Konica Minolta VC-7D Vertical Battery Grip for the Maxxum 7D Digital SLR Camera

I was very fortunate and blessed by God to find this thing. It was new in the box along with the camera NIB also. I was wondering if I should get the thing. I wouldn't have gotten the 7D w/o the grip as I own it's film brother the Maxxum 7 w/ a vertical control grip. The price for both items together seemed a little steep at the time, however I pulled out the credit card and got them both and I have no regrets as God let me have this as I always wanted one bad to replace the battery hog called the DiMage 7 and I could use the lenses I have. The thing is made out of the same tough material as the 7D and can take 2 Minolta batteries, so that makes it do a lot of shooting. Also the grip makes it a good one hand shooting camera. By all means get one and it's worth the $$!

This review is aimed at current or previous owners of the Maxxum 7 (the 35mm film version of the 7D) who have used the vertical grip with that camera and are thinking about buying the corresponding grip for the new Maxxum 7D. It may still be of use to users who are new to the Maxxum cameras and vertical grips but it will mostly make a comparison to the previous model since there are some differences to be aware of.

Functionality
The new VC-7D provides all the operational functionality of its predecessor the VC-7. All of the main controls can still be accessed easily when shooting vertically and the layout is basically the same as the VC-7. The VC-7D does however include the addition of an AF Area button.

Battery Options
The VC-7D differs from the VC-7 in several ways when it comes to battery options. First off, the VC-7D actually takes the place of the battery within the camera. The battery from the camera is moved into the VC-7D. Second, the battery compartment will hold either one or two NP-400 batteries or you can use six AA batteries. Third, because there is not a battery within the camera itself while using the VC-7D you cannot switch between the camera battery and vertical grip batteries as you could with the VC-7. It will always use the batteries contained within the vertical grip.

Size & Weight
As you will have already noticed the Maxxum 7D is slightly larger than the Maxxum 7. The VC-7D vertical grip continues this trend and is larger than the VC-7. Part of the reason for this is to match the increased size of the camera body. The increase is also due in part to the fact that the VC-7D has to hold all of the batteries now rather than just supplemental batteries as with the VC-7. The added weight is enough to be noticeable, especially if you are using two of the NP-400 batteries of six AA’s.

Overall Impression
In summary, the VC-7D provides additional flexibility in both handling and power at the cost of increased size and weight. I personally do not find the increases to be a problem. The feel is a bit different than the VC-7 / Maxxum 7 combination but it hasn’t taken me long to adjust to it. Aesthetically, the VC-7D doesn’t match the Maxxum 7D as well as the VC-7 / Maxxum 7 combo because the finish is slightly different between them. Functionally they are a great pairing. Overall, if you have become accustomed to the flexibility of using the vertical grip with your Maxxum 7 then you will be right at home with the VC-7D on your Maxxum 7D. It was one of my first purchases after getting my new camera and I am very glad that I bought it.

There's really not much to say about it. It's a grip. It works. It's comfortable to hold and you can put two batteries in it. This thing isn't an essential accessory for most people, but it's worth the money if you shoot a lot.

I also have a Maaxxum 9 and purchased the vertical grip for it. I feel the vertical grip is an essential accessory.

The reason I didn't give a 5 rating is because the hand strap didn't come with the VC-7D Grip. I don't understand why because the hand strap came with Maxxum 9 vertical grip. You'd think that for $200 they would at least give you the hand strap, now wouldn't you!