minolta had a huge amount of financial issues, back in late 05, i think it was, and their photographic division was bought out by Sony, shortly afterwards. they stopped producing film cameras with the 7, and were focusing on digital. if you like their products, check out
Dyxum.com - home of the Minolta / Alpha-mount dSLR photographer , they have a forum section for legacy film users like you and me (i own a dynax 700si)