The Minolta Hi-Matic 9 is a rangefinder camera from the 1960s. The model is part of the Hi-Matic series. It was produced in a factory in Japan.
The 35mm photo camera comes with a fixed “Rokkor PF” lens. It has a focal length of 45mm and an angle of view of 52 degrees. As for the aperture, the range of f/1.7 to f/16 is available. The distance to the subject has to be set manually. The coupled rangefinder helps with this. The minimum distance to the subject must be 91 cm / 3 feet.
Typical of the Hi-Matic camera, this model also comes with automatic exposure control and a built-in light meter. The camera electronics can set shutter speed and aperture automatically. If you want, you can also select the two settings yourself.
The Seiko FLA shutter supports different speeds. As a photographer, you can choose in the range between 1/500 second and 1 second. There is also a Bulb mode for long exposures. For long exposures, one can mount the camera on a tripod and use a cable release. There is a respective thread on the bottom of the camera and on the shutter release. A self-timer with a delay of 10 seconds is also available.
A flash unit can be connected to the hot shoe or with a cable. The camera weighs 760 grams. The dimensions are 14 x 8.2 x 7.4 cm. A Mallory RM-625 is needed for the power supply.
Films for the Minolta Hi-Matic 9
The Minolta Hi-Matic 9 requires 35mm film. It can be used with films from ISO 25 to ISO 800. Available photo films for the model that you can easily get are the Ilford Delta 100* for B&W shots and the Kodak Portra 400* for color photos. Both films are well suited for a wide range of applications. This is also attested to them in test reports. Of course, you can also use films from other manufacturers.
The film transport is mechanical, of course. After each exposure, the film material must be transported further with a quick-release lever. When the end of the film is reached, a small button on the bottom must be pressed and the film material must be transported back into the cartridge with the crank. Then the film can be removed and taken for development.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens name | Rokkor PF |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/1.7 |
| Minimum focus distance | 91 cm / 2.9848 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Filter thread | 55 mm |
| Lens design | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 800 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Size | 14 x 8,2 x 7,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.51 x 3.23 x 2.91 inches |
| Weight | 760 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 80,84 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 144,54 Euro (155.87 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 106,89 Euro (114.73 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 69,91 Euro (74.69 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Minolta Hi-Matic 9
How do I focus the camera?
The Minolta Hi-Matic 9 uses a coupled rangefinder for focusing. You need to adjust the focus manually until the image in the rangefinder is sharp. The minimum focusing distance is 91 cm (3 feet).
What kind of film does this camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. You can use films with ISO speeds ranging from 25 to 800. Popular choices include Ilford Delta 100 (black and white) and Kodak Portra 400 (color).
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, you can attach a flash using the hot shoe or a flash sync cable. The camera has a connection for both methods.
Does the camera have automatic settings?
Yes, the Hi-Matic 9 has automatic exposure settings. It automatically adjusts the shutter speed and aperture. However, you can also manually select these settings if preferred.
How do I advance the film?
The film advance is mechanical. After each shot, you use the rapid wind lever to advance the film. Once the film is finished, use the rewind knob to rewind the film into the canister.