Minolta Hi-matic 9 Owner's Manual

Introduction

Since its introduction, the Minolta Hi-matic 9 has been hailed as the world's most versatile automatic camera. With its wide range of automatic features, your new Minolta Hi-matic 9 can make picture taking easier and more foolproof than ever before possible. The automatic electric eye, based on the patented "CLC" (Contrast Light Compensator) system, provides unsurpassed exposure accuracy, even in high contrast situations.

The Minolta Hi-matic 9 also features the "SLS" (Safety Loading Signal) system for rapid, fumble-free loading and "Easy Flash" for automatic flash photography. For special photographic techniques, such as deliberate under or over exposure, the camera can also be used semi-automatically or manually, offering exceptional versatility.

Please read this manual carefully before taking pictures to fully utilize the potential of your Minolta Hi-matic 9.

Camera Parts Identification

The Minolta Hi-matic 9 is a 35mm rangefinder camera with an integrated CdS electric eye exposure meter. Key external controls and parts include:

• Top Plate: Film Advance Lever, Shutter Release Button, Film Counter, Accessory Shoe (with Cordless Flash Contact), Film Rewind Crank, Viewfinder eyepiece, Diaphragm Ring, Shutter Speed Ring, CdS Cell.
• Lens Assembly: Rokkor 45mm F/1.7 lens, Focusing Lever, Distance Scale, EV Number Window.
• Front/Body: Strap Hook, Self-Timer Lever, AUTO Release Button.
• Bottom: Tripod Socket, Film Rewind Button.
• Rear (Internal): Film Take-Up Spool (with 4 slots), Film Load Window, Sprocket, Film Chamber, Battery Cover, Film Pressure Plate, Film Pressure Roller.
• Viewfinder Internals: Rangefinder, Bright Frame lines.
• Lens Barrel Markings: Film Speed Scale, Film Speed Set Lever, Guide Number Index.

Refer to the original diagrams for precise locations.

Specifications

Battery and Battery Checker

Inserting the Mercury Battery

The automatic electric eye system is powered by a long-life mercury battery. Ensure it is properly seated in the battery chamber before operation.

1. Remove the battery chamber cover by turning it counter-clockwise with a coin.
2. Place the battery in the chamber with its plus (+) side up, as indicated by the arrow inside the cover.
3. Replace the cover.

Important Notes:

• Ensure the battery's (+) and (-) sides are not reversed.
• If the camera is not used for over a month, remove and store the battery in a dry place.
• Avoid touching battery terminals with moist or unclean hands, as this can cause deterioration.
• The average battery life is 14-18 months. Regular checking is advised.
• When not in use, move the film speed lever to the "Off" position ?.
• The camera uses a 1.35V button-shape mercury battery (e.g., Mallory PX-13, PX-625, RM-625R or equivalent).

Using the Battery Checker

The battery checker helps verify the mercury battery's output, preventing underexposure due to low power. Check before each new roll of film, or after storage.

1. Line up the green dot on the lens focusing ring with the "check" arrows on the inner lens barrel.
2. While pressing the AUTO release button, line up the green dots of both the diaphragm and shutter speed rings with the "check" arrows.
3. Look through the viewfinder. If the needle remains inside the battery check mark (rectangle), the battery is functioning properly.

How to Take Pictures Automatically

The Minolta Hi-matic 9 features a programmed shutter and an advanced electric eye system for maximum accuracy and ease of use. Once set for automatic operation, you only need to focus and press the shutter release button. The camera automatically sets the proper aperture and shutter speed combination for optimal exposure in any light situation.

1. Load Film: Insert the film magazine into the film chamber, close the camera back, and operate the film advance lever until "1" appears in the film counter window.
2. Set Film Speed: Set the film speed rating by moving the lever on the ASA/DIN scales at the bottom of the lens barrel to the corresponding number for your film's speed. This action also turns the meter "on" ?. The dots (.) denote intermediate ASA values.
3. Set Camera for Auto: Align the "A" marks on both the shutter speed and diaphragm rings with the "arrow" ➡️ mark on the outer lens barrel. CAUTION: If either ring is not precisely aligned with the "arrow", the automatic mechanism will not function.
4. Focus and Shoot: Look through the viewfinder and focus on your subject using the rangefinder. Check the EV scale and indicator needle on the right side of the viewfinder. If the needle is clear of the upper or lower red warning zones ⚠️, the automatic system will provide proper exposure. Release the shutter.

Viewfinder Warning Signals

The EV scale and indicator needle in the viewfinder help monitor exposure:

• Needle Clear of Red Zones: Proper exposure is indicated.
• Needle in Top Warning Zone: Insufficient light for proper automatic exposure. Use a flash unit ? or disengage the automatic system to allow longer shutter speeds (slower than 1/15th sec.).
• Needle in Lower Warning Zone: Too much light for proper automatic exposure. Use a filter to reduce light or disengage the automatic system for faster shutter speeds (higher than 1/250th sec.).

CAUTION regarding warning marks:

• If the needle points to EV 5.5, the shutter speed is set to 1/15th sec., which may cause picture blur.
• The automatic system operates over a range from EV 5.5 (f/1.7 at 1/15th sec.) to EV 17 (f/22 at 1/250th sec.).

Using the "SLS" Film Load System

The Minolta Hi-matic 9 loads film in seconds with its unique SLS (Safety Loading Signal) system. The take-up spool has 4 film slots, eliminating the need to turn it to thread the film. A red signal in the exclusive Film Load Window provides a constant check on film alignment and advancement.

1. Pull the back cover lock up about 1/8 inch; the cover will automatically "pop" open.
2. Place the film magazine into the film chamber. If the magazine axis does not set properly on the rewind shaft, turn the film rewind crank clockwise or counter-clockwise until the magazine falls into the correct position.
3. Insert the film leader about 1/2 inch into one of the slots in the take-up spool. Ensure a film perforation engages with the tooth in the slot.
4. Engage the sprocket gear teeth with the film perforations. Advance the film advance lever slowly (one full stroke), while pressing the film gently against the sprocket. Then, close the back cover.
5. When the back cover is closed, a large red dot appears in the film counter window. Now, advance the film advance lever until it stops and press the shutter release button. Repeat this action until the number "1" appears in the counter.
6. At the same time the number "1" appears in the film counter, a red mark will appear in the Film Load Window on the back of the camera. This signals that the film has been loaded and advanced properly. The red mark appears in the right half of the window.

A Few Words of Caution

• When inserting the film leader, ensure the third or fourth film perforation engages with the slot's tooth.
• When placing the film magazine, ensure it engages properly with the sprocket gear teeth on both sides.
• Load or unload film in the shade to prevent damage from direct sunlight.

Manual and Semi-Automatic Operation

Disengaging the Automatic System

For unusual conditions or special effects, you may operate the camera manually by selecting shutter speed and aperture yourself.

1. Turn the shutter speed ring first: Move the "A" marks away from the "arrow" ➡️ by pressing the AUTO release button (on the right side of the lens) and turning the shutter speed ring.
2. Turn the diaphragm ring: Press the AUTO release button again to disengage the diaphragm ring.

You are now in complete manual control, able to set any shutter speed or aperture combination.

Semi-Automatic Operation (Using the Exposure Meter)

Even after disengaging the automatic system, you can use the camera as an independent exposure meter.

1. Press the AUTO release button and set any shutter speed you wish.
2. Look through the viewfinder and observe the EV scale and indicator needle. Aim at your subject and note the EV number indicated by the needle.
3. Set this EV number in the EV window on the lens barrel by turning the diaphragm ring.
4. Alternatively, you can set the aperture opening first and then adjust the shutter speed ring to obtain the correct EV number.

CAUTION... When using the exposure meter:

• The exposure meter operates over a range from EV 5.5 to 17.
• This method is useful when using the self-timer.
• If you set the aperture first, you cannot set the shutter speed ring to an intermediate speed between click-stop positions.

How to Hold the Minolta Hi-matic 9

A good picture depends on many factors, including a steady grip. Practicing holding the camera horizontally or vertically can improve your photographs.

Holding the Camera Horizontally

This position assures a better grip with less chance of camera movement, as you can hold it firmly with both hands. Press your elbows tight to your body and release the shutter gently. It is best to focus with your right eye for sequence shooting to prevent the film advance lever from contacting your face.

Holding the Camera Vertically

In this position, the shutter release button may be pressed with either the thumb or index finger. Use whichever is more convenient for you.

How to Look Through the Viewfinder

When viewing your subject through the camera's viewfinder, you will see a "bright frame" surrounding the visual field. The area within this frame is what will appear on the film.

As you focus, you will see the bright frame lines moving. This provides automatic compensation for parallax, giving you a corrected field of vision and preventing you from inadvertently "cutting off" parts of your subject (like the head or legs).

When focusing at long distance: The bright frame lines appear wider.

When focusing at short distance: The bright frame lines appear narrower (indicated by dashed lines in diagrams), showing the parallax correction.

How to Focus

Look through the viewfinder with your eye at the center of the eyepiece. Then, turn the focusing lever until the double image seen in the "diamond" ? at the center of the viewfinder overlaps into one sharp image.

Out-of-Focus: When the subject is seen as a double image in the "diamond", the camera is not properly focused.

Proper Focus: If your subject dissolves into a single image in the "diamond", the subject is in sharp focus. The distance from the camera to the subject is indicated on the distance scale of the focusing ring.

Depth-of-Field

When the lens is accurately focused, there is a certain depth considered to be in focus both in the foreground and the background. This is called "depth-of-field".

Depth-of-field becomes deeper as the aperture opening is made smaller (closing the diaphragm) and shallower as the aperture opening is made larger (opening the diaphragm). Consequently, it is sometimes necessary to select the proper aperture opening depending on your subject. In this case, disengage the automatic system and operate the camera manually, utilizing the depth-of-field chart.

At full aperture opening: Depth-of-field is shallower.

At smallest aperture opening: Depth-of-field is deeper.

How to Read the Depth-Field Chart

The chart displays the range of distances in focus for a given distance and aperture. For example, when the camera is focused at 20 feet and the lens aperture is set at f/8, everything from approximately 11 feet to 95 feet, both in front of and behind the subject, will be in sharp focus.

Note: The chart provides approximate depth-of-field ranges.

How to Use the Self-Timer

The self-timer delays shutter release for about 10 seconds after you press the button, allowing time for you to get into the picture yourself.

1. Disengage the automatic system and determine proper settings.
2. Advance the winding lever.
3. Move the self-timer lever to the "V" mark (or ➡️ symbol).
4. Press the shutter release button. The self-timer operates for about 10 sec., after which the shutter will automatically be released.

Note: To disengage the automatic exposure system, see page 18. The self-timer will not operate if the camera is set for automatic exposure.

Flash Photography with "Easy Flash"

Flash bulbs and electronic flash units are used for indoor and night photography or for shooting in shaded areas. Your Minolta Hi-matic 9 is equipped with the "Easy Flash" system for simplified flash photography, assuring perfect exposures.

1. Attach the flash unit: The camera is equipped with a cordless (and cord) flash contact. Slide the unit into the accessory shoe. If using a flash unit with a cord, attach the terminal to the synchro terminal of the camera. NOTE: Do not insert a bulb into the flashgun until it is properly attached.
2. Set the guide number: Use the guide number (GN) shown on the flash unit or its instructions. For M class flash bulbs, set the shutter speed to 1/30th second. For electronic flash units, any shutter speed may be set.
3. Focus on the subject: Look through the viewfinder and focus. If the indicator needle remains in the flash indicator rectangle, the Easy Flash system is functioning and will provide the proper focusing range and f-stop number.
4. You are now ready to shoot.

CAUTION: If the indicator needle moves from the rectangular area (by swinging upward), change the distance of the camera to the subject or use a higher or lower output flash source.

How to Select the Guide Numbers

Guide numbers (GN) help determine the correct flash exposure. They relate the flash output to the distance to the subject.

Guide number and distance (Meters)

Guide number and distance (Feet)

CAUTION...High guide numbers: A guide number can be used for an intermediate position between any two click stops. When using a high output flash bulb at a guide number exceeding 260 (80), be sure to use it as a bounce flash.

How to Unload the Film

1. To unload the film, depress the rewind button ? on the bottom of the camera. The button will remain depressed if you remove your finger. If it returns to its regular position, rewind the film for approximately 2 revolutions while depressing the button. Then turn the film advance lever completely without depressing the button. Depress the button again; this should lock it into the depressed position.
2. Lift the rewind crank and turn it clockwise ↪️. This will rewind the film into the magazine. When all but the film leader is completely rewound and off the camera's spool, the red signal in the Film Load Window will disappear.
3. After one or two more turns, you will feel a slight resistance. This means that the film, including leader, has left the spool and is completely rewound.
4. Once the film has been rewound, open the back cover and remove the film magazine.

CAUTION...When rewinding film: When the red symbol in the Film Load Window disappears, turn the rewind crank for one or two more revolutions before opening the camera.

Programmed Shutter

The programmed shutter in the Minolta Hi-matic 9 is designed to automatically select the optimum shutter speed/aperture combination depending on the brightness of the subject. All you need to do is aim, focus, and shoot. The programmed shutter operates over a range from EV 5.5 to 17. The diagram indicates the relations between shutter speeds and aperture openings.

Diagram shows shutter speed (horizontal axis) vs. F number (vertical axis) with EV working range.

Accessories

Filters

• UV: Absorbs excessive ultraviolet light when shooting mountain, snow, sea, and other distant scenes.
• Y-48 (Yellow): For black & white photography. Renders red and yellow objects lighter. Can darken skies and emphasize clouds.
• R-59 (Red): Used for panchromatic and infrared films. Darkens blue subjects and lightens red/green objects, yielding unusual nighttime effects in daylight.
• G-O (Green): For black & white films. Ideal outdoor filter for pleasing fresh tones in portraits against the sky. Renders beautiful black & white photos of landscapes, blossoms, and natural sky appearance.
• O-54 (Orange): For black & white films. Absorbs ultra-violet and blue light, making blue tones appear darker. Excellent for marine scenes and aerial photography.

Other Accessories

• Minolta Lens Shade: Prevents extraneous harmful light from entering the lens; recommended for outdoor photography.
• Minolta De Luxe Flash Gun: Powerful gun enabling photographs at any time and in any place.
• Minolta Duo-Fit Flashgun: Compact flashgun with unique design for efficient operation. Operates without a cord when used with the Hi-matic 9. Includes a self-stored cord for cameras with cord terminals.
• Minolta Mini 35 II Projector: Small, light, and compact projector with carrying case. Offers amazing projection power. Features automatic slide changer. Blower and conversion lens available as optional accessories.