Redefining Pro
Written: Apr 01 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Reasonable price for what it is. APO lenses!
Cons: Not a Leica. And no rental lenses, at least not in Boston.
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| The9xiGuy's Full Review: Konica Minolta Maxxum 9 / Dynax 9 35mm Film Camera |
Although I do not own this product, I plan on upgrading soon. I own a Maxxum 9xi, and an 8000i (In fact, I own a 7000, also, but I don't shoot with it.).
The 9 redefines "Pro," as an affordable (Well under $2K), high performance (Still the only major manufacturer product with a 1/12,000 second shutter), super rugged (Metal!!!) workhorse. Photo Techniques, before picking it as one of the best 25 cameras available, characterized it as a "hockey puck," the type of machine that you could slap across the ice, then pick it up and shoot with it. Try that with an EOS-3. Plus, my favorite issue. You can buy a 9 with, say, an 85mm f1.4, for the price of an F5 (Or the EOS-1V) body alone.
The 9 is also easy to figure out. Similar to the 600si (Which was discontinued far too early), two large knobs comprise most of the 9's functionality (As opposed to a button or two, plus a rotating dial). A full information, 100% viewfinder is super bright (Beattie doesn't make an Intenscreen for any Minolta SLR. The V/F's are brighter to begin with. My 9xi is not far off from the Leica R8). A small fill flash is fitted to the top of the pentaprism, and the 9 utilizes the 14 segment honeycomb pattern meter (Top honors by Pop Photo) as its flash meter, as well. The pop-up flash also controls the wireless TTL system, which was originated by Minolta, and, to this day, requires no extra accessories. Unless you've invested heavily in a competing system, you'd do well to check out the 9 and its range of High End "G" lenses. The longer ones are Apochromats, something you'd also find with Leica and Contax....
Oh, and I'll definitely get the VC-9 Vertical Grip. Not only does in offer the shutter release in the vertical position, but it can hold two extra sets of batteries, in addition to the set in the camera. Three times the battery life, in hand, at the turn of a switch. Now that's cool.
Will I revere the 9 once I own it? Probably not. It's a capable, reliable tool that offers some things that my 9xi lacks. Will I change my name? Also probably not. The9Guy doesn't have the ring. But I will gladly accept a few ounces more in my bag (vs. the 8000i which will be removed), and appreciate the vertical grip and 5.5 fps as I shoot models in the studio, or my son on the ballfield.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
The9xiGuy
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 1 member
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