Minolta's Dynax 9xi — flagship xi-series autofocus SLR, high-speed shutter, Minolta A mount, 1992.
The Minolta Dynax 9xi, from 1992, was the professional flagship of the third-generation xi-series of Minolta autofocus SLRs. It was sold as the Dynax 9xi in Europe, the Maxxum 9xi in North America and the Alpha 9xi in Japan. It sat at the top of the xi line as the most capable and durable body, built for demanding use on the Minolta A mount.
It is a 35mm single-lens-reflex on the Minolta A bayonet with body-integral autofocus. It offers program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual exposure with through-the-lens metering, and provides a high top shutter speed. It is a fully electronic body: the electronically controlled shutter and motorised transport both depend on battery power, with an LCD reporting settings.
The 9xi suits reportage and professional work where a fast, robust autofocus body is wanted with full manual control. It handles as the most serious tool in the xi range, with a high-speed shutter and strong build. Its limits are the third-generation autofocus by current standards and its total reliance on working electronics.
When buying used, inspect the LCD for missing segments and confirm the electronic shutter fires accurately, including at its highest speeds. Test autofocus, meter response and the exposure modes, and run the motorised advance and rewind. Examine the foam light seals for perishing, clean the battery contacts, confirm the correct battery, and note the fully electronic body needs power to fire.