MAXXUM 9 (ALPHA 9)
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
E
BASIC OPERATION
DETAILED OPERATION
APPENDIX
1
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product.
WARNING
Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.
• Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.
• Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.
• Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble.
• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, or ages.
• Follow local regulations for battery disposal. Tape over lithium battery contacts before
disposal.
Use caution, accidents may occur when using this product near young children.
Keep batteries and other things that could be swallowed away from young children.
Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.
Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if…
• the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior is exposed.
• the camera emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.
Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage circuit inside the
camera is touched. Take your camera to a Minolta Service Facility when repairs are
required.
Do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder.
CAUTION
Do not allow a camera lens to point directly at the sun. Fire may occur if sunlight
comes to focus on a flammable surface. Replace the lens cap when the product is
not being used.
The ultimate tool for creative professionals and advanced amateurs alike, the
Maxxum/Dynax 9 has been designed with precission in mind to help you capture
your photographic vision. As you use the Maxxum /Dynax 9, you will find that its
performance and reliability compliment your own photographic expertise and in
raising your skills to a higher level.
In addition to its high durability zinc and stainless steel body, the Maxxum/Dynax 9
boasts the following features:
• Atop shutter speed of 1/12,000 sec. and top x-sync speed of 1/300 sec.
• High speed autofocus with omni-dimensional Predictive Focus Control
and a maximum framing rate of 4.5 frames/sec with autofocus tracking
in continuous focus mode. (5.5 frames/sec in manual focus mode)
• 100% viewfinder
• 1/3 and 1/2 EV exposure compensation increments.
• Data Memory storage of exposure information.
• 21 Custom Functions to tailor the camera to your personal shooting style
This manual has been designed to help you understand the operation of your
camera and its functions. Please familiarize yourself with the names of the controls
and their locations on the camera, then read the Getting Started and Basic
Operation sections. Once you’ve mastered basic operation, move on to the Detailed
Operation section to expand your expertise.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifica-
tions not approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digi-
tal device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
This mark on your camera certifies that this camera meets the requirements of
the EU (European Union) concerning interference causing equipment regulations.
CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity).
2 3
Loading Film..........................................15
Taking Pictures in Full-Auto ..................18
Focus Signals....................................19
Special Focus Situations.......................20
Focus Hold............................................21
FOCUS
Predictive Focus Control.......................27
Autofocus Modes ..................................28
Wide Focus Area...................................30
Local Focus Area..................................31
AF Lock.................................................32
Manual Focus........................................33
AF Illuminator........................................34
Table of Contents....................................2
Names of Parts .......................................4
GETTING STARTED
BASIC OPERATION
DETAILED OPERATION
DRIVE
Advance Mode......................................54
Self Timer..............................................56
Exposure Bracketing.............................58
Multiple Exposure..................................60
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Eye-Start ...............................................76
Depth-of Field Preview..........................77
Taking Time Exposures.........................78
Remote Release Terminal.....................80
PC Terminal...........................................81
Data Panel Illuminator...........................82
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Accessory Information..........................104
Exposure Warnings ..............................107
Strap........................................................8
Diopter Adjustment .................................9
APPENDIX
Batteries................................................10
Lens.......................................................12
Handling the Camera............................13
Using the Built-in Flash
Operation...........................................22
Flash Signals.....................................22
Flash Range......................................23
Lens Shadowing................................23
Rewinding the Film
Automatic Rewind..............................24
Manual Rewind ..................................24
EXPOSURE
P-Mode..................................................36
A-Mode..................................................37
S-Mode..................................................39
M-Mode.................................................41
METERING
Selectable Metering
14 Segment Metering........................45
Spot Metering....................................46
Center Weighted Metering.................47
AE Lock .................................................48
Exposure Compensation .......................50
Setting the ISO Manually......................52
FLASH
Four-Segment Flash Metering ..............63
Slow Sync .............................................64
Rear-Flash Sync ...................................65
High Speed Sync ..................................66
Flash Compensation.............................67
Flash Bracketing ...................................68
Wireless/Remote Off-Camera Flash.....70
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
Data Memory
Selecting............................................84
Overwriting.........................................86
Recalling Data...................................87
Deleting Stored Data.........................90
Custom Functions
Setting................................................91
Details................................................92
Trouble Shooting ..................................108
Care and Storage .................................110
Specifications.......................................112
54
NAMES OF PARTS
For information on specific parts, refer to the page numbers shown in parenthesis.
Body
Exposure
mode dial (36-43)
Data Panel
Rear control dial
Shutter-release
button
Front
control dial
Built-in flash* (22-23)
Exposure-
compensation
dial lock (50)
Exposure-
compensation
dial (50)
Flash
compensation
dial (67)
Accessory shoe
Drive-mode lever (54)
AF Illuminator /
Self-timer lamp
(34, 56)
Grip sensor (76)
Depth-of-field
preview button (77)
Lens mount (12)
Mirror*
AF mode dial (28)
Focus-mode switch (33)
Lens release (12)
Mounting
index
Lens contacts*
Battery-chamber lock (10)
Battery-chamber door (10)
Vertical control grip contacts
(104)
Tripod socket
Diopter
adjustment dial (9)
Viewfinder*
Eyepiece cup
Eyepiece shutter
lever (79)
Main switch
Eyepiece
sensor* (76)
Film window
Eye-start switch (76)
Flash-mode switch
AF button (32)
AE-lock button (48)
Data-panel
illuminator (82)
Metering-mode
switch (45-47)
PC terminal
(81)
Back-cover
release (15)
Remote-control
terminal (80)
Strap eyelet
* Do not touch
Flash-
compensation
dial lever (67)
Dirve mode
dial (54-61)
76
Data Panel
ViewfinderControl Panel
Data-memory button (84-90)
Manual-rewind button (24)
ISO button (52)
Adjust button
Control-panel door
ISO mark
Data memory
indicator (84-90)
Release priority
indicator (92)
Cartridge mark
Shutter speed display
(Focus area/ISO)
Aperture display
(Exposure compensation
/Bracketing)
Battery condition
indicator (11)
Frame counter
Film transport signals
Focus frame
Local focus
areas (31)
Spot-metering
area (46)
Spot-focus
area (95)
Flash on indicator (22)
Flash ready indicator (22)
High-speed sync indicator (66)
Wireless/Remote flash indicator (70-74)
Focus-area indicator
Focus signals (19)
Shutter speed display
Aperture display
AE-lock indicator (48)
Frames remaining counter (last 9 frames only)
Meter index
(42)
NAMES OF PARTS
Use the upper eyelets if you want the camera to
hang horizontally. Use the side eyelets if you
want the camera to hang vertically.
9
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT
Turn the diopter adjustment dial to compensate the eyepiece for near or far sighted
vision problems. The adjustment range is from –3 to +1 diopters.
Turn the diopter-adjustment dial until
the focus frame appears sharpest.
Farsighted users – turn the dial
clockwise.
Nearsighted users – turn the dial
counter-clockwise.
Before attaching the lens…
Look through the viewfinder at a well illuminated blank
wall or clear blue sky.
If additional correction is needed, attach a Minolta Eyepiece
Corrector (optional accessory) to the camera’s eyepiece.
GETTING
STARTED
Attach the strap through the strap
eyelets as shown. Pull firmly on the
strap to make sure it is secure.
GETTING STARTED
STRAP
The battery condition indicator displays the power status of the batteries when the
main switch is set to ON.
Full-battery symbol
Power is sufficient for all camera operations.
Low-battery symbol
Power is low, but all functions are operational. Keep a
fresh battery handy.
Blinking low-battery symbol
Power is extremely low. The batteries will need to be
replaced soon. Flash recycling time may be slow.
Blinking low-battery symbol appears alone
and the shutter locks.
Power is insufficient for camera operation. Replace the
batteries.
1110
BATTERIES
Installing the Batteries
Your camera uses two 3V CR123A lithium batteries to supply power for all camera
operations.
1. Lift and turn the battery-chamber
lock to OPEN, then open the battery-
chamber door.
2. Insert the batteries as indicated by
the + and – marks.
3. Close the battery-chamber door,
then press and turn the battery-
chamber lock to CLOSE.
Checking Battery Power
No display
Power is too low for the camera to operate. Replace
the batteries or make sure they have been inserted
correctly.
GETTING STARTED
1312
LENS
Attaching the Lens
1. Remove the body and rear lens
caps.
2. Align the mounting indexes.
3. Insert the lens into the mount and
turn it clockwise until it clicks into
the locked position.
• Do not press the lens release when mounting the
lens. The lens will not couple properly.
Removing the Lens
1. Press the lens release and turn the
lens counter-clockwise until it stops.
2. Remove the lens and replace the
caps, or attach another lens.
Caution
• Do not force the lens if it does not turn smoothly.
• Do not touch the inside of the camera, especially the lens contacts and
mirror.
Grip the camera firmly with your right hand,
while supporting the lens with your left. Keep
your elbows at your side and your feet
shoulder-width apart to hold the camera
steady. Keep the camera strap around your
neck or wrist in the event you accidentally
drop the camera.
• Do not touch the end of the lens barrel while
taking a picture.
• Do not block the AF illuminator.
• Use a tripod when using slow shutter speeds
or a telephoto lens.
HANDLING THE CAMERA
Holding the Camera
Pressing the Shutter-Release Button
Press the shutter-release button partway down to
activate the camera’s autofocus and auto-exposure
systems.
Gently press the shutter-release button all the way
down to take the picture.
GETTING STARTED
1514
BASIC
OPERATION
Before loading film for the first time…
Remove and discard the film gate protector.
LOADING FILM
Check the film window before loading film. If film is loaded, do not open the back
cover. Refer to Manual Rewind on page 24 to remove a partially exposed roll.
• Load film in the shade to reduce the chances of fogging the film.
• Do not use Polaroid Instant 35mm film. Winding problems may occur.
1. Turn the back-cover release counter-
clockwise to open the back cover.
The shutter curtain’s precision design makes it
extremely sensitive to pressure. Never touch it
with your fingers or the film tip.
BASIC OPERATION
Continued on the following page
1716
LOADING FILM
2. Insert a film cartridge into the film
chamber.
3. Extend the leader between the guide
rails to the index mark.
• If the film tip extends beyond the index mark,
push the excess film back into the cartridge.
4. Close the back cover and turn the
main switch to ON.
• The camera automatically advances the film to
the first frame. 1 will appear in the frame counter.
• The correct ISO for DX-coded film is set
automatically.
blinks in the frame counter and the shutter locks
when the film is loaded incorrectly. Repeat steps 1 – 4.
Non-DX-coded film is automatically rewound at the end of the roll or after 36
exposures.
Non-DX-coded film is set to the ISO from the previous roll. Refer to page 52 to
set the film speed manually.
Non DX Coded Film Notes…
The ISO is displayed in the data panel
for 5 seconds after loading.
Refer to page 93 to reload a partially
exposed roll.
BASIC OPERATION
1918
TAKING PICTURES IN FULL–AUTO
1. Turn the main switch to ON.
3. Center your subject in the focus
frame, then press the shutter-release
button partway down.
• The local-focus area LED appears briefly
indicating the focus area selected by the camera.
4. When or appears in the viewfinder, press the shutter-
release button all the way down to take the picture.
• The AF illuminator fires in low-light situations to assist the autofocus system (p.34).
• Use focus hold (p.21) if your subject is outside the focus frame.
• The number of frames remaining is displayed in the viewfinder for the last 9 frames on the
roll. The countdown does not appear for non-DX coded film.
The following signals appear in the viewfinder data panel to indicate the focus
status when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.
Focus is confirmed.
Continuous autofocus – Focus is confirmed.
Continuous autofocus – Lens focusing. Shutter is locked.
Focus cannot be confirmed – Shutter is locked.
Subject is too close or is one of the special focus situations
described on page 20.
Focus Signals
2. Set Full-Auto mode as shown.
Set the exposure mode dial to P.
Set the drive mode dial to single frame advance (S).
Set the metering-mode switch to .
Set focus-mode switch to autofocus (AF).
Set the AF-mode dial to automatic autofocus (A).
Set the flash-compensation dial to 0.
Set the exposure-compensation dial to 0.
BASIC OPERATION
20 21
SPECIAL FOCUS SITUATIONS
The camera may not be able to focus in situations like those described below.
When the focus signal blinks, use focus hold (p.21) or manual focus (p.33). See
page 19 for an explanation of the focus signals.
If the subject within the focus frame is
very bright, or low in contrast.
If two subjects at different distances
overlap in the focus frame.
If a subject composed of alternating
light and dark lines completely fills
the focus frame.
If your subject is near a very bright
object or area.
Use focus hold when your subject is outside the
focus frame or when autofocus is difficult to
confirm.
• Use AF Lock (p. 32) to lock focus on moving
subjects.
• Focus hold does not operate when continuous
autofocus mode (p.29) is selected. Use AF Lock.
FOCUS HOLD
Focus hold cannot be used for moving subjects.
1. Center your subject in the focus
frame, then press the shutter-release
button partway down.
• appears in the viewfinder when focus is
confirmed.
• Focus hold also locks the exposure settings when
14 segment metering is selected (p. 45).
2. Continue to hold the shutter-release
button partway down while you
compose your picture.
3. Press the shutter-release button the
rest of the way down to take the
picture.
• Remove your finger from the shutter-release
button to cancel focus hold.
BASIC OPERATION
Slide the flash-mode switch to to reduce the red-
eye effect when using the built-in flash.
• Red-eye reduction mode is only available with the built-in
flash.
2322
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH
When up, the built-in flash fires every time the shutter is released to provide
coverage for focal lengths as wide as 24mm. Flash output is automatically
controlled by the camera’s TTL flash metering system.
2. Grip both sides of the flash and lift.
• appears in the viewfinder when the flash is
fully charged.
• The shutter can not be released until the flash is
charged.
1. Slide the flash mode switch to .
• will appear in the viewfinder data panel.
- Push the flash down to turn it off.
The following signals appear in the viewfinder data panel to indicate the flash status
when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down.
Flash Signals
The range of the built-in flash depends on the speed of the film and the selected
aperture. Make sure your subject is within the flash range specified in the table
below.
Flash Range
Make sure you are at least 1m (3.3 ft.) from your subject
when using the built-in flash.
Aperture ISO 100 ISO 200 ISO 400
f/2.8
f/3.5
f/4
f/5.6
1.0 ~ 4.3m 1.0 ~ 6.1m 1.0 ~ 8.6m
(3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.) (3.3 ~ 20.0 ft.) (3.3 ~ 28.2 ft.)
1.0 ~ 3.4m 1.0 ~ 4.8m 1.0 ~ 6.8m
(3.3 ~ 11.2 ft.) (3.3 ~ 15.7 ft.) (3.3 ~ 22.3 ft.)
1.0 ~ 3.0m 1.0 ~ 4.2m 1.0 ~ 6.m
(3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 13.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 19.7 ft.)
1.0 ~ 2.1m 1.0 ~ 3.0m 1.0 ~ 4.3m
(3.3 ~ 6.9 ft.) (3.3 ~ 9.8 ft.) (3.3 ~ 14.1 ft.)
Lens shadowing occurs when the lens or lens hood blocks part of the output from
the built-in flash. Lens shadowing appears as semi-circular shaded area at the
bottom (horizontal) or side (vertical) of your image.
Lens Shadowing
• Remove the lens hood before using the built-in flash.
• Lens shadowing may occur with the following lenses at shorter focal
lengths.
AF Zoom 17-35mm f/3.5G AF Zoom 28-70mm f/2.8G
AF Zoom 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 28-135mm f/4-4.5
• The built-in flash can not be used with the following lenses:
AF 300mm f/2.8 (APO tele) AF 600mm f/4 (APO tele)
Flash will fire when the shutter is released.
Flash is charged.
Previous exposure was correct.
BASIC OPERATION
24
REWINDING THE FILM
1. Wait until the film is completely rewound.
• will appear and will blink in the data panel.
Automatic Rewind
The film is automatically rewound after the last frame is exposed (or 36 exposures).
When the film is completely rewound, the motor will stop and will blink in the
data panel indicating it is safe to open the back of the camera.
3. Close the back cover.
2. Open the back cover and remove the film.
Manual Rewind
Use manual rewind to rewind the film before the current roll is finished.
1. Open the control panel door, then
press the manual-rewind button.
DETAILED
OPERATION
2. Follow steps 1-3 from Automatic
Rewind.
Automatic (1) or manually initiated (2) rewind (p.92).
Custom Function Notes
Rewind the leader into the cartridge (1)
or leave the leader out (2) (p.92).
Fast or slow/silent rewind (p.97).
DETAILED OPERATION
Predictive Focus Control determines the
subject’s speed, position, and acceleration
changes from the focus sensor data, then sets
the best focus at the predicted point of
exposure.
Predictive focus control is always active in the
Automatic and Continuous autofocus modes.
27
FOCUS - Predictive Focus Control
FOCUS
With the ability to track acceleration in all
three dimensions, Predictive Focus Control
makes it possible for the camera to calculate
where your subject will be when the shutter
opens.
FOCUS
FOCUS — Autofocus Modes
2928
Continuous Autofocus (C)
Use Continuous Autofocus when shooting sporting events or when you know
the subject will be in constant motion.
Center your subject in the focus frame,
then press the shutter-release button
partway down to activate autofocus.
The camera continues to focus as long
as the shutter-release button is
pressed partway down.
• The AF Illuminator (p.34) does not operate in
Continuous Autofocus mode.
• The focus area is not displayed unless the AF
button is pressed.
Single Shot Autofocus (S)
Use Single-shot AF when photographing non-moving subjects or to lock focus
on subjects outside the focus area.
Center your subject in the focus frame,
then press the shutter-release button
partway down to activate autofocus.
Once confirmed, focus remains locked
until pressure is removed from the
shutter-release button or the shutter is
released.
Selecting the Autofocus Mode
Automatic Autofocus (A)
Designed to work well in almost any situation, Automatic Autofocus is especially
suited to moving subjects that stop suddenly.
1. Set the focus mode switch to AF.
Center your subject in the focus frame,
then press the shutter-release button
partway down to activate autofocus.
The camera will continue focusing
while the subject is moving, then lock
focus when the subject is still.
2. Turn the AF mode dial to the desired
mode.
FOCUS
The selected focus area momentarily
appears in the viewfinder frame when the
shutter release button is pressed partway
down.
• The focus area LEDs do not appear when
continuous autofocus (p.29) is selected.
The camera determines which sensor is focusing on
your subject and sets the focus accordingly.
FOCUS — Focus Area
3130
Select a local focus area for greater control over the focus location in the autofocus
mode.
• Only the center focus area can be selected when the RF 500mm or the AF Power Zoom
35
-
80mm is mounted.
Local Focus Area
1. Press the AF button and turn the
front control dial to select the
desired local focus area.
• The local focus area is displayed in the focus
frame and data panels.
2. Release the AF button when the
desired local focus area appears.
• The focus-area indicator displays the currently
selected focus area.
The camera’s standard focus mode, wide focus
area uses the camera’s three focus sensors to
automatically focus on your subject. Wide focus
area’s greater framing flexibility makes it easier
for the camera to focus on moving subjects.
• appears in the viewfinder data panel when
wide focus area is selected.
Wide Focus Area
Wide / Local Focus Area (1) or Spot Focus (2) when the AF button
is pressed (p.96).
Custom Function Notes
FOCUS
FOCUS — Manual FocusFOCUS — AF Lock
3332
Pull and turn the zoom ring until your
subject appears sharp.
Focus the lens manually when autofocus is not suitable and focus hold is not
possible. The autofocus system will monitor focus and indicate when a subject in
the focus frame is in focus.
• Only the center weighted average (p. 47) and spot (p. 46) metering modes are available in
manual focus mode.
• 14-segment honeycomb pattern metering (p. 45) is changed to center weighted average
metering when manual focus mode is selected.
1. Slide the focus-mode switch to M.
2. Turn the focusing ring until your
subject appears sharp and focused.
• appears in the viewfinder when the subject in
the focus frame is in focus.
AF Power Zoom and xi-Series Lenses
Press the AF button to lock focus on moving or stationary subjects using the current
focus mode. The focus remains locked until the AF button is released.
• Exposure is also locked if 14-segment metering (p.45) is selected.
• Pressing the AF button also activates the AF illuminator.
1. Center your subject in the focus
frame.
2. Press and hold the AF button.
• The current local focus area LED appears in the
viewfinder data panel until the AF button is
released.
• The exposure settings do not appear until the
shutter-release button is pressed partway down.
3. Recompose the scene as desired,
then take the picture.
Turn the front control dial to select a different
local focus area.
FOCUS
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