Minolta Maxxum 9 Professional 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only)

Overstock.com sold this camera with a lens for the same price.

I have used a number of cameras, SLR, compact, and digital. This is the finest and easiest I have ever used. I have two Tamron lenses for it and they work perfectly and seemlessly with the camera. I took it on a ski trip recently and did find it too bulky to ski with. I do wish that I could have taken some pics with it at the top of the mountain.

A year ago, I finally replaced my 1973 Minolta XK (the last year that Minolta made a pro camera) with a Minolta Maxxum 9 (their first new pro camera since). It's been very worth the unintentionally long wait. I've now used the Maxxum 9 on four continents. If you take care of good, solid equipment and it isn't stolen, it can indeed last a lifetime. I expect that I'll be using the Maxxum for decade or two (I still use the 1973 XK because it still works perfectly and I don't feel like replacing its old 16mm and 500mm bayonet-mount lenses just to use them on the new auto-focus camera). I had thought of buying a new Nikon, Canon, or Olympus, and tested each, but found the Maxxum 9 their equal (and better designed than most). Indeed, notice how the poster of the one negative review here never says whether he's actually owned or used the camera. Any good professional photographer knows that any of the major brands' pro lines are well-designed and workable.

I have been using Minolta cameras for years now, and I finally went for the Maxxum 9. Everytime I press the shutter release, I am glad I got the camera! It is constructed like a tank and has so many bells and whistles I will never learn to use them all. It also features a 100% viewfinder so what you see is what you get as far as framing goes. Even though I don't use it, it has a built in flash which is rare on pro cameras--its nice to know its there if I ever need it. Its fast and efficient. Top shutter speed is the highest available at 1/12,000 of a second. Plus, the motor drive must have a built in turbo!

This camera has definitely served me well and I know it will continue to do so for MANY years to come. I highly recommend you get one if you are serious about photography. Get the VC-9 Control Grip too!

Minolta full featured, very reliable, high tech Maxxum 9 has all you need to take professional pictures. The first and the only strong pro body camera built-in-flash is really fantastic, mean you do not need to always carry a bulk flash unity. Also is very helpfull for fill-in-flash under bright sunlight. The clear, very nice retro buttons are well marked. Who say buying this camera is waste of money doesn't know anything on photography. Read all the tech specs and be amazed. Best pro features/price. Remember the Minolta accessories have best price too.