Minolta Hi Matic 9 Rangefinder Camera Overview

[@brians2818]

I've had one of these for over 50 years now- still works perfectly, I changed the light seals last month. Also picked up two "need repair" units off Ebay, both working now. The camera has Programmed Mode where the camera sets shutter speed and F-Stop, and manual exposure mode where you can use the meter with the "EV" system. The camera does not have "Shutter-Preferred" automatic, but nothing on the camera prevents setting the shutter speed and leaving the aperture at the "A"auto setting. It does not expose properly. I learned this 50 years ago, and the importance of reading the manual closely. SO: no shutter preferred automatic, the aperture comes up where it would with full program mode.

[@alexanderm9446]

I loved reading your comment, its amusing to hear because I've just made the same mistake myself; I spent an entire day walking around with the camera set to "Shutter-Preferred" Automatic... with the shutter speed set to 500! All I got back was a roll full of black squares apart from a few perfectly exposed shots I did on Full-Automatic! I've also now gone back and read the manual as well.

[@raidenbode3344]

instablaster

[@Frisenette]

It doesn’t have aperture and shutter priority as you suggest. When you only set one of the rings to A the program function will not adjust. Devilishly it will appear to work correctly for some shots if you look through the lens, but it doesn’t. It’s either full auto or manual. Manual on this line of cameras is of course special in that it’s very easy to have aperture or speed priority with the EV system.

[@NBartrina]

I have one cmarera like yours. Great camera . Fun to shoot with it. Great video!

[@moongmoong33]

I just bought one. Can I ask did camera works without batteries?

[@Gerard-hu6kp]

Handsome camera Never used one

[@hughhuang4921]

My kid bought a same model camera. The shutter and aperture don't work. We sent it to a specialist to repair it. But unfortunately we couldn't even find the parts. As what I heard number of this model not be manufactured many.

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

If one wants to use the EV values of the viewfinder and then use the sunny 16 rule, what would be the EV to use F16 1 / ASA EV 15? (sunny day). I think that that way it can make it much easier once the exposure is set so that in manual mode you can turn to the left for a greater depth of field or to the right for a faster shutter speed (with both dials at the same time).

[@abdulkadir1990]

are you sure the camera works in apperture or shutter priority? because the manual of the camera shows that just fully automation or fully manual crontrols are possible.

[@carolinamunoz9212]

When checking if the shutter works there is a second curtain that does not open, I still do not buy batteries. The shutter works only with batteries?

[@JalanKesini]

I just bought himatic 7s and the battery is totally stuck. I already use some tips like wd40 or coins that really fit to open it but still failed. Any tips to open the battery? Thanks

[@bobbrockett2157]

Question: when using an electronic flash (of course) such as the Minolta Auto 118X, how should the camera be set? Will it function for flash in full Auto (A+A) or do I need to select the flash setting and a shutter speed? Checked the manual but it refers to GN numbers and no flash unit I have gives those. Thanks!

[@rodgercarey3480]

Hi and thanks for the review. I just received mine from japan. Havent really explored it yet but I did look through the view finder which seems a little cloudy. Is this concerning? Is there a remedy? Thanks

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

The viewfinder can be cleaned by removing the top cover. Just be very careful not to damage the back side of the gold-colored beam splitting mirror, the gold coating can easily be rubbed off if you clean it too hard.

[@rodgercarey3480]

@ so use like eyeglasses screwdriver? What do you suggest to clean glass, lens cleaner? Thanks so much

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

@@rodgercarey3480 A small machine screwdriver will work, a cheap one from Amazon is fine. You can use lens cleaner, or a drop of dish soap in a shot glass of water will work in a pinch.

[@rodgercarey3480]

Hello trying to get acquainted with the camera today. Regarding the auto release button, do you have to press and hold as you turn aperture and shutter speed dials? Or press then release then turn dial? Seems that aperture dial turns ok but shutter dial seems stuck. Can I spray with lighter fluid?

[@염나은-o2p]

Hi. I really enjoyed the video. I have a question. I set the shutter speed at 30 and used it, but the flash didn't work. I don't know if my method of using flash is immature or if there is something wrong with the device. I want to know the exact way to use flash.

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

You have to make sure first that your flash is working, there is usually a test button somewhere on the flash where you can check it. You also need to make sure that the contacts are clean, and that the contact on the flash is touching the contact on the flash shoe. There is also a chance that the wire connection under the flash shoe is loose, the wire is clipped into place, and can either come loose, or corrosion on the connection may prevent an electrical contact.

[@briantcarter1152]

Question: I have a Hi-Matic 9 and after getting my first roll of film developed, it was unfortunately clear that the rangefinder was out of alignment (everything was blurry). I have not been able to find any tutorials or service manuals that would help fix this. Do you have any suggestions for where I can find some instructional help to fix this? Thank you in advance.

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

The adjustment for the rangefinder is under the flash shoe cover, the shiny part which fits under the flash shoe and around the round flash contact. You pry up on the front of the cover, then slide it back, and you will see the access ports for adjusting the rangefinder.

[@briantcarter1152]

@@japanvintagecamera8869 Thank you very much.

[@mylesdlm]

@@briantcarter1152 how would one be able to properly align that though? I'm assuming it needs some type of special equipment for that, doesnt it?

[@briantcarter1152]

@@mylesdlm It looked like it was just a couple of screws used for the adjustment but the space was very small and I couldn't access them without taking off more parts of the camera. But it works well enough by estimating the distance and setting that on the lens.

[@abbihurst2627]

Can i get film for this in america, like kodak or fujifilm brand? I just want to make sure before i buy!

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

Yes, you can use any ordinary 35mm film.

[@slow.poetry]

Matic 9, 7SII, Konica Auto S2 and Auto S.16. Is one of these lens clearly sharper or are they pretty much equivalent?

[@rodgercarey3480]

What would the cost be in usd for having the 9 CLA’d?

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

I charge $100 USD, which includes return shipping,

[@rodgercarey3480]

And what does that include please

[@rodgercarey3480]

Can you please advise as to what is included in your CLA. I know that at least it seems that the viewfinder needs cleaning (interior), I see what I guess is debris on of the shutter blades, when viewing the light meter through the viewfinder the needle stays on the upper right. When triggering the shutter it seems to want to move but only like an 8th of an inch or less. Also when lining the green dots up for battery check needle does not move to where it should to verify batteries are good. I think with my novice eye that the shutter complies with the speed it is set at. Aperture opening also seems appropriate. I think I mentioned that the camera was listed as MINT. I did start the refund process and seller so far has offered $50 refund. I declined. He has until the 18th to come up with another option. On the 19th eBay said they can intervene. I’m trying to cultivate my options should I end up keeping the camera. Given what I’ve shared is your quote still within general CLA range?

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

@@rodgercarey3480 The top and bottom covers are removed, mechanisms and cleaned, lubricated, and tested. The Hi-Matic cameras have step linkages which regulate the shutter in Auto mode. The viewfinder/rangefinder optics are cleaned and adjusted, the beam splitting mirror is replaced if necessary. The lens elements are removed and cleaned, the shutter and aperture blades are cleaned, the mechanism and slow speed escapement are cleaned and lubricated. Sometimes the body face plate and lens mount must be removed as the hardware is loose and there is play in the lens. Light seals are then replaced.

[@rodgercarey3480]

Thanks for this. Had to return the 9, getting another in one week. What about light meter repair with CLA?

[@gameloozer731]

Can this camera do aperture priority as well, if the shutter ring is set to A and the aperture set to a different setting?

[@brians2818]

No- it can to Programmed Mode with the Shutter and Aperture set to "AA", or manual mode.

[@naomipsalm2339]

Hello! Is it right to assume that as long as the needle in the EV scale doesn't hit the top and bottom red zones, I will be getting a decent exposure? I'm completely new to photography and would use the camera in Automatic mode but I'm also trying to experiment with it.

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

That is correct. But remember that at slower shutter speeds you need to hold the camera more steady so the image doesn't get blurred.

[@naomipsalm2339]

@@japanvintagecamera8869 Got it! Thank you so much!

[@moongmoong33]

Does the camera works without batteries?

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

Yes, the camera works without batteries, you just set the aperture and shutter manually. The battery is necessary only for the light meter and automatic exposure.

[@moongmoong33]

@@japanvintagecamera8869 thank you

[@carolinamunoz9212]

When checking if the shutter works there is a second curtain that does not open, I still do not buy batteries. The shutter works only with batteries?

[@AmoxtliJurado]

@@carolinamunoz9212 Hi Caro, I just bought one with the same second curtain issue, were you able to fix it? and how? Thanks.

@@AmoxtliJurado I just got one here, the shutter blades were opening fine, but I guess I set the camera to automatic and now shutter blades don't move anymore, even putting all back to manual. I opened the lens and cleaned the shutter blades, they are not sticking to each other, but I gues the shutter mechanism is stuck in some configuration and need the batery to recover from there... maybe. I will try reaching for the shutter mechanishm next time and see if I can set some gear/part back to how it was when I got it.

[@enricogiordani22]

Hi, I just bought this camera on eBay, could you tell me which battery i should buy to make it work properly? THANKS

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

This camera originally used an MR9 battery, but you can use a PX625 alkaline battery, or a Wein Cell.

[@scubascatman8157]

Does it have selftimer?

[@aelaexock9922]

Yes it does, he mentions it in the video. Cheers!

[@ChairmanZhongXiNa]

Hey man, I'm not sure if you read the comments, but I recently bought one for 50 bucks here in Australia (around 30 USD). Shutter wouldn't fire, probably because of the old oil gunking up the mechanism. The more pressing issue is that when I set the camera to CHECK, the need would sometimes swing wildly up and down and sometimes would stay at 9. Would this be a battery issue or an electrical issue? I'm using a Wein Cell battery btw.

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

The problem is probably a dirty check switch and/or battery contacts, the battery should be okay. You can clean the battery contacts with a pencil eraser, but the contacts in the switch are not accessible without a special tool.

[@ChairmanZhongXiNa]

@@japanvintagecamera8869 no worries man, just managed to get to the shutter and dripped two drops of cleaning alcohol. Heard a click, and now the shutter works! There's actually a similar problem with old Seagull rangefinders, where the shutter would fire but be stuck in the process. Because of the simplicity of those cameras, a quick poke to the shutter fixes it.

[@TheEquinoxeHD]

Now this or Olympus 35 SP...