Specialists In Astrophotography

Discover the
Ultimate in
Creative Control
 
 
Continuous drive with 5.5 frames per second • World's fastest 1/12000 sec. high-speed shutter with 1/300 sec. flash sync • Rugged, rigid metal cover • Multiple power sources • Viewfinder with newly developed screens offers 100% field of view.

The Maxxum 9, from Minolta. Our finest photographic tool, designed to meet - and exceed - the demands of professionals. Featuring extraordinary toughness, for true reliability even in difficult situations. Superior speed & precision, for creating the shots you've envisioned in your mind's eye. And the flexibility to individualize its operations to best match your unique shooting style. An ergonomic design ensures that the Maxxum 9 rests comfortably in your hands. And control dials yield to your command with maximum ease of handling. It all amounts to an unprecedented level of responsiveness from an SLR, so that you may enjoy an unprecedented degree of creative control.
 
 Features
 
 

 
 
Speed and precision combine for superior performance

High-speed film drive: 5.5 frames per second.

The Maxxum 9's powerful coreless motor boosts film drive speed and reduces mirror drive time to allow for continuous shooting at 5.5 frames per second*. Speed which is all the more impressive because it is achieved without the aid of an external power booster. So you're assured of capturing even subtle changes in your subject. Combined with Minolta's Omni-Dimensional Predictive Focus Control, this high firing speed lets you shoot sports and fast-moving objects confidently.

*4.5 fps in Continuous AF mode.

World's fastest 1/12000 sec. shutter.

The ultra-high shutter speed of 1/12000 sec. is capable of freezing almost any action and enables you to shoot with wider apertures in bright lighting. This is a big advantage when shooting daylight portraits and when using high-speed film. Carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy is used for eight of the ten shutter blades, resulting in a shutter curtain that is 30% lighter yet stronger than conventional blades. This shutter screen lessens the burden on the drive mechanism and effectively suppresses vibration. To ensure precise performance at all times, shutter endurance has been tested to 100,000 cycles. Flash sync speed is also fast; up to 1/300 sec. This allows you to use wider apertures for daylight sync shots of objects at a distance. In addition, ghosting and blurring are reduced, and the influence of strong illumination is minimized when shooting moving scenes indoors. Aperture and shutter speeds are selectable in 1/2 and 1/3EV increments.

Viewfinder offers 100% field of view.

For truly precise framing, only what you see through the viewfinder should be captured on the film. The Maxxum 9 achieves this with an approx. 100% field of view*, while maintaining a large magnification ratio of 0.73X. This was made possible by precisely aligning the viewfinder frame with the image area in the film plane and enlarging the main mirror viewfinder optical components such as the pentaprism. A new Spherical Acute Matte screen offers an extra-clear viewfinder image, even when a slower telephoto lens is used. For pinpoint manual focus control when using faster lenses, an interchangeable Super-Spherical Acute Matte screen is also available. Exposure compensation values are displayed on the right side of the viewfinder, with shooting data underneath - locations that won't distract you while framing. Further viewing ease is provided by a high 7/8 in. **eyepoint for long eye-relief and by diopter adjustment.

*With 50mm lens focused on infinity.
**Measured from eyepiece protection glass.

Designed and built for superior durability.

Extra-tough, rigid metal cover.

The Maxxum 9's top, front, rear and flash housing are sheathed with a rigid, corrosion-resistant steel compound (SUS304). The bottom and sides employ zinc diecast. The base is padded with rubber to absorb shocks, prevent damage, and provide a more secure left-hand grip. We haven't neglected the appearance either: the steel areas have an elegant satin black finish, while the zinc diecast sections are matte black. Finally, all plastic parts are coated with a scratch-resistant UV-hardened polymer. All this care ensures that the Maxxum 9 will remain in pristine condition through long years of use.

Dust- and moisture resistant construction*.

Adverse conditions won't affect your shooting with the Maxxum 9. The inside of the shutter-release button is sealed with a rubber gasket, the viewfinder is sealed with resin, and channels from dials to the inner control circuitry are longer to prevent moisture from entering.

*This camera is not waterproof.

Careful consideration to every detail.

Sprocket and film guide
Because of the extremely fast film advance, the sprocket and film guides have an improved design to prevent friction that could damage the film surface.

Mirror box 
A special sheet to prevent inner reflection and a black finish on the box surface contribute to sharper pictures with reduced flare.
 
 

Vertical Control Grip contacts 
The contacts on the camera base are covered for protection against dust. When the Grip is mounted, the cover slides into the body.
 
 
 

Four-layer flexible circuit board 
Concentrating the circuitry improves reliability, so we have designed the main circuit board with a high-density, four-layer configuration.
 
 
 

Sure handling with satisfying responsiveness

Straightforward, flexible control of all functions.

This is a camera that is wholly responsive to your intentions, offering the kind of intuitive control that allows you to give full rein to your creativity. You can confidently make fine adjustments to the automatic settings, or comprehensive changes to the individual systems. Extensive research has resulted in a design in which each dial is logically positioned for quick recognition and ergonomically shaped for optimum control. Exposure compensation, for example, can be set with the rear control dial (when customized so you can control the exposure with your thumb without taking your eye from the viewfinder. All dials are rubberized for a comfortable, positive feel. Fluorescent indications on the exposure mode and compensation dials, and the bright LCD panel make nighttime operation easier. Even the Vertical Control Grip is convenient: it offers the same major dials and buttons as the camera body, so you don't lose any functionality when operating the camera vertically.

Ergonomically designed grip.
The grip is covered with non-slip rubber, giving you a comfortable and secure hold. In addition, the distance between the bottom of the lens mount and the bottom of the camera has been lengthened so even a large diameter lens barrel won't touch the tripod head.

Multiple power sources.
The camera body and Vertical Control Grip (VC-9) accept CR123A lithium batteries. The VC-9 also accepts three other types: 2CR5 lithium, AA alkaline-manganese, and AA Ni-Cd, one of which can be installed at the same time as the CR123A cells. Combined with the batteries in the camera body, this configuration gives you three power sources selectable at the twist of a dial. Even when power in the camera body is getting low, you can continue to concentrate on your photography without having to think about replacing batteries.

Autofocus
Advanced focus controls for confident shooting in every situation.

Eye-Start Automation

When you bring the Maxxum 9 to your eye, an electrode sensor in the grip and an eye sensor in the eyepiece instantly activate the AF and AE systems, to the camera is ready to capture just the shot you want. Because AF is activated without having to push the shutter release button halfway down, there's hardly any time lag in focusing, ensuring that you won't miss those exciting shots that sudden chance presents. Naturally, Eye-Start can be switched off if desired.

3-Point AF system

The wide focusing area is covered by three AF sensors; left, right, and a crosscut sensor in the center that tracks subjects in both vertical and horizontal directions. These three sensors are ideally balanced to cover the whole viewfinder area, and the AF system automatically selects the one where the subject is most likely to be. Accurate focusing is achieved regardless of the subject's brightness, thus ensuring effective subject tracking. Even in low-light conditions, the highly sensitive AF sensors can perform down to as low as -1EV (ISO 100) illumination where the human eye cannot focus properly, so no additional light is needed for focusing.

Projected local focus area

When the shutter release button is pressed partway down, the selected local focus area is indicated in the viewfinder by three LEDs projected through the pentaprism. This ensures that you see the necessary focusing information to track your subject even in low-light conditions, a difficult task with conventional transparent LCD display systems. The luminance level of the LEDs varies according to the exposure values.

Focus area selection

Local area selection

When the AF button is pushed, AF/AE Lock is activated and red illumination indicates which of the three local areas in the wide focus area is focusing the subject. Operating the front dial while the AF button is depressed will switch focusing among the local areas, with the currently selected area illuminated.
 

Three AF modes

According to the subject and situation, you can choose from among three AF modes. By selecting the one that is best suited for your purpose, you can be sure of achieving effective AF control for optimum photographic expression.

Automatic AF mode (A)
According to the movement of the subject, the camera automatically switches between Continuous AF and Single-shot AF modes. Focusing continues while the subject moves. With still subjects, focus is locked when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway down.

Continuous AF mode (C)
With the shutter release button depressed halfway, the AF system keeps focusing according to the movement of the subject, and focus-lock does not engage even when the subject is focused. Ideal for sports and other fast-action photography.

Single-shot AF mode (S)
When the shutter-release button is depressed halfway in Single-shot AF mode, the AF system focuses and locks on the subject. You'll want to use it for portraits and other still subjects.

Omni-Dimensional Predictive Focus Control
By performing high-speed calculation of the metered data, the AF system analyzes the speed and direction of the subject, and predicts its movement during the time lag from shutter release to the instant of exposure. The system is capable of tracking abrupt changes in speed and direction - even U-turns - while maintaining perfect focus. For example, with a 300mm telephoto lens attached, this function can accurately follow an object moving as fast as 24.8 miles/hour to within 26-1/4 feet.

Timed AF drive control
The Maxxum 9 uses a new AF drive system that controls lens movements until the completion of focusing. Operation is extremely smooth, with precise control of subtle shutter and lens movements during focusing. In most conventional cameras, smooth AF drive is difficult due to the use of multi-step AF drive with repeated lens-drive stops. Minolta's improved Timed AF Drive system increases the focusing frequency and constantly updates the data, resulting in much smoother and faster focusing.

Selectable AF drive speed
(customized setting)
The ideal AF speed varies according to the shooting situation and the photographer's intention. With the Maxxum 9, you can select high speed (default setting) or low sped, for more effective focusing and easier AF control to match specific purposes.

High-speed AF (speed priority)
Useful when taking consecutive shots in a short time span, such as for sports or fashion.
Low-speed AF (silence priority)
Ideal for shooting in dim light, for macro shots, or when silence is required.

Selectable AF Priority/Release Priority modes
(customized setting)
At different times you have different priorities: focusing or shutter release. With the Maxxum 9, you can choose either AF Priority mode or Release Priority mode.

AF Priority
Focusing is given priority; the shutter is released only when the camera has completed focusing.

Release Priority
When shutter release timing is important, use this mode to release the shutter even when the camera has not finished focusing.

Built-in AF Illuminator
Using three beams aligned with the three AF sensors in the wide focus area, this supplementary AF light makes it easier to focus in low light conditions, and to shoot in low contrast situations with the built-in flash. The three-beam AF illuminator optimizes the metering over the entire focus area.

Sliding focus mode switch
A large sliding switch is used for switching between auto and manual focusing modes. This new design prevents accidental switching between modes.

Extensive exposure control enables you to precisely realize your vision on film.
 
 

Three metering modes
In order to come as close as possible to the "Ideal photo" every time you shoot, you need precise control of exposure in response to the subtleties of light on the scene. Maxxum 9 gives you this control with three metering modes: 14-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering, Center-Weighted Average Metering, and Spot Metering.

14-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering
To provide precise exposure for the main subject, the frame is divided into 14 zones in a honeycomb pattern. The system collects a variety of data, including brightness of the main subject, subject distance (even when off-center), distance between subject and background, and focal length. The data is analyzed to determine whether the scene has normal or back lighting, is a portrait or landscape, etc., and based on this analysis, the optimum exposure is set. The borders between normal, half-back, and back lighting can be smoothly controlled to achieve extra fine images.

Center-Weighted Average Metering
Independent from the AF system, 80% of the metering sensitivity is concentrated in the central area where the main element of the subject is most likely to be. This is the most common metering method, allowing you to take full advantage of your expertise.

Spot Metering
This mode concentrates metering sensitivity onto an area with a diameter of 3/16 in., 2.7% of the total frame area. This allows accurate metering of specific subject areas for delicate exposure settings, and is effective for shooting subjects that are backlit or have high contrast.

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 PA or PS (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. PA 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. PS 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/PA/PS/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.

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.
 
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.
 
AF System
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.
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:
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).
 
Flash:
Type: Built-in
Guide number: 39 (in feet at ISO 100); flash coverage for 24mm angle of view Recycling time: Approx. 2.5 sec.
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 setting: ISO 6 - 6400 (in 1/3 EV increments)
 
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.
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:
Type: 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.
 
Others:
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% of the exposures).
 
                        24 exposure rolls                36 exposure rolls
Flash use   +20 C       -20 C               +20 C           -20 C
0 %             45 rolls      40 rolls              30 rolls          28 rolls
50 %           23 rolls      15 rolls              15 rolls          10 rolls
100%          14 rolls        9 rolls                9 rolls            6 rolls

Test Conditions: Lens (24 - 85mm f/3.5 - 4.5) is focused from infinity to 6-9/16 ft. three times, and the shutter-release button held partway down for ten seconds before each exposure.

Battery performance will vary with usage conditions

Exposures taken at a rate of 3 rolls/month for 24 exposure (starting with fresh batteries).

Dimensions (WxHxD)
6-1/8 x 4-3/8 x 2-15/16 in.
 
Weight (without camera batteries)
32-1/8 oz.
 
*Specifications subject to change without notice.