Minolta
Some things just naturally come to mind when certain words or phrases are mentioned. Minolta, for example, screams out and says quality camera for both home and professional use. Long praised as a camera for anyone to learn and have the ability to use, many will miss the Minolta camera. After merging with Konica in 2003, the Minolta Konica camera ceased being produced in March 2006. That does not mean, however, that you can no longer buy a Minolta digital camera; it simply means that you cannot purchase one from your local camera shop or retailer unless they still have older models in stock.

In spite of the cessation of camera production last year, a great many online retailers still have several models of the Konica Minolta camera available. Some are used from individuals and others are refurbished models. Minolta camera parts will likely be available for the cameras that are currently on the market, though no specific information was available for that. Possibly, second hand stores and auctions sites such as Ebay and Amazon will have sellers with these parts for some time. Sony Corporation will provide customer service for owners of Minolta and Konica cameras except for the film-in cameras. Minolta digital camera accessories are still available online from a number of retailers.

Now that both Minolta and Konica have ceased the camera business, it is likely that retailers who still have some in stock will sell a Minolta cheap. A camera that is no longer being manufactured is worth less than a current model, especially since it’s unlikely to command a great many sales. Therefore, if you’re looking for a new digital camera, Minolta may be your best choice for value as long as you are willing to take the chance on parts availability. The parts stores and warehouses will probably have parts for some time, and if the company does as most do, when they made the decision to discontinue the camera business, they manufactured enough parts to handle the current cameras in operation for several years. After that, one can probably purchase a used camera for parts for the remainder of the camera’s life.