The Minolta Dynax 9xi, the flagship of Minolta’s analog lineup introduced in 1992, was a true technological marvel of its time — featuring the fastest mechanical shutter speed of 1/12,000 s and a flash sync speed up to 1/300 s. Although it lacks a built-in flash, when paired with powerful external units like the 5600HS (D) and the Wireless Remote Flash Controller, the Dynax 9xi transforms into an incredibly versatile tool for creative light control.

The wireless flash control system allows the flash to be detached from the camera’s axis. This avoids the typical “flat” look often associated with on-camera flash and instead creates rich contrasts, depth, and a far more dramatic atmosphere — whether for portraits, fashion photography, or creative experiments. Positioning the flash to the side, above, or from any angle dramatically changes the quality of light and sculpts the subject in a more sophisticated way.

Another major advantage of the system is its support for High-Speed Sync (HSS). The 5600HS (D) flash can synchronize at extremely short shutter speeds, up to 1/8000 s. This enables the use of wide apertures even in bright daylight for shallow depth-of-field effects, without risking overexposed shots — something that is impossible with conventional flash systems.

The combination of the Minolta Dynax 9xi and the 5600HS (D) with the Wireless Remote Controller still offers remarkable creative freedom today and showcases how advanced Minolta’s systems already were back in the early ’90s.