Six exposure control modes

For maximum exposure control convenience in any photographic situation, the camera provides six exposure modes. In addition to the four basic modes - P, A, S, and M - you can shift directly to P_A or P_S (customized settings) when the P mode is selected.

1. P Mode (Programmed AE)

To allow you to quickly respond to any photo opportunity, this mode automatically determines the optimum aperture settings and shutter speed according to the situation. Analyzing data such as focal length and magnification ratio of the lens, AF metering data, and the AE sensors' brightness data, the camera judges whether the current situation is Sports, Portrait, Landscape, or Macro, and sets the most appropriate exposure.

2. P_A Mode (customized setting)

Once customized, you can adjust the aperture setting instantly with the rear dial while in P mode, to control depth of field. As the setting is adjusted, shutter speed changes in response to the incoming light, maintaining optimum exposure.

3. P_S Mode (customized setting)

This customized setting lets you vary the shutter speed using the front dial while in P mode. The aperture setting changes automatically to maintain optimum exposure.

4. A Mode (Aperture Priority)

With its superior command of depth of field, this mode offers excellent results when shooting portraits, landscapes, or macro images, especially when combined with the Maxxum 9's ultra-fast 1/12000-sec. shutter. Aperture setting is selectable in two steps - 1/2EV or 1/3Ev - and step switching is linked to the exposure compensation dial. Settings can be made with either the front or rear dial.

5. S Mode (Shutter Priority)

Shutter speed is selectable from 1/12000 to 30 seconds. 1/2Ev and 1/3Ev steps are selectable, and step switching is linked to the exposure compensation dial. Settings can be made with either the front or rear dial.

6. M Mode (Manual)

In this mode, you can make fine adjustments to the aperture (rear dial) and shutter speed (front dial). Both settings can be modified in either of two steps, 1/2EV or 1/3EV, linked to the exposure compensation dial. The viewfinder's metering index lets you compare the values you set and the ones set by the camera. An additional unique and useful function is Manual Shift: by turning the front dial while pressing the AE Lock button, you can instantly change the aperture/shutter speed combination, while maintaining the same exposure value.

Metering index

The Maxxum 9's metering index lets you monitor exposure just as you would with a spot meter. It offers extensive information in an easily visible location at the right side of the viewfinder, with plus values higher and minus values lower. Values are displayed in 1/2EV or 1/3EV steps, in accordance with the EV increment selected with the exposure compensation dial.

• In P/P_A/P_S/A/S modes

1) When you shoot in normal conditions, the exposure compensation values are displayed.

2) When shooting with the AE Lock button pressed, the locked value is indicated as 0. When the spot-metering circle is moved to the spot you want to meter, the index shows the difference from the 0 value. This is very effective for determining exposure under complicated lighting conditions or when shooting subjects with high contrast.

AE Lock On

The metered value locked by the selected metering method is indicated as 0.

When the composition changes.

The spot-metering circle moves according to the changed composition, with the AE Lock button pressed. The index shows that the newly measured spot is 2EV over the 0 value.

In M mode

The exposure value measured by the selected metering method is indicated as 0. The index shows the difference between 0 and the metered value determined by the manually selected shutter-speed and aperture settings. A useful reference for checking your intended exposure.

Exposure Compensation

According to the subject or your preferences, you can set exposure compensation in 1/2EV or 1/3EV increments*. Depending on which is selected, the metering index and shutter and aperture settings are automatically switched. Compensation is adjusted via the exposure compensation dial on the top of the camera. A custom function also allows you to do it with the rear dial, so you can use your right hand while your left hand holds the camera, without taking your eye from the viewfinder. A lock prevents the set value from being accidentally changed. *Compensation range is +3 steps with 1/2EV increments, +2 steps with 1/3 EV increments, and +3 steps with the rear dial when customized.

Exposure bracketing

The Maxxum 9 gives you a choice of two types of bracketing. With continuous advance bracketing, the selected number of frames (3, 5, or 7) are shot while the shutter-release button is held down. Single-frame bracketing allows you to shoot with intermittent bracketing, useful for such occasions as a subject swinging in the wind which stops from time to time, or for night-time shooting where shutter speed is prolonged. Four bracketing steps are available: 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0EV.

Multiple exposure

With the Maxxum 9, you can take as many multiple exposures as you want. Just set to ME (Multiple Exposure) and keep shooting.

Comprehensive flash control lets you use light to fully attain your creative goals.

4-Segment flash metering

A 4-segment TTL direct flash metering system allows the Maxxum 9 to detect subject position with high accuracy. Three of the segments cover the wide focus area, aligned with the 3-point AF sensors, while the fourth covers a broader outer area. Based on the subject's magnification, position, and distance from the background, the Maxxum 9 selects the segment that detects where the subject is most likely to be and puts most of the metering emphasis on that segment, thus optimizing meter sensitivity distribution. As a result, correct flash exposure is assured regardless of the subject's position or distance from the background, even if the background is brighter than the subject.

Pre-flash metering

With the Minolta Program Flash 5400HS (GN 177 ft., ISO 100) attached, the camera fires a pre-flash when you press the shutter-release button, right before actual exposure starts. The 14-segment honeycomb pattern cell interprets the light reflected from the subject and provides this data so the Maxxum 9 can determine the optimum final exposure with even greater precision.

Rugged, built-in flash for supplementary light source

The Maxxum 9 includes a built-in, steel-encased flash with a coverage of 24mm focal length, a guide number of 39 ft. (ISO 100) and red-eye reduction. In addition to supporting daylight sync or portrait shots, the flash functions as the signal for wireless flash shooting. Sturdy construction and manual lift-up/push-down operation give you full control over the built-in flash function.

Wireless Off-camera TTL Flash Control

By combining additional Program Flash units (5400HS/xi, 3500xi) with the built-in flash, you can easily configure a wireless flash shooting system* to expand flash photography possibilities. To control the subject's shadow balance as you wish, the power output of the two units can be set to 2:1 lighting ratio manually or automatically. **

*With sync speed slower than 1/60 sec.
**With sync speed faster than 1/30 sec.

TTL High Speed Sync (HSS) up to 1/12000 sec.

With the Program Flash 5400HS, fully automatic TTL flash sync is possible with flash sync speeds all the way up to 1/12000 sec. The advantages are evident in daylight sync shooting at wide apertures of subjects that are darker than the background.

Rear Flash Sync*

When shooting moving subjects with flash at slow shutter speeds, Rear Flash Sync is a must. Rather than illuminating the subject at the beginning of the movement, as with a conventional flash, it illuminates the subject before the rear screen is driven. This causes the trails of light to follow instead of precede the image, so the movement looks natural.

*Not possible in wireless flash shooting

Flash compensation

The flash compensation range is -3EV to +3EV in 1/2EV increments. Compensation is done directly with the flash compensation dial on top of the body. It is linked to the exposure compensation dial, so you are able to fine-tune exposure control.

Example: To compensate normal light at +1EV with flashlight at -2EV, the exposure compensation dial is set to +1.0EV (exposure compensation control value is +1.0), and the flash compensation dial is set to -3.0EV (flash compensation control value is +1.0 minus 3.0 = -2.0).

Sync terminal for flash cable

When you need to use large external flash units in studios, a PC terminal allows easy connection of flash-sync cables. The terminal features universal polarity, and its screw-type design ensures reliable connection.

Additional assistance for achieving your photographic goals.

Data memory function

Every time you take a photo, the camera memorizes seven types of photographic data: shutter speed, aperture setting, focal length, exposure compensation value, exposure mode, flash compensation value, and metering mode. For quick confirmation, the data can be called up on the LCD display. Data for up to seven rolls of film (36 exposures/roll) can be stored.

Mid-Roll Reload (customized setting)

When a partially exposed film is relocated, it is automatically advanced to the selected frame, preventing light from entering and avoiding double imprinting of time/date. In addition to saving considerable time, this will prove convenient when several films (such as negative/positive or with different sensitivity) are used in one shooting session.

Diopter adjustment

For comfortable viewing of the viewfinder image and display, a dial next to the eyepiece cup adjusts the diopter setting throughout a range of -3 to +1 diopter. A pointer marks the location of the standard value (-1 diopter). With the Diopter Adjustment Attachment 1000 (optional), a wider range of adjustment is possible: from -5.6 to +5.4 diopters.

Eyepiece shutter

An eyepiece shutter is built into the viewfinder. This is useful when shooting with a tripod or when you cannot look into the viewfinder, because it prevents light from entering the viewfinder, which could cause inaccurate exposure control.

Long eye-relief viewfinder

You can get a full view from up to 7/8 in. away from the surface of the eyepiece protection glass. Useful for shooting with glasses or for confirming the composition while taking action shots.

Viewfinder Screen

The Maxxum 9 adopts a new spherical acute matte screen with a cone shaped surface texture. It provides a brighter viewfinder image and also minimizes shadows in the center of the image when a slow telephoto lens is used.

Remote shutter-release terminal

The remote release terminal on the lower side of the grip has a sliding cover, which protects the cable contact and eliminates accidental loss of the cap.

Illuminate LCD data panel

The data panel is backlit to aid nighttime and low-light operation. The light is switched on by sliding the switch located next to the panel. It will illuminate for five seconds, and the time is extended as long as you continue operation.

Delayed shutter mirror lock-up

When the shutter-release button is pressed with the two-second self-time mode selected, the mirror moves up and the shutter is released after two seconds*. This delayed shutter movement greatly minimizes the vibration produced by pushing the button and by the movement of the mirror. It's especially useful when you shoot long exposures with the camera on a tripod.

*In Manual mode. In AF mode, the shutter moves
after the completion of focusing.

Back-cover release

A rigid metal release unit prevents accidental opening of the back cover, which tends to happen with conventional sliding-type switches.

Shutter release lock (customized setting)

If the shutter release button is pressed when no film is loaded, the shutter is locked. At the same time, the two film counter displays - on the data panel and in the viewfinder - blink to alert you.

Triangular shoulder-strap eyelet

The eyelet is triangular in shape so you can hang the camera in either a horizontal or vertical position. Its location prevents the strap from disturbing your monitoring of the viewfinder when the camera is positioned vertically. To prevent any damage when the eyelet hits the body, the area is covered in leather.

You can "fine-tune" the Maxxum 9's performance and operation to make it truly your own.

Customized Settings

What are the ideal settings for your camera? That depends on your preferences, subjects, conditions, objectives, and other factors. You may change them each month, or even each day. Fortunately, the Maxxum 9 makes this very easy, and gives you a wide selection as well. 21 settings can be customized so the camera performs exactly the way you want it to. For example, with Custom Function ¹⁸, you can select three different variations for the functions of the front and rear control dials in P, A, and S modes, and with ¹⁹ , you can reverse front and rear dial operation.

• AF priority/Shutter release priority
• Film rewind: auto/manual
• Film leader: rewound into cartridge/left out/left out with mid-reload
• DX memory: off/on
• Shutter-release lock (with no film in chamber): off/on
• Lens focus-hold button: focus-hold/center-area/continuous AF
• Eyepiece sensor activation: with grip hold/without grip hold
• Frame counter: normal/count down
• AF area selection: wide or local/center only
• AE-Lock activation: while button is pressed/after button is pressed
• Bracketing sequence: metered exposure, _, +/-, metered exposure, +
• Film rewind speed: fast/slow
• Exposure setting display duration: 5/10/30 sec.
• Local focus area display (approx. 0.1 sec.): always on at focus lock (0.4 sec.)/on only when AF button is pressed.
• Eye start switch function: eye-start on, off/dial-lock on-off with eye-start on/dial-lock on-off with eye-start off
• Shutter-release lock when lens is not attached: locked/released
• AF drive speed: fast/low
• Front & rear dial function in P/A/S modes (3 variations)
• Front & rear dial operation: as set by ¹⁸/ reversed
• Flash metering: 4-segment/average/spot

• Exposure compensation display on LCD data panel: no/yes

Vertical Control Grip VC-9

This grip features the same rigid finish as the Maxxum 9, employing zinc diecast covered with a special steel compound (SUS430). 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 2-2ay 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.

Data Memory Back DM-9

This optional accessory stores up to 18 items* of photographic data for 400 rolls of 36-exposure film. The data is saved on a 2MB SmartMedia card** (supplied) 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.

*Shutter speed, aperture, lens focal length/smallest f-No., exposure compensation, exposure mode, metering mode, AF mode, focus area, AF priority/release priority, film drive mode, flash mode, flash compensation, flash metering mode, ISO count-up number, fixed number, year/month/date, hour/minute.

**Available in 5V/3.3V.
4/8/16MB cards also available.

A broad lens selection for the professional versatility you require.

Minolta offers every type of lens you will need, all offering exceptional image quality and performance. Our AF zoom lenses are compact and lightweight, giving you the capabilities of several lenses in one. Wide-angle, standard, and telephoto lenses give you the flexibility to adapt to varied objectives and situations. Special purpose lenses meet specific needs.

And our G lenses are large-aperture, high performance lenses that enable photographic expression of the highest levels. They benefit from Minolta's most advanced optical technology, including high-quality, compact aspherical lenses, AD (Anomalous Dispersion) glass that holds color aberration to an extreme minimum, and round lens apertures that provide fine shading.