Minolta Maxxum 9


Specifications

• Camera Type: 35mm SLR with built-in flash, autoexposure (AE) and Omni-dimensional predictive autofocus (AF).
• Lens Mount: Minolta A-type bayonet mount
• Film Type: 35mm film
• Eye-start Automation: AF and AE automatically activated/deactivated by combination of eyepiece and grip sensors. Eye-start is turned on/off by eye-start switch.
• Autofocus Type: Minolta's through-the-lens (TTL) phase-detection system with 3 CCD sensors. Activated by pressing the AF button or shutter-release button partway down, auto/manual focus switchable manually. Omni-Dimensional Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects.
• AF Modes: Single-shot, continuous, automatic autofocus mode
• Focus area: Wide focus area
• AF sensitivity: EV -1 to 18 (at ISO 100)
• AF illuminator: Built-in 3 beam LED; automatically activated in low-light/low contrast situations; range: 2-5/16 - 22-15/16 ft. (based on Minolta test methods with standard 50mm lens)
• Manual Focusing: By monitoring focus signals in viewfinder screen.
• Metering Type: Ambient: 14-segment honeycomb pattern metering.
• Film Transport: Automatic with build-in motor drive; auto threading, auto advance to first frame; auto rewind, manual start of rewind.
• Mid Reload: Available in Custom Function
• Rewind Time (24 exposures): High-speed rewind; approx. 5 sec.; low-speed (silent) rewind: available in Custom Function.
• Drive modes: Single-frame advance, continuous advance selectable from 5.5 frames/sec. (4.5 frames/sec. in continuous AF mode), or 2 frames/sec., single-frame advance exposure-bracketing selectable from 3-, 5-, or 7-exposure series in either 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1.0 EV increments, continuous advance exposure-bracketing selectable from 3-, 5-, or 7-exposure series in either 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1.0 EV increments.
• Flash: 4-segment flash metering, average metering and local focus area aligned spot metering selectable in Custom Function; automatically activated by pressing the AE-lock button, AF button, or the shutter-release button partway down.
• Metering cell: 14-segment honeycomb pattern SPC (silicon photocell), 4-segment flash-metering SPC.
• Metering range: 14-segment honeycomb pattern metering: EV -20; Center-weighted average metering: EV 0 - 20; Spot metering (3/16 in.): EV 3 - 20 (based on Minolta standard test method at ISO 100 with f/1.4 lens).
• Exposure Modes: Programmed AE (P mode): Programmed control of aperture and shutter speed based on lens specifications and scene characteristics; PA and Ps mode selectable in Custom Function.
• Aperture Priority (A mode): Aperture selectable in 1/2 EV or 1/3 EV increments, shutter speed from 1/12000 to 30 sec. set by autoexposure program.
• Shutter Priority (S mode): Shutter speed from 1/12000 to 30 sec. manually selectable in 1/2 EV or 1/3 EV increments, aperture set by autoexposure program.
• Manual Exposure (M mode): Any shutter speed/aperture selectable in 1/2 EV or 1/3 EV increments; correct, over-/under-exposure indicated in viewfinder; BULB also selectable.
• Exposure compensation dial control: -/+ 3 EV in 1/2 EV increments; -/+ 2 EV in 1/3 EV increments
• Rear dial control: -/+ 3 EV in 1/2 EV increments; -/+ 3 EV in 1/3 EV increments
• Flash Compensation: -/+ 3 EV in 1/2 EV increments
• Exposure Lock: Exposure locked automatically with AF lock (available only in 14segment honeycomb-pattern metering), or with AE-lock button.
• Shutter: Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type Range: 1/12000 - 30 sec. plus BULB; Flash sync: 1/300 sec. or slower. With shutter speeds faster than 1/300 sec., camera will automatically switch to HSS mode (only with Program Flash 5400HS).
• Built-in Flash: Guide number: 39 (in feet at ISO 100); flash coverage for 24mm angle of view Recycling time: Approx. 2.5 sec.
• Built-in Flash Control: Manual switchover; lift-up for fill flash, push down for flash cancel
• Flash Modes: Fill-flash, fill-flash with red-eye reduction (pre-flash), flash cancel, wireless off-camera flash (with or without 2:1 ratio), slow sync, rear-flash sync; High Speed Sync (HSS) flash available with Program Flash 5400HS.
• ISO Setting: Automatic setting for DX coded films: ISO 25 - 5000 (in 1/3 EV increments) DX-coded ISO range with flash: ISO 25-1000; non DX-coded fill is set to the previous ISO.
• Manual ISO Setting: ISO 6 - 6400 (in 1/3 EV increments).
• Self-timer: Electronic with approx. 10 sec. delay, cancelable, or 2 sec. delay with delayed shutter mirror lock-up function.
• Multiple exposure: 2 or more exposures.
• Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism
• Focusing screen: Spherical acute matte, user-interchangeable screens available.
• Field of View: Approx. 100% x 100% of film frame; magnification: 0.73X (with 50mm lens focused at infinity)
• Diopter: -1 diopter adjustable from -3 to +1
• Eye-relief: High-eyepoint (7/8 in. from the eyepiece, 3/4 in. from the eyepiece frame); eyepiece shutter available; eyepiece cup removable.
• Data Memory: Stores photographic data of up to 7 rolls of 36 exposures on aperture, lens focal length, exposure compensation/exposure bracketing increments, shutter speed, flash compensation/flash bracketing increments (including flash on/off status), exposure mode, and metering mode.
• Other: Remote-control terminal (with a sliding lid). 21 Custom Functions, depth-of-field preview, backlit data panel, screw-type PC terminal (available to both center-positive and center-negative polarities).
• Power Source: Two 3-volt CR123A/DL123A lithium batteries, 4-stage indicator appears when camera is tuned on.
• Battery Performance: Approximately 20 rolls (based on Minolta’s standard test method using 24-exposure rolls and flash on 50 percent of the exposures).
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 6-1/8 x 4-3/8 x 2-15/16 inches.
• Weight (without camera batteries): 32-1/8 oz.

Extra-tough metal cover

Features: Camera is made of stainless steel with moisture and dust resistant body for extra protection. Body is grippable and special UV coating surface makes it scratch resistant. Shutter release is placed on top of the grip with front control dial for quick and easy changing of settings. 30-1/12000th sec shutter speeds can be selected in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments. Front dial changes aperture setting in aperture priority or shutter speed in shutter priority. Rear control dial can be operated with your thumb. It operates and controls the same settings as the front dial, except in manual mode, the front dial changes the shutter speed while the rear dial controls aperture settings. Both controls can be used without removing eye from the viewfinder. LCD panel shows shutter speeds, aperture, frame number, film load, and battery symbol at all times, plus you can recall ISO setting (DX from 25-5000 with manual ISO 6-6400), data memory recall for up to seven rolls of 36 exposure films (shutter speed, f-stop, exposure mode, exposure compensation used, lens focal length, ISO) and release priority if selected. LCD panel can be illuminated in low light. Next to the LCD panel is a large exposure mode dial with visible P/A/S/M markings for changing exposure mode to program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual. Markings are luminescent which makes them visible in the dark. Dial is dented with easy operation. You can quickly change from any mode by turning the dial.

LCD panel illuminated, showing shutter speed, f-stop, frame number, battery symbol, film load. Left shows exposure mode selector.
Right below is a separate dial for single or continues auto bracketing, marked S and C in green; drive mode in white with S for single and C for continues drive; self timer; multiple exposure setting in orange and marked ME. Settings can be easily changed by turning the dial. In continues film advance, camera advances film either 2 or 5.5 frames per second (up to 5 fps in focus priority). Auto bracketing can be set in 1/3, 1/2, or 1 stop for up to +/- seven exposures. Self timer can be adjusted for 10 second or 2 second delay. When set to 2 seconds, mirror is raised up and locked prior to exposure to prevent vibration caused by the mirror to prevent blurred images. Multiple exposure allows unlimited number of exposure on the same frame. Top left of the body houses the classic compensation dial. Knob shows settings from 0 to +/-2, with + and - signs at the end of each settings which provide +/-3 stops of exposure compensation. Top dial provides exposure compensation in 1/2 stop increments. It can be lifted up and turned for 1/3 of stop increments. Compensation dial can be locked to prevent accidental movements. Right below the compensation dial is the flash compensation which can be adjusted in 1/2 stop increments for up to +/-3 stops. It operates separately from exposure compensation dial with a dented knob. Like exposure mode setting, exposure compensation dial is also luminescent and visible in the dark.

Exposure compensation dial. Dented and easy to operate with locking. Left picture shows setting in 1/2 stops. Right 1/3 stops. Note number of dots between settings. Below is flash compensation dial.

Front of the camera has a large red AF illuminator lamp for aid in focusing in low light. It also blinks in self timer mode. Camera grip has sensors that turn functions on as soon as you hold the camera. Depth-of-field preview is placed below and to the right of the lens mount and can be operated at all exposure modes for checking depth-of-field. It can be easily used without having to look at the front of the camera by touch since it is placed on a raised surface. Lens release button is placed to the left and below is the focus mode with AF and M marking. Focus mode can be moved up for autofocus and down for manual focus operation. Below-left of the body is the autofocus mode dial. Marked S for single autofocus, C for continues, and A for automatic switching between single and continues autofocus. In A mode, camera chooses single autofocus and changes to continues when it detects subject movement.
Rear controls include AE lock button which can be used by holding it pressed or programmed via custom function to lock by pressing once and unlocked by pressing again. Around the AE lock button is a lever for changing metering mode. You can choose from spot, centerweighted, or honeycomb metering. A lever is located above the AE lock button for illuminating the LCD panel in low light. AF button placed on the back can be operated by your thumb for selecting autofocus area or focus lock. Finder includes a built-in eyepiece-cup. It can be used by a lever to prevent light from entering finder when not holding the camera to your eye. Diopter adjustment is built in for adjusting viewfinder sharpness. Below the finder is the eye start sensors. It turns all functions on, the moment you hold the camera to your eye. It can be turned on or off by a switch placed at the bottom of the camera. Next to the eye start on/off switch is the wireless flash control switch with rear flash sync, and red eye reduction which works only with the built-in flash. Maxxum 9 is the only pro SLR with a built-in flash. Built-in flash is protected in stainless steel and is operated by manually lifting it up. It has a guide number of 39 with ISO 100 film and covers down to 24mm lenses.
Rugged built-in flash

Remote release is located at the right side of the body with a sliding cover. Control panel door is also located at the right, and inside is the data memory button, manual rewind, ISO button, and adjust button. Custom functions can be set by pressing ISO and adjust buttons. Adjust button is mainly used for setting single or continues film advance or bracketing settings. On/off switch is placed at the rear-left of the body. Camera back is opened by lifting and turning a well marked, OPEN key.
Viewfinder shows 100% of the picture area. At the bottom of the viewfinder you can see shutter speed, f-stop, focus signals, focus area, flash on and flash ready with OK, AEL when used, wireless flash, and countdown of the last nine remaining frames. At the right side, metering index shows +/-3 stops of exposure compensation used or difference between user selected and camera's correct metering in 1/3 or 1/2 stops.

Operation: Easy to operate dials and levers separate this camera from the rest. Camera is very rugged and comfortable to hold. It is not a heavy weight, but somewhere between other top pro SLR and amateur models. As soon as you hold the camera, you can feel its solid construction. Controls are well placed and your hand rests comfortably on the grip. By simply looking at the camera, you know exactly which settings and modes are selected. No need to push any buttons or turn any dials to see where everything is. Autofocus is very fast and camera briefly lights up the autofocus area it has selected. You can also manually select from wide focus to spot focus or one of the outer focus areas for off center subjects. In single autofocus, camera locks focus for single shots. You can also hold focus by half way pressing the shutter release or AF button to focus on your subject and recompose your shots. By holding AF button or releasing shutter release half way, you can continue shooting without having to refocus. In continues AF camera measures subject's speed and predicts direction and adjusts focus for accurate focusing. Camera won't fire unless subject is in sharp focus. Continues focus along with up to 5 frames per second film advance (the actual rate depends how fast camera can lock focus), makes fast action photography very easy. You can also set the camera to release priority. In this mode, camera fires every time shutter is pressed even if subject is not in focus. This mode is used for maximum frames per second (5.5). For fast action photography, turn eye start on. As soon as the grip is held and you look into the viewfinder, camera focuses on the subject and continues to adjust and lock focus when it detects motion. Eye start should be turned off for other types of photography to save battery power.

Left: Viewfinder showing shutter speed, f-stop, focus confirmed. Red light showing focus area selected. Right: Metering index.

You can select three different metering modes by turning a dial. Honeycomb metering (similar to evaluative metering) is camera's standard and perfect for most situations. Camera divides (14 segments, 13 inner and one outer) and measures the entire scene for best exposure. It is very accurate especially in scenes which include both highlights and shadows. Centerweighted metering is also available and best used under even light. Both metering modes have EV 0-20. Spot metering measures only central portion of the honeycomb cell. You can quickly switch between spot and honeycomb metering to compare overall or portion of a scene.
Selecting an exposure mode is fast and convenient. Well marked dial can easily be set to any of the four exposure modes. One unique feature is the 9's manual mode. Select shutter speed and f-stop and press AEL button. You can now shift shutter speed and f-stops while keeping the same exposure values. In program, aperture and shutter priority modes you can override the meter by easily dialing-in exposure compensation. The classic exposure compensation dial is dented and can be locked. You can also bracket your flash shots by turning a separate flash compensation dial.
Film loading is very easy. Drop the cassette in and pull the leader to the red dot, and close the back. Camera advances film to the first frame. Film rewind is extremely fast and quiet, 6 seconds for a 36 exposure. Rewind is done automatically at the end of the roll or you can manually rewind at any time. For mid-roll rewind, camera can memorize the last frame and advance film automatically.

Autobracketing, drive mode, self-timer, and multiple exposure selector.

Verdict: An outstanding pro SLR and the best Maxxum ever. In terms of convenience and operation, no current 35mm AF camera can come close (as of January 2000). All controls are well marked and easily accessible. You don't have to memorize how to set or select its features. Minolta obviously didn't create this camera to bring out new and often unnecessary features. This camera was designed to give the pro and advanced amateurs a photographic tool in a rugged body with features that are actually needed. You can concentrate on your photography but know with a twist of a dial you can go from A to B. It has a very fast autofocus with excellent tracking of moving subjects. Metering is very accurate even in high contrast lighting. 100% viewfinder coverage is a great pro feature but beware if shooting slides. Slide mounts will cover both ends of the image. Viewfinder is bright with visible information numbers and symbols with metering index clearly at the right. Exposure compensation dial is very convenient to use but its marking could be bigger. Depth-of-field preview button needs to be a bit longer and I wish a custom function was added to allow you to lock depth-of-field by pressing once and releasing it by pressing it again, like the AE lock button. Grip sensor and eye start are good additions, but they come in handy for fast and unexpected shots. The 9 is a superb picture taking instrument and voted the best pro camera by top photography magazines editor and pro photographers. I vote Maxxum 9 the second best pro SLR currently available. The best pro SLR? Still Canon EOS-1n. Read the test.

Accessories

VC-9 Grip

This grip features the same rigid finish as the Minolta Maxxum 9, employing zinc diecast covered with a special steel compound. Its design and rubber pad ensure that you can hold it securely. The shutter-release button is positioned to allow a natural shooting posture with your elbow close to your side, while other buttons such as the vertical on/off switch, front/rear dial, AE-Lock button and AF button are located to offer the same comfort as when you operate the camera horizontally. For extra reliability, the sensitive signal contact is exposed only when the grip is actually mounted, protecting it from dust and damage.

Multiple 4-type 2-way power source: The vertical control grip accepts four types of batteries, giving you flexible, reliable power. When the battery in the camera gets low, and there's no time to change to another, you can continue shooting by simply switching to the battery in the grip with the grip's battery select button.

Minolta DM-9 Data Memory Back

This optional accessory for the Minolta Maxxum 9 stores up to 18 items of photographic data for 400 rolls of 36-exposure film. The data is saved on a 2MB SmartMedia card and can be viewed on the camera's LCD data panel or accessed via a personal computer. In addition, one of seven items, such as shutter speed/aperture, count-up number, or month/day/year, can be imprinted outside the frame. For easy identification, the Data number is imprinted at the beginning of the film upon loading. The exterior of the Data Memory Back uses a special steel compound, giving it the same rigidity and appearance as the camera.