Feel, Multiple features without using expansion cards. Well built.

No mirror lock-up.

This is a great camera! Well built construction doesn't make you worry about every little bump it may encounter. Battery lasted much longer then in other cameras I've used.

Customer Service

None needed

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS-1

Fast, responsive, all one could ask; a great camera!

None

An astonishing great value and on par with any other professional quality 35mm SLR. I'd rank it right at the top.

Customer Service

None required

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 7000i, 8000i

None

None

Generally a very ergonomically designed camera, but depth of field button fell out and once the camera motor started whirring frantically, after which smoke started coming out of the lens mount!
Also occasionally the camera would not function, and the batteries needed to be removed and put back before things started happening again.
Eventually got cheesed off with the whole thing and went for a manual Contax instead.

Customer Service

havent tried

Similar Products Used:

Dynax 5xi/7xi

A well built, high spec. camera, originally aimed at 'pro market'

No mirror lock

A great value 2nd user buy, available at one third its original price and built to last

Customer Service

None needed

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 7000i

The 9xi is a great camera, it feels very nice to use and should be available relatively cheaply used.

The general feel of the camera is very solid, with gaskets to make it weather-resistant. For my larger hands, the body is more comfortable with the battery pack attached.

The 1/120000s shutter speed and built-in 4.5fps motor drive are nice to have. Metering is excellent.

Of course, it has all the things a camera of this caliber should--studio light terminal, DOF preview, adjustable viewfinder diopter, manual override, etc.

The main complaint I have is that the AF system shows its age in terms of focussing speed. Once it acheives focus, it's generally very good.

One other drawback is that you need to use expansion cards for many things that the newer cameras can do out of the box.

An excellent camera for someone that doesn't need the absolute fastest autofocus, but wants durable, quality gear.

Customer Service

The body has never been in for service, but one of my lenses has been in. It took close to a month for it to be done, which seems a bit long.

Similar Products Used:

Maxxum 9000
Nikon N70

Extremely well built camera. After getting used to, it is very logical in terms of controls. 1/12000 shutter speed and 4.5 frame per second motor are very tough to argue against.

It is so easy to use when you get used to it, but the process of getting used is quite painfull. Dials and buttons are multifunctional, and there are no helpful mnemonics on the body. I had to waste 3 rolls of film before I got comfortable with the camera. No build-in flash or wireless flash control. Changing program cards is somewhat annoying, when you know that newer cameras have it all inside.

If shooting sports or wildlife is your passion, this camera is your best bet. Especially now, when you can get it used for $400-$500 a mere third of its original retail price.

Customer Service

Never needed.

Similar Products Used:

2xi as a backup, 400si for remote flash photography.

High build quality, there is no cheap foam strip to dampen mirror bounce, it's done mechanically like a Leicaflex. No compromise design, yet not as large or heavy as other top line SLR's. Amazing array of features. Accurate high speed shutter, very good built in motor drive, rewinds very fast and quiet. The specially coated outer surfaces don't scratch easily.

absolutely none

Functionally the best camera I have ever owned. It seems as though it will last a lifetime also. The medium size is perfect, not hard to take along. The maxxum lenses I have used seem to be extremely good, and have been failure free. The used price is also very low for one of the all time best slr cameras.

Customer Service

none needed

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS 1, Nikon F's, Contarex Super, Bullseye, Leicaflex-all models, Leica M3-M6, Contax IIIA-G1

Bought it used and happy about my decision. It's a great autofocus camera. I find it very useful in low light situations thaks to the IR beam assist. I can't really think of any features that I would like upgraded in this great camera. Have not needed to use card system at all( probably never will), since I used a fully manual camera before. The "P" mode is a great backup feature that function as autopilot for me when in doubt. I find the camera is solid built, offers great features and looks pro.

Can't think of a real one! Goes through batteries rather quickly, and now I tend to use manual focusing a lot more. When looking thru lense it would be nice to have the light meter more visible in low/no- light condition. Hate the xi-series lense.

Convince me to move up to a better camera that will do the same awesome job than the 9xi for less than $401.00. Looking for another used one for back up and/or shooting B&W at the same time. I really don't think there is anything in the market that will match the funtionality of this King, pro model not included.
This is a good camera for those who have used beginers SLRs and want somthing better but don't want to spend the big bucks (Maxxum 9).
Highly highly recommend it to anyone who can get their hands on it.

Customer Service

Not yet. Keeping my fingers crossed still.

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 3xi(for kids!) Nikon F70, Pentax PZ-10 Canon manual.

View finder is very accurate, focusing is very sharp and very responsive. Flash can syncronize up to 1/300sec, quite adequate for normal use. Highest shutter speed is 1/12000sec! This camera also has program, aperture, shutter, manual modes, quite equiv. to newer models! Camera body is finely crafted and ruggedly.

eyestart kind of nuisance.

This camera can focus quick and sharp as well as other SLRS, Since it's an older model, a factory check is recommended before purchasing. Otherwise, a real superb camera by all standards.

Customer Service

no needed so far!

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS3
Canon EOS1NRS
MINOLTA 800SI
NIKON F100
CANON T90
CANON F1

Has professional features that many other cameras do not have. Excellent TTL flash system. Very bright viewfinder.

Does not use lenses with built in motors. Viewfinder eyepiece can slip off.

The best Minolta ever! Equals or better to most other professional 35mm cameras.

Customer Service

Great

Similar Products Used:

Nikon F3