Minolta Alpha (Maxxum, Dynax) 9 Video Manual 2 of 3

[@vert7420]

Just wanted to say that you are a godsend for making this short series of video manuals on this model. I have just received my Dynax 9 (upgrading from a Maxxum 500si) and just from picking up the camera you can tell it’s definitely a complex body that definitely should be respected. Keep up the great work.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! I am always glad to know when people benefit from my videos.

[@scoobyrex247]

Great video! Love the new video of the 7.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@nickathos7428]

Hey Dave i was really keen on the canon eos 1v but you kind of turned me off it with all the features so i started looking at the minolta alpha 9 and i wanted to ask you how good is the auto focus on moving subjects? Thanks and keep up the great informative videos

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! The A-9's AF performance on moving subjects is on-par with pro-grade cameras of its era, which is to say equivalent to the 1V and F5. Compared to today's cameras, it's far from comparable. So depending on your frame of reference and expectations, it's either going to be really great or lacking.

[@stevecorscadden5218]

Just loaded my first roll of film in my new to me A9. Wasn't sure it engaged as it was so quiet but on taking the first exposure it advanced again very quietly. In my cameras where you advance manually to the first frame it seems to take more turns, depending on the camera. What happens if it hasn't engaged - does it somehow display it hasn't loaded?

[@DavidHancock]

I believe that the film icon blinks if it didn't engage.

[@garyking1833]

Love your channel! Do you know if this camera has an input for a cable release? If so, what kind of cable does it require? I've been searching online and it's hard to find the info.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and it does! I think I point that out in the first video. You'll need an older cable and I forget the designation but they're still available on the used market.

[@angelisone]

Actually the last was by ATG's Minolta A 9Tir. Very rare because it has wirleless radio camera shutter remote. And rare was ATG's A 9Ti.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! I haven't heard of either of those.

[@gmtmtfilms]

Hi David, Thanks so much for this video series. I was hoping your knowledge will help me with an issue I have with my a9. It worked perfectly then all of a sudden when I switch it on I get a flashing display ( shows ISO and shot count ) and makes an on and off buzz inside. I've put 2 lots of new batteries in with no help. Any suggestions?

[@DavidHancock]

I'm not sure, but that doesn't sound good. There's a website called Dyxum (www.dyxum.com/dforum/forums.html) they have a forum with Mintola users. One of them will know what's going on. It sounds like there may be an issue with one of the camera's motors.

[@orestes1984]

The one thing that scares me (as with most screw drive, non internal focusing lenses) is that the whole lens moves... It's very easy to have your hands somewhere near the lens when shooting (and holding the camera correctly) and it feels like you may accidentally damage something if you accidentally touch the lens while it's moving.

[@DavidHancock]

I understand that concern, having once had it. I would argue that your grip on the lens shouldn't be so hard that it would strip the gears. Also, with most AF lenses, the actual focusing grip is pretty small, so you're likely to hold the lens body, not the rotating grip anyway.

[@yadagirilakshminarasimhaki9215]

minolta x700 vs minolta a9 which is good?

[@DavidHancock]

Well, I have reviews and manuals for both. I don't recommend specific cameras, as a general rule, because you as a photographer will need to select the tools that you feel best serve your needs.

[@yadagirilakshminarasimhaki9215]

@@DavidHancock where can i get full set of minolta a9

[@DavidHancock]

@@yadagirilakshminarasimhaki9215 That will depend on what country you're in. In Japan the camera stores might have them. In the U.S., KEH or B&H. In Europe or Canada there will be other options. And of course eBay is usually a good choice. I got mine from there.

[@trondsi]

Hi David! Why do you prefer aperture priority? Is it to play around with depth of field?

[@DavidHancock]

I think about images in terms of what I want to have be in focus. For me, subject isolation is a key technique and that's one of the primary concerns I have for image composition and structure. For more on that, here's an article I wrote about the technique: www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/image-composition-subject-isolation.html So I think in terms of what I want to have be in focus. Shutter speed is secondary to that for me. If I can't hand-hold the camera to obtain the DoF that I want, I'll figure out another option. Full manual, though I shoot it far less than aperture-priority, is another way I like to shoot. Shutter priority has its place, and I know that adjusting the shutter can achieve the DoF I'd like, but my mind just doesn't think like that. It's an added step -- shutter speed to obtain a given aperture. So, I guess the simplest answer is that from my perspective, DoF is the most important technical element of an image.

[@cool2rule2]

Hi! Seems weird but I am having issues loading film. I follow all the steps (and i’ve loaded film in plenty of other cameras), yet the zero keeps blinking and the camera won’t shoot.. any pointers? Is my camera faulty?

[@DavidHancock]

Hmm. Has it worked before? Are you placing the leader all the way next to the orange indicator?

[@cool2rule2]

@@DavidHancock ended up returning it. Gearing inside the camera was broken apparently..

[@johnirby493]

Minolta Maxxum flashes work fine, too.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@sebvz89]

this is better that nikkon f100?

[@DavidHancock]

In my opinion, by far.

[@quillsensations2518]

David Hancock why do you think it is better then the f100? The lens selection and availability of the Nikon f mount lenses is something to consider. The f100 is also lighter.

[@quillsensations2518]

David Hancock also for those who do film & digital. All your nikor lenses can fit on a modern Nikon DSLR as well without any adaptor. I believe that is not the case with Minolta lenses.

[@quillsensations2518]

David Hancock & what about the Nikon f6?......ok. I’ll give it to ya!!! At least you got a pop of flash. So when the sun goes down you can still find Kodak!!!!! Hahahahaha!

[@angelisone]

Yes by ATG and my standards. Because you can also use Nikon, Olympus & Leica lenses. I also like ATG's Rolleiflex 3003/3000ED/2000/SL2000