM

Oh really !
1 year parts and labor, I'll check on that to confirm your statement.

John G. · Jun 15, 2004, 10:07 PM

Thank's but I know the A2 is not an SLR.

Technophile · Jun 16, 2004, 2:26 AM

There's a firmware update (1.12) for the A2 on the Minolta web site. It's alleged to fix autofocus problems, if you have them.

jbach39 · Jul 30, 2004, 8:53 PM

I have an A2 and haven't had any problems with mine.. I think all the problems were in early A2's, and may have been fixed, mine came with 1.11 of the firmware (that I upgraded to 1.12), and it focuses just as any other autofocus camera I have used does.

StormyKnight · Jul 31, 2004, 3:11 AM

How does the A2 compare with the Z2 with focus speeds, reliability. Do users think that the Z3 will be even faster as KM claim?

jbach39 · Jul 31, 2004, 7:48 PM

I only played with a Z2 a few times at the local Wal-Mart, wasn't a bad camera, the focus speeds seemed similar to my A2

John

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Steve'sDigicams

Recent Camera Reviews

Most Active Forums

Most Popular Deals

Latest Feature Articles

Jun 13, 2004, 6:31 PM	#11
DeadDotCommer Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1	I had a DiMAGE A1 that I liked very much. It autofocused perfectly. I upgraded to a DiMAGE A2 for the greater pixel count. I'm now returning the A2 directly Minolta for repair, because the autofocus just does not work. It takes forever to lock on, and even at that, photos are frequently out of focus. The A1 was far superior at this. Curiously, I e-mailed Minolta support through the Minolta Web site. Their reply: They sent me a form to return the camera for repair. They didn't deny it; they didn't ask for other info. My conclusion is that Minolta is well aware of this problem.

Jun 15, 2004, 11:36 AM	#12
John G. Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 248	OK, I'm going to say it Minolta should follow the procedure of the Automotive industry>>>Make a Recall<<<As an example, SONY is very responsive and listens to customer needs, they have>>> EXTENDED<<< the waranty on the F828 (that model only) from 90 days to 1 year.

Jun 15, 2004, 2:51 PM	#13
Altos Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 77	I am assuming that you do not have a concern about cost. The A2 is not an SLR. But... an equivalent 300D will cost at least $1400US, not $750 (A2). The 300D is a fine camera but the teaser kit lens is just that, a teaser lens. After spending the $999 on the "kit" you need to shell out another $400 for something that approximates the lens length of the A2. It's apples and oranges. Neither one is better than the other. Just different by intent, design, cost, utility and market focus.

Jun 15, 2004, 10:03 PM	#15
John G. Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 248	Oh really ! 1 year parts and labor, I'll check on that to confirm your statement.

Jun 15, 2004, 10:07 PM	#16
John G. Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 248	Thank's but I know the A2 is not an SLR.

Jun 16, 2004, 2:26 AM	#17
Technophile Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 120	There's a firmware update (1.12) for the A2 on the Minolta web site. It's alleged to fix autofocus problems, if you have them.

Jul 30, 2004, 8:53 PM	#18
jbach39 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4	I have an A2 and haven't had any problems with mine.. I think all the problems were in early A2's, and may have been fixed, mine came with 1.11 of the firmware (that I upgraded to 1.12), and it focuses just as any other autofocus camera I have used does.

Jul 31, 2004, 3:11 AM	#19
StormyKnight Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 57	How does the A2 compare with the Z2 with focus speeds, reliability. Do users think that the Z3 will be even faster as KM claim?

Jul 31, 2004, 7:48 PM	#20
jbach39 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4	I only played with a Z2 a few times at the local Wal-Mart, wasn't a bad camera, the focus speeds seemed similar to my A2 John