Minolta alpha 9 (confused)

trondsi · Feb 11, 2017

Hi everyone! Since my old Minolta Dynax 505 si died I wanted a fast camera (AF, automatic meter) for situations like quick vacation photos etc. I just bought the Minolta alpha 9 (slightly scratched here and there, so I got it for a good price) and I suppose I underestimated how advanced this thing is.

Is DR S (single drive mode) the "default" setting? I don't want bursts or bracketing or anything to begin with.
Does the flash ever pop up, or should I just pull it up if I feel like using flash? Why are there two exposure compensation rows of numbers on the button on the left?

Other general tips are also greatly appreciated.

mgb74 · Feb 11, 2017

I've been playing with an 800si that has integral flash. It does not pop up, you raise it when you want to use it.

At first I didn't think much of the integral flash, now I think it's great to have when you didn't expect to need a tiny bit of extra light but find yourself in that situation.

Unfortunately, like many other advanced SLRs, you have to do your instruction manual homework. And use it frequently enough so you don't forget.

neilt3 · Feb 11, 2017

Yes , the "S" is for single shot as opposed to continuous drive .

No , the flash doesn't automatically pop up .
If you want flash , you lift it up .

The dail for exposure compensation has two settings on the face for either half stop adjustment or third stop adjustment .

Then below the top dial ( ambient metering) there is a lower dial for controlling flash exposure .

For just adding a bit of fill in flash , for eg, adjust the lower dial to minus half a stop for flash , and leave the upper dial at 0 .

trondsi · Feb 11, 2017

Thanks!
I suppose I have never really used an advanced fully automatic SLR so this is actually getting exciting! This is one solid piece of equipment. Haven't developed any photos yet though

Chan Tran · Feb 11, 2017

Back in 2002 I was in the market for a new 35mm SLR and I seriously considered the Maxxum 9 (I think they call it Alpha ouside of the US). In the end I ended up with the Nikon F5 but I still think the Maxxum 9 is a great camera.

trondsi · Feb 11, 2017

Yes, I also considered F5 since I like Nikon. Speaking of Nikon I have an old FM that I like for full manual photos.

But I also had some Minolta autofocus lenses that were gathering dust, so I went for the 9 (that came with a lens too), and I think I am going to dig this camera.

AgX · Feb 11, 2017

To ease a little bit of confusion:

Minolta Alpha 9 = Maxxum 9 = Dynax 9

trondsi · Feb 11, 2017

Ah, I just found out how to set the famous honeycomb metering. So I take it that this is good for most quick metering? Sometimes I might use the spot meter though.

neilt3 · Feb 12, 2017

trondsi said:
Ah, I just found out how to set the famous honeycomb metering. So I take it that this is good for most quick metering? Sometimes I might use the spot meter though.

If you haven't already done so , down load the user manual .
You'll be able to get the best out of the camera after a brief read through it .
Once you've set your custom function's to how you want them set up , it's a very straightforward camera to use .
My main two 35mm film cameras are the Minolta Dynax 9 and Dynax 7 .

get the manual here ; http://www.vikenk.com/minolta_manual.htm , it's listed as the Maxxum 9 .

Regards to metering mode , the honeycomb metering works well most of the time . for high contrast scenes I tend to take a meter reading to set exposure where I want it , then hold the AEL button to lock it .
The other metering options are center weighted , possibly best suited for portraits and spot metering .

trondsi · Feb 12, 2017

Thanks for the tips! Part of the problem was actually that the first manual I found online was one I didn't like. I am currently reading here: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/89939/Minolta-Maxxum-9.html?page=26#manual

Thanks for pointing out the AEL button. That is very useful info.

Paul Howell · Feb 14, 2017

I am using my Minolta 9 while on vacation, you can set the camera to single for single shot mode, the flash does not pop up. I believe that the 9 was the only top tire pro level camera with a built in flash. I use matrix metering for high contrast but most of the time tend to use spot or average metering. If you want a separate flash you need to be careful as Minolta changed flash shoes a couple of times. What I am not sure of is the propose of the eye start feature, I just leave mine off. I usually carry a couple of cameras with me, I like the 600SI classic for travel, has dials rather than being menu driven. I like the availability of good quality glass at reasonable prices. My favorite lens is the 5 pin 50mm 1.7, the 70 to 210 F 4 beer can lens is also a great lens, not as good as the 70 to 210 2.8 G, then again under a $100.

trondsi · Feb 15, 2017

Thanks for the tip. A really fast lens (like the 1.7) would be nice, as I commonly use slide film. Sorry, what does "5 pin" mean?

Paul Howell · Feb 15, 2017

The first generation of Minolta lens have 5 pins or connections that communicate between the lens and camera, later lens are 8 pin, these lens have additional functions, some lens are power zooms. I have both 5 and 8 pin lens, but all the standard functions I use can be accomplished with 5 pin. And the 5 pin work on all Sony A mount camers, not the E mount.

colin wells · Feb 15, 2017

You can buy adaptors very cheep of evilbay so you can use any flash

Paul Howell · Feb 16, 2017

I forgot to mention that the 9 does not work with super sonic motor lens unless it was upgraded or a very late model. The Minolta 7 was the first that worked with ssm lens out of the box. I dont know if the 9 will with Sony full frame Ziess lens without the modification, for that matter not sure about the new full frame Sony G lens.

carusoswi · Mar 26, 2017

Paul Howell said:
What I am not sure of is the propose of the eye start feature, I just leave mine off.QUOTE]

Just below the view finder on the rear of the camera you will find two small panes. Behind these is(are) sensor(s) that detect when you put your eyes up to the viewfinder. If the lock(off)/on switch is in the on position, the camera will instantly come out of standby and autofocus will be active before you depress the shutter button halfway. On the front of the grip (at least on cameras destined for the US market) you will find two rows of metal imbedded into the grip. These, too, are sensors that detect the presence of your hand on the grip. These will keep eye start from erroneously interpreting contact of the eyestart sensors with your body (as when the camera is hanging from a strap) as your eyes, so that the camera will remain in standby when hanging from a strap. Once you grip the sensor, anything that comes near those viewfinder panes will wake up the camera.

Some hate the feature. I love it. My A700 digital has the same feature. I understand that the material from which those two rows of grip sensors are made is banned in Europe, so they may be missing on Dynax cams (don't know if that automatically deletes eyestart or not on those bodies).

Good luck with your 9. I have two. Both great cameras, full-featured, but not crazy with menus and such. I really admire my copies.

Caruso

Paul Howell · Mar 26, 2017

I shot 5 rolls with my 800SI and 9 a few days ago, used the eye start on and off, although I can see the advantage of having the AF focus before depressing the shutter, seemed to hunt a lot, I prefer to find my Af point and lock in using the shutter release.

mgb74 · Mar 26, 2017

Another body to consider - for those of us tiptoeing into the 21st century - is the 600si/650si. Same display as the 800si, but with controls similar to a "traditional" slr. Not quite the equal of the 9, but still very capable (as are all the 3rd and 4th generation bodies).

Paul Howell · Mar 26, 2017

I have a 600SI as well, my go to travel camera, lighter than the 9, 7 or 800, easy to use as mentioned by mgb74, dials. Not as fast as the 800 or 9 in terms of FPS, not weather sealed, so if I expect bad weather then I will take the 9. I use the Minolta 28 to 80 and 100 to 300 power zooms and ISO 400 film, makes a compact kit.

vlasta · Mar 27, 2017

Dear forum neighbours, Minolta 9 users, is anybody of you willing to give comment on dilemma in neighbour thread

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Thank You !!!

Minolta alpha 9 (confused)

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