Design and ergonomics surpass the considerations and wishes of rival makers

No dumbells are included to train the biceps prior t purchase. Battery indicator not as reliable as guessing. The meter seems to be full power then dies within a matter of frames. Not good if you're caught trousers down. af/m button to side of lens tends to get knocked sometimes. Needs more positive action.

Buy it if you want to stand out as a maverick in the crowd of Canon and Nikon junkies. You'll get sneered at by the hacks, but those in the know wll appreciate a system which, though lacking in the lens range of the competitors, makes up for in glass quality and sheer yumminess.
A useful role for the speed grip is to act as additional bullet-proofing in those dodgy civil disorder situations.
My D9 survived the Mayday Riots in Parliament and Trafalgar Squares, the physical hassles of the boys in blue and cans of rioter piss.
Let the snobs eat film.

Customer Service

Not tried yet, but very slow on customer requests for information on accessories.(UK division)

Similar Products Used:

F90xPro, Eos1vhs F5

previously reviewed

previously reviewed

This is a great camera. It has certainly been adequately reviewed, so what could I say that would be useful? Simply this: This camera is greater than the sum of its parts. While it may not have the ne plus ultra of technology in each component, Minolta has blended excellent technology with great ergonomics and durability into a camera that is intuitive and a total pleasure to use. Each time I use it I have the same thrill and enjoyment as I did the first time I took it out of the box.

Customer Service

not needed

Similar Products Used:

Min. 700si. 9xi. Canon EOS 1

solid contruction, price compared to other top-of-the-line competitors, built-in flash that covers 24mm

as with other Minoltas, the hot-shoe for the optional flash is compatible only with the Minolta flashes, perhaps also it lacks the versatility of the old F4 with its interchangeable viewfinders (incl waist-level) & some 10(!?!) focusing screens.

This is a solid pro-35mm body. Well-made & designed as what we'd expect from a pro model, it's definitely an improvement over the lower 'si' series. Dials are a welcome feature, as is the selector switch for the AF/M. Elsewhere the triangular shoulder-strap eyelet fits in well if you plan to buy one of those OPTECH neoprene straps. With its built-in flash, the Dynax 9 is also a complete photographic tool. While it can never match the optional external flash, the pop-up comes in handy in a lot of situations !! The release/catch also isn't one of those sliding types, it's a lift-up-&-turn, you won't open it accidentally. Overall it boasts features none of its competitors have (flash & that 1/12000 shutter) but itself lacks some of theirs.

Customer Service

very good, from prevoius experience with Minolta

Similar Products Used:

700si, 500si, 800si, older manual bodies

A straight forward SLR. All controls set on "classic" dials or switches rather than menus (except for f/ and speed and configurable sub-sub options). Rugged. 100% x 100% view in very bright viewfinder. HS sync mode with 5400HS flash. Built in flash (rare for "pro" level equipment) cues off camera flashes in wireless mode...! Built in diopter correction and viewfinder cover. Mirror luckup, DOF finder, Rear curtain synch, ... etc. etc. This camera is for knowledgeable users. A bit much for a beginner/novice.

None. (okay, perhaps focus zones in the vertical could be included.)

Rugged. Simple. Straightforward. Dependable. A great 35mm SLR.

Customer Service

None needed to date on any Minolta product that I've owned in last 7 years or so.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 7xi, Yashika, Pentax.

layout of controls, best built in metering I have ever seen, breadth of useful features, (no fluff) 100% viewfinder, solid construction, 3 year repair/replace within 24 hr warranty

when coupled with vc-9, heavy (I like that, but some won't)

It has all been said, this is an unbelievably great pro-level camera. It is about time that Minolta flexed their brain muscle, and brought to market a true professional level offering. To all those who make mention of possibly adding another AF sensor, bahhh! More than one is nothing but marketing fluff. I would even go so far to suggest that a beginner purchase this camera if they can afford it, you will never need to replace it, or upgrade, unless you lose it. Run out and buy one today!

Customer Service

Haven't ever had to repair any of my Minolta equipment

Similar Products Used:

Maxxum 9000, Minolta x-700, Nikon N90, Nikon F3

Tank-like build quality. Custom function to lock most of the controls. Fast rewind. Nice, clear, 100% viewfinder. Fairly quiet shutter and film wind. Good handling/ergonomics (unusual design of vertical grip).

I found the AF to be a bit lacking; hunts more than my EOS1n. Could do with at least a couple more (wider spread) AF sensors. Metal body makes condensation a problem in cold weather.

Not quite the technically superior camera Minolta led us to believe, the AF is already surpassed by that on the considerably cheaper Dynax 7 body. The body is also let down by the dated lens lineup, especially at the longer end.

Customer Service

Pretty good in the UK, the staff are quite knowledgeable.

Similar Products Used:

700si (my previous body), Canon EOS1nHS

Tank like build, ergonomically well laid out.

Weigh as much as a tank, and uglier. Well thoughtout, but technically not impressive at all. Lots of fluff covering basically 10 year old technology.

If you don't need modern autofocus technology, this is a competitive pro-level camera. But I do, so I returned it and decided to stick with my F-5.

Customer Service

None so far

Similar Products Used:

EOS-1, F-5

Excellent exposure meter. Easy to use even without manual. It fits my hands. The camera is surely bult.

Heavy.

I reccomend this camera to anybody who needs to works with high-quality Minolta gear.

Customer Service

Never need.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 800si.

Well built - solid and substantial. Bright viewfinder. Accurate meter. Simple, analog controls. Built-in flash.

Must use self timer for mirror lock up.

This is a top notch, professional caliber body.
The control layout minimizes the tedious button pushing inherent with most present day SLR's.

Highly recommended.

Customer Service

None needed.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 600si
Nikon 8008s

Build, feel, viewfinder, overall smoothness of operation

None

This camera is an absolute joy. Handling it could bring one close to orgasm. AF not the best, but then it all depends what you want to shoot. I've used it in snow, rain, whatever weather it performs flawlessly. Viewfinder is the best I've ever seen and 100% view means what you frame is what you get. I like the leader out and reload to specific frame # settings-they make it a snap to change film mid-roll. Overall, a magnificent photographic tool.

Customer Service

Top notch

Similar Products Used:

F100, EOS1N