minolta 570 vs x 9

Hi everyone,

 

is there any real difference between the minolta X 570 and the X 9? The specs appear to be the same, am I missing

anything? Is the newer X 9 of lesser quality than the X 570?

 

Vince

The X-9 is more closely releated to the X-370 than to the X-570. This issue isn't quality, but features. Unlike the 570, the X-9 does not have TTL flash metering so you need X-series rather than PX-series flashes.

A few other differences: The X-9 has a diagonal split focusing aid rather than horizontal. The touch switch of the 370/570 is replaced with a pressure sensitive switch.

The X-570 is more advanced because of its flash metering, but since it is older than the X-9 it might be more likely to develop electronic problems. Like most electronic cameras, the capacitors have a limited lifespan. Old age is a predator that stalks capacitors and it is silently closing in on each and every one of them to make the kill. Fortunately, the capacitors can be replaced, but often as not, it's cheaper just to replace the camera.

From what I've read, the X-9 is one of the last MF cameras Minolta produced, and so being later in the production line had a few cost cutting measures made, so build quality is likely to be of a lower standard. Maybe not physically, but you may not find it as reliable as some earlier cameras. But almost every SR-mount Minolta camera is plagued by some sort of electronical fault, so I say either buy the cheaper you can find, and a couple (or three) or just go for a good SRT-Super - excellent camera.

Maybe these clone Minolta camera's from Braun are still available:

 

http://www.braun-phototechnik.de/E/Products/Cameras/sr2000/2000md.htm

 

with 2 years waranty :-)