Minolta Maxxum 9 Issue

[mporkchop]

I recently got my hands on a Minolta Maxxum 9 / Dynax 9 / Alpha 9. Body and all features appeared to work just fine at first. I ran 2 rolls through the camera and all was well. However, I grabbed it a day later, snapped a few test shots and suddenly the LCD stopped display lense data. I swapped the batteries, and no change. I assumed it wasn't getting power, but then I noticed that the LCD would display data for a split second when powering off and on, especially with the camera held at a slight angle. I swapped the batteries once more, this time a pair of batteries I knew were almost dead, and the LCD displayed the low battery warning with no problem.

Anyone have any experience or insight with these symptoms, or thoughts on what the issue could be more specifically so I can attempt a possible repair?

Thanks!

 

[koraks]

display data for a split second when powering off and on, especially with the camera held at a slight angle

This sounds like an actual display defect to me.

Welcome to Photrio!

 

[Paul Howell]

Might be a wire is coming lose, or other connection which is why get you a signal then somethings happens with the connection, also why the angle you hold the camera has some impact on the fault. If you still a LED readout even for split second means the LEDs are working.

 

[mporkchop]

Might be a wire is coming lose, or other connection which is why get you a signal then somethings happens with the connection, also why the angle you hold the camera has some impact on the fault. If you still a LED readout even for split second means the LEDs are working.

Thanks for the reply. Thats what I was thinking when the low battery icon came up. To clarify, the low battery icon came on and stayed on, only the lens data (shutter speed, aperture) flashes when the camera is at an angle on power on. The LEDs in the viewfinder itself also remain dark.

 

[Paul Howell]

You might want to consider buying a battery grip, if you don't already have one, and if have grip try using a lithium battery, may not work as the grip plugs into the battery compartment and the chip that reads the battery output is bad may read a set of AA low as well. In the meantime shoot a roll film, over and over to see what happens, does the low battery stay on or does the battery go dead? I have a 9, dont know of anyone who works on them.

 

[mporkchop]

I don't have a grip, looking around for one. The AF switch on the body is clearly engaging the lens, but the shutter button itself won't engage, AF or anything, so shooting another roll is out. It's a standard Minolta 50mm lens. It's like it doesn't know the lens is there. I guess I could try cleaning those contacts? But I feel like something else is up. I know they aren't the most common bodies.

 

[xkaes]

This may or may not help, but I've had problems with NEW batteries and Maxxum 5 cameras. I solved the problem.

More battery frustration

I've ranted recently in other threads about my problems with alkaline batteries in Vivitar 283 flashes and lithium batteries in Minolta Maxxum cameras, but today I ran across another anomaly. The Minolta Maxxum 5 is powered by TWO Lithium CR2 batteries. I have different brands of CR2 batteries...

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[Paul Howell]

Your in a tough place, a battery grip may slove your problem, but if doesnt you put out more money, i guess if you can return the grip or buy a 9 second body. I do like my 9, but it is heavy, in most cases I use a 800SI or 9XI. the 9xi uses those annoying cards for some features, but I as shoot it manual mode I don't mind.