Features
AUTOEXPOSURE
Extensive exposure control enables you to precisely realize your vision on film.
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Three metering modes
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 In order to come as close as possible to the "ideal photo" every time you shoot, you need precise control of exposure in response to the subtleties of light on the scene. Maxxum 9 gives you this control with three metering modes: 14 - Segment Honeycomb - Pattern Metering, Center - Weighted Average Metering, and Spot Metering.
- 14-Segment Honeycomb-Pattern Metering
 To provide precise exposure for the main subject, the frame is divided into 14 zones in a honeycomb pattern. The system collects a variety of data, including brightness of the main subject, subject distance (even when off - center), distance between subject and background, and focal length. The data is analyzed to determine whether the scene has normal or back lighting, is a portrait or landscape, etc., and based on this analysis, the optimum exposure is set. The borders between normal, side - lighting, and back lighting can be smoothly controlled to achieve extra fine images.
- Center - Weighted Average Metering
Independent from the AF system, 80% of the metering sensitivity is concentrated in the central area where the main element of the subject is most likely to be. This is the most common metering method, allowing you to take full advantage of your expertise.
- Spot Metering
This mode concentrates metering sensitivity onto an area with a diameter of 3/16 in., 2.7% of the total frame area. This allows accurate metering of specific subject areas for delicate exposure settings, and is effective for shooting subjects that are backlit or have high contrast.
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Six exposure control modes
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For maximum exposure control convenience in any photographic situation, the camera provides six exposure modes. In addition to the four basic modes -- P, A, S, and M -- you can shift directly to PA or PS (customized settings) when the P mode is selected.
- 1. P Mode (Programmed AE)
- To allow you to quickly respond to any photo opportunity, this mode automatically determines the optimum aperture settings and shutter speed according to the situation. Analyzing data such as focal length and magnification ratio of the lens, AF metering data, and the AE sensors' brightness data, the camera judges whether the current situation is Sports, Portrait, Landscape, or Macro, and sets the most appropriate exposure.
- 2. PA Mode (customized setting)
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Once customized, you can adjust the aperture setting instantly with the rear dial while in P mode, to control depth of field. As the setting is adjusted, shutter speed changes in response to the incoming light, maintaining optimum exposure.
- 3. PS Mode (customized setting)
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This customized setting lets you vary the shutter speed using the front dial while in P mode. The aperture setting changes automatically to maintain optimum exposure.
- 4. A Mode (Aperture Priority)
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With its superior command of depth of field, this mode offers excellent results when shooting portraits, landscapes, or macro images, especially when combined with the Maxxum 9's ultra - fast 1/12000 sec. shutter. Aperture setting is selectable in two steps -- 1/2EV or 1/3EV -- and step switching is linked to the exposure compensation dial. Settings can be made with either the front or rear dial.
- 5. S Mode (Shutter Priority)
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Shutter speed is selectable from 1/12000 to 30 seconds. 1/2EV and 1/3EV increments are selectable, and step switching is linked to the exposure compensation dial. Settings can be made with either the front or rear dial.
- 6. M Mode (Manual)
In this mode, you can make fine adjustments to the aperture (rear dial) and shutter speed (front dial). Both settings can be modified in either of two steps, 1/2EV or 1/3EV, linked to the exposure compensation dial. The viewfinder's metering index lets you compare the values you set and the ones set by the camera. An additional unique and useful function is Manual Shift: by turning the front dial while pressing the AE Lock button, you can instantly change the aperture/shutter speed combination, while maintaining the same exposure value.
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Metering index
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The Maxxum 9's metering index lets you monitor exposure just as you would with a spot meter. It offers extensive information in an easily visible location at the right side of the viewfinder, with plus values higher and minus values lower. Values are displayed in 1/2EV or 1/3EV increments, in accordance with the EV increment selected with the exposure compensation dial.
- In P/PA/PS/A/S modes
- 1) When you shoot in normal conditions, the exposure compensation values are displayed.
2) When shooting with the AE Lock button pressed, the locked value is indicated as 0. When the spot - metering circle is moved to the spot you want to meter, the index shows the difference from the 0 value. This is very effective for determining exposure under complicated lighting conditions or when shooting subjects with high contrast.
- AE Lock On
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The metered value locked by the selected metering method is indicated as 0.
- When the composition changes.
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The spot-metering circle moves according to the changed composition, with the AE Lock button pressed. The index shows that the newly measured spot is 2EV increments over the 0 value.
- In M mode
- The exposure value measured by the selected metering method is indicated as 0. The index shows the difference between 0 and the metered value determined by the manually selected shutter - speed and aperture settings. A useful reference for checking your intended exposure.
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+1EV increment. |
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Metered value with AE Lock on is set at 0. |
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Exposure value when spot-metering circle is moved. |
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Exposure value set by user, with value set by selected metering method as 0. |
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Exposure compensation
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According to the subject or your preferences, you can set exposure compensation in 1/2EV or 1/3EV increments*. Depending on which is selected, the metering index and shutter and aperture settings are automatically switched. Compensation is adjusted via the exposure compensation dial on the top of the camera. A lock prevents the set value from being accidentally changed. A custom function also allows you to do it with the rear dial, so you can use your right hand while your left hand holds the camera, without taking your eye from the viewfinder.
* Compensation range is ±3 steps with 1/2EV increments, ±2 steps with 1/3EV increments, and ±3 steps with the rear dial when customized.
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Exposure bracketing
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The Maxxum 9 gives you a choice of two types of bracketing. With continuous advance bracketing, the selected number of frames (3, 5, or 7) are shot while the shutter - release button is held down. Single -frame bracketing allows you to shoot with intermittent bracketing, useful for such occasions as a subject swinging in the wind which stops from time to time, or for night - time shooting where shutter speed is prolonged. Four bracketing steps are available: 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0EV increments.
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Multiple exposure
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 With the Maxxum 9, you can take as many multiple exposures as you want. Just set to ME (Multiple Exposure) and keep shooting.
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