Hi-Matic 9 checking in

[telcocraig]

Just a lurker checking in now that I'm officially a RF user. I have been watching for a while and decided to try something inexpensive to wet my feet. Found a Hi-Matic 9 from a suggested seller at a swap and I'm working my way through the first roll now. He says it was a recent user of his and the guy was clearly excited to show it to me. The conversation was probably worth the small price of the camera but I'm hopeful about it.

First thoughts: this camera is heavy! 😀 The finder is nice coming from digital. And If it was a quarter inch taller it would get mistaken for medium format.

Anyway, looking forward to playing. Trying to decide if I want to DIY a battery adapter or adjust for voltage change with silver oxides (or just shoot manual with a meter like I'm doing now.) I'm a tinkerer so I'll probably make one eventually.

 

[pinkarmy]

my Hi-matic 9 is also my first RF.
mine has a dead meter, and the lens is wobbly so i have to hold the lens tight when i shot (like i am using a traditional SLR) otherwise the shutter won't fire.
i shoot in manual mode with negative film and the results are still great.

i would love to see if you are going to modify the battery, so please take record and post it.

 

[telcocraig]

This is what I would be using to mod the battery....
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/batt-adapt-us.pdf

 

[Kent]

Welcome!

Nice link: http://mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/minolta_himatic_9.html

 

[Fawley]

Welcome! and thanks for posting. My first rangefinder was the very similiar and probably more common Minolta 7S. Although these cameras are bricks and non too pretty, they are very good users. The lenses are fast and sharp, and they have very good metering systems. I have a few more expensive and fashionable cameras now, but the 7S remains one of my most used cameras. One the issue of batteries, I simply use the inexpensive 625 alkalines in all my old cameras. The difference is only about 1/2 stop (on the under exposure side) so I simply reduce the ASA setting accordingly. I don't see any need to get more complicated, lets face it, a great many RF users don't meter at all!

 

[telcocraig]

This is what I'm planning to do for now. I only say I will do the DIY because the tinker in me won't be able to stand it eventually. Frankly, i was tinkering with my wife's old Nikon SLRs long before I became interested in actually USING one to take a photo. 😀 I now have my own FM and a digital Fuji P&S F505 but the itch to take things apart is still strong. I expect I will get a FSU RF setup soon to scratch that itch though - my intent with this camera was to have something that is generally reliable to cart around and get used to RF shooting...

One the issue of batteries, I simply use the inexpensive 625 alkalines in all my old cameras. The difference is only about 1/2 stop (on the under exposure side) so I simply reduce the ASA setting accordingly. I don't see any need to get more complicated, lets face it, a great many RF users don't meter at all!

 

[n5jrn]

Congratulations! A working, old Japanese fixed-lens RF is an excellent low-cost introduction to the world of rangefinders.

 

[telcocraig]

Does anyone know of vented-style hood for this? I have heard the slip on rubber ones block the RF...

 

[Harlee]

Go to lens acessories on Ebay, they have them there.