Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 9 viewfinder display brightness

[vlasta]

I found a perfectly new Minolta 9 and only flaw which I find is that viewfinder bottom status display is pretty dim. It don't change brightness according to scene brightness, like 800si or 7 or earlier models automatically do. In bright scenes it's difficult to see it because it's not sufficiently bright as on mentioned models.
So is it bug or feature?


p.s.
bug -> mulfunction

 

[Paul Howell]

I have the same issue, had not had the time to download the manual to see if there is a user preference. Have you looked though the manual?

 

[vlasta]

There is no custom function option regarding this issue.
Looking through the manual I can't find any mentioning of this issue.

It is difficult to find this magnificent piece of equipment, especially in this state, so I am asking users to give some hint abbout this issue!

 

[vlasta]

In following Dynax/Maxxum review:

http://photographic-central.blogspot.rs/2011/03/minolta-maxxum-9.html

author says:

''... The viewfinder is something else, it's like you are looking through a great clear window and seeing all the beauty in front of you, without all the distractions other viewfinders have.
The leds in it are also very nice and not too bright, a big different with both of the 7's i have. ..."

I can't beleave that flagship model doesn't have variable brightness display as cheaper models of the same maker.
That is reason of my theory that circuit controling that function is broken, so to continue to search for another example of this beast.

 

[Paul Howell]

I spent some time trouble shooting, seems fine in low light, issue is in bright light when the light source in behind me, I took off the eye cup and it was much worse. I will try and find an old fashion eye cup that seals all the way around may have another older MF body to see if that helps. But on the whole the display is not as good as the 800si or 7.

 

[vlasta]

Well is here any more Minolta 9 owner/user to help/say something, about this "problem" with viewfinder display?
(I have to decide to by or not to buy this expensive body.)

 

[dabsond]

I have the maxxum 7 and don't notice any problems with the viewfinder. I find it to be an excellent camera. The rear LCD screen gives loads of information and it is highly customizable.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

The Maxxum / Dynax 9 was introduced two years before the 7. The 7's viewfinder features may therefore be an improvement.

 

[vlasta]

As I have described in first post older 7xi / 800si and newer 7 have auto brightness of viewfinder display.
It is strange to me that flagship model omits such a vital feature, so I am assuming, wrongly ?, that in example I handled there is some problem.
In bright scene it is barely visible. In low light it is fine.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I consider the later 7 (year 2000) to be the flagship model over the 9 (1998).

The 7 will focus with the later SSM lenses, the 9 will not (unless modified). The 7 has user-settings (3), the 9 does not. The 7 has an elegant rear panel showing the metering area & even the whole user manual, the 9 does not.

 

[vlasta]

Flagship -> metal chassis, 1/12.000 shutter, weather sealing -> Pro body
Dynax 7 -> semi-pro model

But this is not point of origin of discussion !

 

[vlasta]

Today I become owner of nice Minolta 9xi

Regarding viewfinder info display brightness issue of Minolta 9 from the begginig of this discussion, 9xi works as expected - its brightness changes according to the brightness of scene in viewfinder.

Well, calling Minolta 9 users to comment original question-dillema.

Thank You!

 

[tdunn81]

I think the information display LCD has two levels of brightness? Dims after a few seconds if you're not pressing the shutter button half way? My Maxxum 9 and previous Maxxum 7 had no problems at all.

 

[carusoswi]

I have a Maxxum 9 and an Alpha 9 (same camera, Maxxum name used in USA, Alpha name used in Japan). My only criticism of this magnificent body is the viewfinder status display in the viewfinder, and, not only the bottom, but the right side as well. For indoor shooting or outdoors on an overcast day, it is fine. In bright sunlight, it is very difficult to see. I like to shoot in manual mode, and, on a sunny day, I find myself shading the viewfinder (that has the eyepiece installed) and trying to "stretch my eyeball" to get a "closer" view inside to determine my proper settings. The top LCD display is useless in this situation because there is no match "needle" in that display. From that top LCD, one cannot tell what the camera's meter is recommending for the exposure. I have posted in other Minolta-specific fora regarding this problem. Most of my replies relate acknowledgment of the problem or unfamiliarity where posters have no experience with the "9".
I have manuals (both paper and pdf) and, to date, have discovered no setting that addresses this issue.
If I could find an eyepiece that more effectively blocked out light entering the viewfinder, that might solve the problem.
The camera is just too good for me to put it down over this flaw. I will continue to shade the viewfinder and keep shooting with it.
Respectfully,
Caruso

 

[Paul Howell]

It seems that the view finder brightness in bright light is a flaw, because of the eye start feature with sensors at the bottom of the view finders the eye cup covers only 3 sides let light in when backlit. None of my vintage eyecups will work, much too small. As I am not a fan of the eye start feature I will see if I cut a section of foam to bridge the gap, might help.

 

[vlasta]

My only criticism of this magnificent body is the viewfinder status display in the viewfinder, and, not only the bottom, but the right side as well. For indoor shooting or outdoors on an overcast day, it is fine. In bright sunlight, it is very difficult to see...

I didn't mentioned right side display only because I forgot about it.

 

[vlasta]

I think the information display LCD has two levels of brightness?

Problem is that viewfinder info display LCD is constantly lit, so only one level of brightness.

 

[vlasta]

Finally, from yesterday, owner of mint 9.

>>I think the information display LCD has two levels of brightness?
>Problem is that viewfinder info display LCD is constantly lit, so only one level of brightness.

It was my mistake of offhand user - it have two level of brightness, but barelly visible in bright scenes.
But ... there is a catch - two levels only if AF is off!
Right meternig index display is much brighter.

 

[Paul Howell]

Thanks for the research, I will give a try and see how it works.