Minolta XG-9 CameraThe Minolta XG-9 Camera is an electronic 35mm SLR film camera with automatic and manual exposure control.  It’s also known as the XG-S in Japan.  By providing automatic exposure photography at a reasonable cost, the Minolta XG-9 camera was designed to be used in aperture priority auto-exposure mode.  It reflects the advances in electronics and miniaturization resulting in a much smaller body than the SR-T cameras.  And, the XG-9 also accepts an auto winder, the Minolta Auto Winder G, that provides motorised frame advance at up to two frames per second.

The XG-9 included many improvements over its predecessors.  The new Acute-matte screen results in easier focusing and improved light transmission.   When set to auto-exposure mode, it provides a full information viewfinder.  It also includes a depth-of-field preview button and is available in both chrome and black. 

The Minolta XG-9 was in production between March 1979-1981.  List price for a new Minolta XG-9 Camera in 1981 was approximately $250 (app. $657 USD in 2016 dollars).  Today, used price for a camera in very good condition runs around $100 USD including several lenses. 

For a story about using the Minolta XG-9 Camera along with images, see Minolta XG-9 to Maui | a 7 Image Story.

Minolta XG-9 Specifications

  • Type: Electronic 35mm SLR with automatic and manual exposure control
  • Focusing Method: Acute-Matte Fresnel screen with a split-image rangefinder inside a micro-prism collar
  • Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism displays include manual f-stop, auto shutter speed, +/- exposure
  • Focusing: Matte Fresnel microprism focusing screen with split-image spot & manual
  • Shutter: Fully electronic, horizontal, cloth, focal plane shutter
  • Speeds: Mechanical: none Electronic: 1 – 1,000; B  Automatic (stepless): 1 – 1,000  Manual: 1 – 1,000; B
  • Meter: TTL , full-aperture, center-weighted meter, coupled to aperture & film speed 
  • Meter Sensitivity: CdS type from EV 2 to EV 17 at ASA 100
  • Exposure Modes: Unmetered manual mode & Aperture preferred mode
  • Automatic Exposure Compensation: +/- 2EV dial
  • Battery:  Two A76 (or equivalent)  Built-in battery check 
  • Flash:  Built-in, hot shoe auto sets shutter speed to 1/60 with X-type flash units X and FP PC contacts
  • Flash Synch: X: B; 1 – 1/60  FP: B; 1 – 1/15  M: B; 1 – 1/15  MF: B; 1 – 1/15
  • Film: 35mm  Film-speed Range: ASA 25-1600
  • Film Advance: Lever type or optional Autowinder G
  • Lens Mount: Minolta Bayonet Mount (MC/MD)
  • Mirror: Over-sized, instant return mirror
  • Self Timer: Electronic, non-adjustable 10 seconds
  • Dimensions:  2″ x 3.5″ x 5.5″  (52 x 88 x 138mm)   Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.  (500g)
  • Construction: Single stroke lever film advance, drum-type loading, and exposure counter
  • Depth of field preview button, automatic reset film counter, tripod threads
  • Film safe-load window, cable release connection
Minolta Rokkor-X 50mm f1.7
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Lens: 6 elements in 5 groups with achromatic coating   Filter Thread: 55mm
  • Aperture: f1.7 – f16   Angle of View:  47°
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45 meters / 1.5 feet
  • Dimensions: 2.5″ x 1.6″  (64x40mm)   Weight: 6.9oz  (195g)