MINOLTA HI-MATIC 91966

Serial No.527077
Minolta Code 0178
Characteristics and functions
The Minolta Hi-Matic 9 is presented in 1966. It is Minolta's first compact camera
to use the new CLC (Contrast Light Compensator) system and is equipped witha bright Minolta Rokkor-PF lens 1:1.7 f = 45mm. It has a sophisticatedelectronic circuit which, by means of three separate functions, allows thecamera to be used in a totally programmed way (mode A) from EV 5.5 to EV 17(f.1:1.7 to 1/16” and f .1:16 to 1/500") or in diaphragm priority setting one of theshutter speeds between 1/8" and 1/500"; while the appliance will consequently
regulate the working diaphragm (1.7-16). Setting "B" is also available. The thirdfunction of the electronic circuit is in charge of controlling the use of the flash,automatically, by means of the system called "Easy Flash". The Hi-Matic 9 hasa CdS cell located in the lens mount. This camera is equipped with a new
Seiko-FLA shutter. There is the flash cable socket with X synchronization forelectronic flashes, at all times. The mechanical self-timer has a delay of 10seconds.
The camera has a traditional appearance with chrome-plated caps and a central
part in black imitation leather. The lens mount is partly chrome and partly satin.

On the upper cap there are: the foldable knob for film recovery, the flash-shoewith hot contact engraved with the serial number, the wording "HI-MATIC 9", theshutter button - located inside a circular crown - which includes the thread forusing the flexible release (Cable Release). Continuing to the right we find thecharging lever in satin-finish metal, with a glossy circular part, which is used toadvance the film and simultaneously prepare the shutter for shooting; at theextreme right is the square window of the additive type counter with automatic
zeroing when the back is opened. On the back side of the upper shell is theblack plastic eyepiece window. In the viewfinder the luminous frame is visible
with the telemetric system in the center, while to the right is the EV scale(5.5-17) with the black exposure needle. The two over-and under-exposureareas are red. The lightning symbol along the right side of the light frame ispositioned between the values 9 and 11, is flanked by a rectangular luminous
area and serves to evaluate the range of action of the flash according to thedistance and time set. At the far right of the rear side of the upper shell is thewindow where the red signal to adjust the film progress preceded by “FILM>”.
The back covered in black imitation leather occupies the entire remaining areaof the back side of the Hi-Matic 9. The back is hinged along the right side of thecamera, while on the left there is the automatic release opening system byraising the chromed tongue by about 5mm. placed at the top end. To close theback it is sufficient to bring the parts closer together and produce a slightpressure until the click. Also on the left side, just above the back opening
system is the socket for the synchro-flash cable. On the back we find: on the lefta large flare covered by the door which facilitates the introduction of the film
spool; the metal cap with central cut and knurled surface that covers the battery
compartment, the thread for the use of the stand, the JAPAN engraving and therelease button of the clutch for the recovery of the exposed film, located in aslightly depressed area . On the front of the upper shell there is a rectangularoverhang that contains the word "minolta" and "EASY FLASH", then follows achrome frame that contains the window of the rangefinder system and theviewfinder. The large for the Minolta Rokkor-PF 1:1.7 f = 45mm lens ispositioned in the part covered in black imitation leather. In the part closest to thecamera body is the distance scale (on the left from 0.9-infinity, in meters and on
the right from 3 to infinity, in feet); a satin-finish metal foot improves grip when
the satin ring is rotated and supports the camera when it is placed on a surface
such as in self-timer photographs. Continuing towards the front we find a satinpart with, on the left, the scale of the NG (10-80 in meters and 32-260 standing)and, on the right, the lever for the activation of the mechanical self-timer with adelay of 10 about seconds (first arm the bolt and then move the lever to the "V"position). There is also the CHECK function to check the state of charge of thebattery (position the black dot coinciding with Check ∆. In the lower part, on theother hand, the code of the mounted shutter is printed (SEIKO-FLA). The twochrome rings are used for adjustment complete the camera according to thethree modals available resources. If the symbol is positioned with the two A
superimposed, the programmed adjustment of the exposure is obtained; if you
set the flash symbol, set the camera for automatic use of the flash (adjust theNG scale in advance); if you set the speed dial to A the camera works ataperture priority, if you set the aperture ring to A the camera works at shutter
speed. To obtain manual adjustment of the shutter, both ring nuts must be
unlocked from position "A" by means of the small striped button located in front

of the chrome rings, along the right side of the lens. The reference to all theseadjustments is a small black line engraved on the outer ring nut. In the lower
part of the outer satin-finish ring nut we find the slider for setting the sensitivityof the introduced film that serves to calibrate the exposure meter. The cursor
moves
alongacentralrailbearing
thevaluesofAsa(25..50..100..200..400..800) and Din (15..18..21..24..27..30). Around the firstlens there is a black plastic mount that bears the incision for the identification of
the lens in white (Minolta Rokkor-PF 1: 1.7 f = 45mm), followed by a chromedcrown with the CdS cell of the exposure meter, located in the upper part in blackplastic. Nearby is the words "CLC". There is also the thread for adapting Minolta
conversion or compensation filters with 55mm diameter. On the sides of thecamera, in symmetrical position, the two chrome-plated triangular rings forattaching the shoulder strap are placed.
Power supply: a 1.35v battery. type PX 675 or equivalent.
Weight 755g. battery not included.
Width 146mm; height 82mm. to the upper shell, 91mm. at the edge of theshutter button; depth 74mm. including the lens.