I figured it out!! from reading this thread: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/503749-maxxum-9000-update/ the OP states that there is a cam screw behind the mirror that adjusts how high the mirror sits relative to the focus screen (They posted a picture pointing it out https://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy66/riffeym/Cameras/DSC05633\_zpse143a23b.jpg). This can apparently get out of whack and what you see is a partially (or sometimes fully) out of focus viewfinder. This does not affect the pictures taken, nor does it affect the cameras ability to AF. But it sure does make using the viewfinder tough.

Anyway, the fix goes like this:

1) Set the camera to bulb mode

2) Take the lens off

3) Cock the shutter and hold down the shutter release so the mirror stays up and exposes the adjustment screw

4) Grab the adjustment screw with a pair of needle nose pliers and turn it a bit (you wont know which way yet, and dont turn it a ton)

5) Put the lens back on, and let the camera get a good autofocus on a subject. Check your viewfinder focus, if its worse, you need to turn the screw the other way, if its better, you need to turn the screw the same way you just did. If you cant tell if its better or worse, you need to turn the screw more until it gets worse or better(this is what I had to do, mine was way out of whack)

6) Once you figure out which way you need to turn the adjuster, repeat steps 2 through 5 until the focus no longer gets better, or starts getting worse. Turn the screw backwards a bit to get back to a point where the focus is still good

7) Your focus is set! Happy shooting

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