Minolta X-9 Image Samples

 Here are some scanned images samples of the Minolta X-9 using the Minolta MD (III) 50mm F1.4 lens.

All images © 2021 4sd4spective

Kodak Ektar 100:

Kodak Ektachrome 100:

Fujifilm Provia 100f:

Fujifilm Superia 400:

Minolta X-9

    I grew up using my father's Minolta SR-mount cameras, specifically the X-700 and XG-M. Unfortunately, both cameras got worn out and developed issues so I decided to sell them a couple of years ago along with the lenses and accessories. However, in 2017, I wanted to recapture the feeling of using the aforementioned SLRs so decided to search for something similar.

    Finally, I found and bought an X-570 since I liked how it displayed the selected shutter speed in the viewfinder when shooting in manual mode. To my dismay, after testing the camera for a brief time, I discovered it was suffering from light leaks that I could not fix.

    With that being said, I sold off the X-570. After doing some research, I didn't realize that Minolta made a version called the X-9 which also displayed the selected shutter speed in the viewfinder while shooting in manual mode! I grabbed mine from KEH in excellent condition for 30 bucks along with a year warranty during a sale they had. Is the X-9 a viable alternative to the X-570 and X-700? Read on and find out!

    First off, I won't bore you with technical specs of the X-9 so here is a link to the PDF manual courtesy of cameramanuals.org:

Minolta X-9 (cameramanuals.org)

Here is another article about the X-9 with some details: X-9 (subclub.org)

Some obligatory pictures as well:

 

    As you can see, unlike the X-700 the body is mostly plastic. However, my copy has been to the Philippines and back, flung at the beach, and beaten around town. Ok, I try to take care of my cameras as best as possible but I can say that this is not a fragile camera. Personally, I find the X-9 to be a much cheaper alternative to the X-570 and X-700 (such bodies now cost close to 100 dollars in good condition) with little compromise.

Here are some features and peculiarities that I've discovered:

Since the X-9 was released in the 1990s, a great advantage over older cameras is that the rear door and surrounding perimeter uses light baffles instead of foam seals. No more foam degradation! There's only some foam around the clear film window though.

Here is an example of the viewfinder in manual mode showing the recommended shutter speed and what shutter speed you have it set. Note the center split-image, diagonal rangefinder for more accurate focusing.

My copy has a strange problem when using a 36 exposure roll of Kodak film. As you can see the ISO setting collar and the rewind crank lifts up when I'm close to finishing my film. It can't be pushed down so I usually would have to put tape to keep it from falling apart.

I don't have a problem using Fujifilm cartridges so I suspect the problem with Kodak rolls may be the center cut out notch which Fujifilm does not have that may cause the pushing of the rewind crank up.

All images © 2021 4sd4spective