Minolta 9xi
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The Minolta 9xi was, when new in 1992, the pinnacle of 35mm Single-lens reflex camera design. It incorporated the world's fastest autofocus system (when coupled to a xi series lens), had a maximum shutter speed of 1/12000th of a second and a sophisticated metering system.
Any Minolta SLR with the number 9 or 8 situated in the model number, for example 9000 or 8000i is a flagship model, and this also applied for the Minolta 9xi. The other xi series cameras included the 2xi, 3xi, 5xi and 7xi which were in technological advancement respectively. The xi-series predecessors were designated the i model name; the 9xi's predecessor being the 8000i. The 9xi had been improved in many areas over the 8000i including:
- A much more rugged design with better moisture and dust sealing.
- An improved shutter speed from 1/8000th of a second to 1/12000th of a second.
- A pentaprism that information (including panorama adaptation) could be projected onto using sophisticated transparent LCD technology.
- Compatibility with xi zoom lenses which had a "powerzoom function".
- An improved synchronization time for the new set of flashguns launched.
- A much more contemporary and sleeker design, of which still looks fresh today.[1]
- Many more improvements.
The main fault with the 9xi, was that it took "creative cards" which were expensive and impractical. These worked in the same way as the 8000i's had and gave the photographer more creative techniques when inserted into the camera. This was a big financial mistake for Minolta, as the 9xi was aimed at professional photographers who had little need for such cards, and therefore few of them sold. Another problem with the 9xi, that is debatable is its lack of built in flash. This was an attempt by Minolta for the camera to appeal towards more professionally inclined photographers, but their reason was not fully justifiable.
The true and full name for the Minolta 9xi is either the Minolta Dynax 9xi (in Europe), the Minolta Maxxum 9xi (in the USA)or the Minolta Alpha 9xi (in Japan).
Design
The Minolta 9xi is a striking design compared to its rivals and predecessor. It has smoothed contours unlike the Minolta 8000i and Minolta 9000 and certainly unlike the Nikon and Canon (company) equivalents. The smart design continues at the front with small inserts of leatherette and tight panel gaps. Each button has a prestige feel to it and is superbly weighted. Even the xi-series lenses have been well designed with smooth lines and circular buttons.
Many critics opposed this new design and commented that it was "unnecessary", "impractical" and against traditional Minolta design. This is another financial mistake the firm made, as most professional photographers preferred the more traditional design, and so perhaps this is another reason why sales figures were not as high as they could have been.
Refer to photo 1.a for design
Inheritance
The Minolta 9xi inherited many sophisticated features from its predecessors. These were as follows:
Minolta 7000 - Autofocus (but different version), computer controlled interface, integrated motorwinder.
Minolta 9000 - High quality build, flagship specification, die-hard construction
Minolta 8000i - Computer controlled interface, creative cards, flashgun hotshoe connectors and other.
Technology
The Minolta 9xi is to this day, still impressive in terms of technological ability. Nearly 5 frames per second (fps) was amazing for its day, coupled with the 4 sensor autofocus system that could continuously track not only horizontally, but vertically and diagonally and even when an object came towards the camera. The autofocus system could focus at light levels of -1ev and up to 19ev (at ISO 100). It also had a 14 segment exposure system which was peerless and took severe situations to trick. If this was not enough, it had a 1/300th of a second x-sync flash synchronisation with stepless shutter speeds from 1/12000th of a second to 30sec in Program and Aperture Priority mode.[2]
When Minolta launched the xi-series camera bodies in 1991, they also launched the xi-series lens collection. Most of these lenses had a new "powerzoom" function which when one turned the zoom ring, the lens electronically zoomed in via a motor. In essence, this seemed to be a good idea; in practise however, it drained battery power and prevented pre-xi camera bodies from accepting the lenses (i and 0000 series) because they did not have the ability to power the zoom. This was then, yet another financial mistake on Minolta's behalf.
The 9xi had many other abilities that were maybe more hidden on first viewing. This camera could, without any external backs like the Minolta 9000 or cards like the Minolta 8000i, bracket 3 exposures each one 1/2 a stop different (each way). It could sync with a wireless flash system (if Minolta's 5600hs flash was used) at speeds of 1/60th of a second (1/30th in ratio); this was remarkable technology at the time and had only been seen on a very small number of cameras, none of which were manufactured by Minolta. The 9xi was also capable of detecting if the photographer had their eye placed against the viewfinder; it was named "eye-start", and in essence, enabled the camera to start checking exposure and focus when the user either had their had on the grip and/or when they looked through the viewfinder. This was one of Minolta's more logical advancements because it allowed professional photographers to very quickly take a photo, and not have to rest his/her finger on the shutter for anything to happen (as on older Minolta bodies).
[edit] Specification
The Minolta Dynax/Maxxum specifications are as follows: [3]
AF system: Minolta's through the lens (TTL) phase-detection system with four CCD sensors; activated by Eye-start; Multi-dimensional predictive focus control; built in AF illuminator automatically activated in low light/low contrast conditions; AF sensitivity range: EV -1 to 19 (at ISO100); AF illuminator range: 0.7 to 9m (Based on Minolta's standard test methods)
Metering: TTL-type; 14-segment honeycomb-pattern silicon photocell (SPC) automatically activated by Eye-start; second SPC for TTL flash metering of dedicated flash unit; range: honeycomb-pattern EV 0-20, center-weighted average EV 0-20, spot EV 3-20 (ISO100, 50mm f1.4 lens)
Shutter Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type; automatic speeds: in P and A modes, stepless 1/12000 to 30 sec. with nearest half-stop displayed; manual speeds: in S and M modes, 1/12000 to 30sec in nearest 1/2-stop increments plus BULB in M modes; x-sync shutter speed: 1/300sec.; x-sync shutter speed in wireless/remote flash mode: 1/60.(1/30sec. in ratio)
Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism showing 92% of vertical and 94% of horizontal field of view; magnification: 0.75X with 50mm lens at infinity; transparent LCD screen and Acute-Matte screen; diopter: -2.5 to +0.5 adjustable; long eye-relief.
Focusing Screen Changeable at an authorized Minolta Service facility; type L (matte field with grid) or type S (matte field with vertical/horizontal scales)
Film-speed range Automatic range: ISO 25-5000 in 1/3-stop increments; manual range: ISO 6-6400 in 1/3-stop increments
Power 6-volt 2CR5 lithium battery
Battery performance Approximately 50 rolls (based on Minolta's standard test method, using 24-exposure rolls)
Dimensions 6-7/16x3-7/8 x 2-1/2 in. (163 x 98.5 x 64mm)
Weight 1 lb. 10-1/8oz. (740g) without lens and battery; Quartz Data Back model: 1 lb.10-5/8 (755g) without lens and battery
Specifications and accessories are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
